Policy information sourced from Mole Valley Core Strategy

CS 15 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation

Biodiversity and areas of geological importance will be protected and enhanced in accordance with European and National legislation / guidance including that set out in Planning Policy Statement 9 (Biodiversity and Geological Conservation), the South East Plan Policy NRM5 (Conservation and Improvement of Biodiversity) and the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan.

In order to reduce the impact of development on the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Special Area of Conservation (SAC), there is a presumption against any increase in residential or employment related development within 800m of the site boundary, unless its impact can be mitigated.

All water courses, mature hedges and trees within development sites should be, as far as practicable, retained. Only where no realistic alternatives are available or replacement of such features elsewhere in the site would result in biodiversity enhancements above what already exists, will removal of such features be permitted. In these cases the replacement will be expected to result in biodiversity enhancements to what previously existed and where possible should seek to contribute to a network of green infrastructure and the objectives of the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan.

Planting and other schemes that promote biodiversity will be expected as part of all development schemes, focusing on native species from the locality and particularly trees, a key feature of the environment across Surrey.

For more information please see the Core Strategy