Policy information sourced from The Waltham Forest Local Plan Development Management Policies

DM35 Biodiversity and Geodiversity

Biodiversity

A) Development proposals will not normally be granted planning permission where they pose adverse direct or indirect effects on any land or area within the identified Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), RAMSAR sites, Special Protection Areas (See Schedules 13 to 16 and 24 to 26 and the Policies Map) or to protected or priority species. However, in an exceptional situation where such proposals are permitted, any damaging impacts should be prevented by appropriate mitigation measures or use of conditions.

B) Where there are existing biodiversity resources on-site or in the vicinity of a development site, the developer must provide measures for their retention, the integration of existing wildlife habitats and features, and their restoration and enhancement where appropriate. Where retention, restoration or enhancement measures are not considered possible, mitigation and compensation measures should be clearly set out with supporting evidence for their effectiveness and relevance in relation to supporting the specific biodiversity value of the borough and its key international sites.

C) Where opportunities arise, development proposals must provide measures to support species and habitats through the use of landscaping on or adjacent to buildings. This may involve the inclusion of living roofs and walls or other measures which provide space for species to nest, roost or hibernate.

D) Where vacant or derelict land is awaiting redevelopment and has some value for nature conservation, the Council will expect it to be protected on a temporary basis.

E) Development proposals will be expected to improve sensitive public access to areas of nature conservation, especially in areas of deficiency.

F) Development proposals should protect, enhance and extend the network of Green Corridors where possible. If protection and enhancement are compromised, particularly in relation to green corridors linking to Epping Forest, replacements will be sought.

G) An arboricultural report must be submitted at the planning application stage where a development proposal will impact on trees. The loss or damage of trees should be avoided where possible; and where this cannot be achieved, mitigation and compensation measures should be outlined and implemented.

Geodiversity

H) Development proposals which would cause harm to a designated site with geodiversity value will not be permitted unless any damaging impacts can be prevented by appropriate mitigation measures.

I) Development proposals which would affect a designated site with geodiversity value should seek to retain, restore and enhance the geological interest where possible.

For more information please see the Local Plan Development Management Policies