Regulation 18 draft Local Plan

Support

Representation ID: 5111

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this policy. The Plan may want to refer to the Urban Tree Canopy Cover Standard set out within the Green Infrastructure Framework

Support noted. The benefits of increase in tree canopy are referenced in the supporting text of Policy EN5.

Support

Representation ID: 5112

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England supports this policy. Ancient woodland takes hundreds of years to establish and is defined as an irreplaceable habitat. Note the link in point 4 of Policy EN1 regarding irreplaceable habitats.

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 5114

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes this policy for the protection of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land. The policy therefore reflects the guidance in paragraph 175 of the NPPF. Any development on BMV land should have a soil handling plan and sustainable soil management strategy based on detailed soils surveys.

Support noted. Agree.

Support

Representation ID: 5115

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

NE supports this policy and has made a number of comments regarding GI throughout our response to ensure that the multi-functional benefits of the provision of good quality GI can be fully realised. We would like to see reference to NE's GI Framework and Rutland’s GBI strategy in the policy wording and accompanying text. Local application of the GI standards should be considered eg % of people having good quality publicly accessible greenspaces within 15 minutes’ walk from home by 2030.

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 5117

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England supports this policy as it acknowledges the importance of the designation of Rutland Water as both a SPA and a RAMSAR site, and highlights the importance that development in this area should be carefully designed and located to ensure that it does not adversely impact the nature conservation features of the site and associated species.

Support Noted.

Support

Representation ID: 5118

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England supports this policy as it recognises the importance of this Site of Special Scientific Interest and limits new development with the immediate area to small-scale recreation, sport and tourist uses.

Support noted.

Object

Representation ID: 5119

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England would want to ensure that Habitats Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves and irreplaceable habitats (including Ancient Woodland and veteran trees) will be safeguarded from inappropriate minerals and waste development. We consider that this policy does not specifically say this. A cross reference to Policy EN1: Protection of Sites, Habitats and Species should be made. It should also be ensured at the outset of any mineral development that appropriate Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved.

The protection of habitats and environmental designations are recognised through the plan and its policies; however, it is not considered necessary to highlight particular habitats/designations over others. Such features will be taken into account on a site-by-site basis in line with the Local Plan policies and other relevant policies. A cross-reference to Policy EN1 is not necessary as the plan should be read as a whole.
Policy MIN9 - Restoration and aftercare, requires that restoration of minerals development provides at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which is a mandatory requirement under the Environment Act (2021). A developer is required to submit proposals for restoration as part of the planning application.

Support

Representation ID: 5120

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England supports this policy and particularly the first paragraph. We would particularly like to see net gain achieved at each phase of mineral extraction and restoration. We are pleased to note that the restoration of minerals sites should integrate into the forthcoming Nature Recovery Network and be sympathetic to the local landscape character and wider setting of the site. We also welcome the points regarding appropriate after uses following restoration. We agree that the long-term capability of Best & Most Versatile soils should be restored and retained for a future resource.

Noted.

Support

Representation ID: 5121

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England is supportive of the inclusion of provision for walking and cycling. We suggest there is a strong link to Green Infrastructure, for example cycle and pedestrian routes should incorporate verges or boundaries of natural habitat and street trees to connect to other habitats and green spaces.

Support noted. The Council considers that its promotion of green infrastructure within the County will play a crucial role in promoting walking and cycling by enhancing the aesthetic appeal, safety, comfort, and connectivity of active transportation routes, as well as by providing health and environmental benefits. We consider that Rutland's residents and visitors are more likely to walk or cycle if they have access to off line routes in green infrastructure, and these activities will increase significantly in areas with well-maintained parks and greenways.

Support

Representation ID: 5122

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England is supportive of the inclusion of provision for walking and cycling. We suggest there is a strong link to Green Infrastructure, for example cycle and pedestrian routes should incorporate verges or boundaries of natural habitat and street trees to connect to other habitats and green spaces.

Noted and Agreed.