Policy information sourced from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan

SADM 16 Ecology and Landscape

Ecological Assets

  1. Proposals will be expected to maintain, protect, conserve and enhance biodiversity, the structure and function of ecological networks and the ecological status of water bodies. All developments (63) that are not otherwise exempt (64) will be required to deliver a measurable biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.
  2. Proposals that would result in loss of or harm to:
    • International sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves, Local Nature Reserves or other statutorily protected features or species, will be refused unless:
      • the mitigation hierarchy has been followed, to firstly avoid, reduce and remediate direct and indirect adverse impacts before considering compensation; and
      • imperative reasons of overriding public interest can be demonstrated.
    • Ancient Woodland, veteran trees, chalk river habitats or habitats or species of national principal importance, will be refused unless:
      • the mitigation hierarchy has been followed, to firstly avoid, reduce and remediate direct and indirect adverse impacts before considering compensation; and
      • the need for, and benefits of, the development significantly outweigh the loss or harm.
    • Local Wildlife Sites, other habitats, species and ecological assets of local importance, including ecological networks, woodland, orchards, protected trees and hedgerows and allotments, will be refused unless:
      • the mitigation hierarchy has been fully implemented to avoid, reduce and remediate and compensate direct and indirect adverse impacts; and
      • the need for, and benefits of, the development outweigh the loss or harm.
  3. Where compensation is required to make development acceptable within ii) above, necessary financial and/or other provision will be required to deliver and maintain ecological and biodiversity objectives over appropriate time scales

Landscape

Proposals will be expected to help conserve and enhance the borough’s natural and historic landscape and sit comfortably within the wider landscape setting.

Proposals will be assessed for their impact on landscape features to ensure that they conserve or improve the prevailing landscape quality, character and condition. Proposals should take full account of the relevant Landscape Character Assessment and adopt the strategy and guidelines for managing change set out therein. Regard should also be had to relevant advice contained within the Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record.

For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan