SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 98
16.
Development proposals will be required to demonstrate that they:
i.
Consider the context and setting, including local distinctiveness, natural and
historic landscapes and character, and impact on tranquillity;
ii.
Identify likely visual impacts on the local landscape (and townscape) and its
immediate setting and undertake appropriate landscape design and mitigation
to reduce these impacts;
iii.
Aim to conserve, enhance and/or restore important landscape features in
accordance with the latest local and national guidance, ensuring their long
term management and maintenance;
iv.
Address the importance of habitat biodiversity features, including aged and
veteran trees, ancient woodland trees and hedges and their contribution to
landscape character, where possible enhancing these features through
means such as buffering and reconnecting fragmented areas.
17.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Development likely to have an adverse effect
on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, whether directly or indirectly, will be subject to
special scrutiny and will be permitted only if, in exceptional circumstances, it can be
demonstrated that the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the nature
conservation value or scientific interest of the site and the national policy to
safeguard such sites. Where development is permitted that may have a direct or
indirect adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, developers will be
required to incorporate measures to enhance the condition of the site and contribute
to its favourable status.
18.
Local Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site or Geological Site: Development likely
to have an adverse effect on a locally designated site will be permitted only if the
reasons for the development clearly outweigh the nature conservation or geological
value of the site and its contribution to wider biodiversity objectives. Where
development would have an adverse effect on a site of local value, developers will be
expected to incorporate measures to enhance the site or to restore the links between
sites to improve connectivity in the ecosystem network based on local evidence.
Evidence of net gains to biodiversity will be required.
19.
Ancient woodland and Veteran trees: Development likely to have an adverse
impact on ancient woodland and/or veteran trees will not be permitted unless there
are wholly exceptional circumstances. Where development may have an adverse
impact on ancient woodland or veteran trees, applicants should refer to Natural
England and the Forestry Commission's Standing Advice and Assessment Guide on
Ancient Woodland and Veteran Trees.
Justification
320.
98
The Natural Environment White Paper was published in 2011, seeking to address concerns
about the decline and fragmentation of the natural environment, highlighted in the Lawton
Report, through the provision of more, better, bigger and joined spaces for nature. It set out
a national target to halt biodiversity loss by 2020, supported by the Biodiversity Strategy for
England. The White Paper recognised the economic benefits that are obtained from natural
environment resources or natural capital and makes clear that biodiversity loss has important
adverse economic and social consequences, as well as environmental ones.