Object

Representation ID: 1426

Received: 08/07/2008

The proposed site for contingency housing appears to be north of land adjacent to Marline Valley Woods SSSI. Natural England is minded to object to this site as an allocation for development. This is due to potential adverse impacts on the SSSI as detailed in comments on Preferred Approach 1: Location of New Housing.
The map provided within the document appears to include part of the SSSI within the development area & is not consistent with the identification of the area shown within the summary leaflet.
Assessing impacts on a SSSI is a fundamental requirement when assessing such allocations & Natural England advises that boundaries of statutory protected sites are incorporated into such maps. PPS9 is clear that SSSIs should be given a high degree of protection under the planning system & planning authorities should seek to ensure that policies are in place to protect & enhance nationally important habitats into the future.
The site as illustrated on the map, also appears to include areas of ancient woodland.