Regulation 18 draft Local Plan

Object

Representation ID: 5086

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

In the list of bullet points we would like to see stronger reference to the Nature Recovery Network which is one of the specific aims of the Environment Act 2021 and will underpin the approach to the enhancement of nature. We suggest the wording could include the following addition:
“protection and preservation of heritage assets and natural environment including the enhancement and recovery of biodiversity contributing to the nature recovery network.”
We also suggest an additional bullet point including the provision of green Infrastructure:
“Provision of high quality accessible green infrastructure for the benefit of people and nature.”

Comments noted. Agree to add in to 6th bullet point:….and their setting, including the enhancement and recovery of biodiversity contributing to the nature recovery network. The provision of green infrastructure is included within Strategic Objective 8.

Support

Representation ID: 5087

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this objective particularly the bullet point:
“using nature-based solutions to climate change”

Support noted.

Object

Representation ID: 5088

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Whilst Natural England generally welcome this objective we would like to see the Nature Recovery Network specifically mentioned. The following additional wording is suggested:
“Seek initiative-taking and creative solutions to securing endangered assets in perpetuity and improving landscape connectivity for people and wildlife and contribute to the establishment of the nature recovery network.”

Comments noted. Agree. Add in ‘and contribute to the establishment of the nature recovery network’ at end of third para.

Object

Representation ID: 5090

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England consider that this policy should include how development (and associated provision for onsite nature enhancement /landscaping etc.) will be climate resilient with the use of nature based measures. For example green roofs and walls, and street trees can modify microclimates, most notably by reducing ambient temperatures in summer and reducing urban heat islands. Detailed guidance on how green infrastructure can contribute to tackling climate change appears in the Green Infrastructure Design guide. (Natural England Green Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide 2023)

Comments noted. Partly agree. Green roofs and walls can assist in reducing overheating but are not always feasible or appropriate. Other nature-based climate change mitigation measures such as tree planting and landscaping is covered in Policy EN7: Green and Blue Infrastructure Network. The text accompanying that policy acknowledges the contribution that nature-based solutions can make to mitigating and reducing the risks of climate change.

Object

Representation ID: 5091

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England advises that this policy should also reference protecting water quality and suggest that the CIRIA SuDS Manual could be referenced.

Comment noted. The CIRIA SuDS Manual is referenced under Policy CC14 (Flood Risk).

Support

Representation ID: 5093

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England generally welcomes this policy and the provisions it includes for the protection of local landscapes, biodiversity, geodiversity, nature recovery, soils and other natural resources. We note that in the section Additional considerations for solar based energy proposals the recognition of the need to consider BMV soils and the Nature Recovery Strategy which is welcome. In the section on Additional matters for wind-based energy proposals we suggest that impacts on protected species particularly birds (including migration routes) and bats should be considered.

Support noted. Agree. Reference to be made to priority habitats or species in the policy and further defined in the text accompanying Policy CC8.

Support

Representation ID: 5094

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this policy which will ensure that a nature-based solution is sought within a development proposal. We are also pleased to note that the policies reference net gain and the provision of wider benefits for biodiversity and health and wellbeing.

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 5095

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this policy which will ensure that a nature-based solution is sought within a development proposal. We are also pleased to note that the policies reference net gain and the provision of wider benefits for biodiversity and health and wellbeing.

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 5096

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this policy which includes promoting the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). We agree that a multi-functional approach to SuDS should be encouraged and take opportunities to incorporate features that enhance and maintain biodiversity as part of a coherent green and blue infrastructure approach. GI reduces flood risk, improves water quality and natural filtration, helps maintain the natural water cycle and sustainable drainage at local and catchment scales, reducing pressures on the water environment and infrastructure, bringing amenity, biodiversity, economic and other benefits.

Support noted.

Object

Representation ID: 5097

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes bullet point (f) which requires the development to demonstrate how the scheme will protect and enhance the natural environment and ecological networks; ensure that a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain can be achieved; and that any impacts on Rutland Water are mitigated.
We would also wish to see an additional requirement for Green Infrastructure to be integrated throughout the site and considered at the earliest stages of the planning process. It should be ensured that all new residents have access to high quality green infrastructure.

Support noted. Add reference to Green Infrastructure to criteria f).