Policy information sourced from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan

SP 11 Protection and Enhancement of Critical Environmental Assets

The protection, enhancement and management of the environmental, ecological and historic assets within the borough, will be sought commensurate with their status, significance and international, national and/or local importance.

The best and most versatile agricultural land that has the greatest potential for local food security will be protected.

Proposals affecting the water environment should protect and enhance the ecological status of water bodies and maintain its flood management function. The borough’s flood plains will be protected by avoiding development in Flood Zones 2 and 3 in accordance with national policy and guidance.

Development that would secure positive improvements to and ensure the long-term conservation of ecological and heritage assets for the enjoyment of future generations will be supported.

Designation of ecological and heritage assets will be supported where it is deemed appropriate and necessary to safeguard them for the enjoyment of future generations.

New areas of Urban Open Land created through development of the sites allocated within this Local Plan will be protected and maintained during the plan period.