Object

Representation ID: 1443

Received: 08/07/2008

Natural England is concerned that this approach has not been adequately covered within the vision for Hastings or the strategic objectives. We believe these are key omissions which should be urgently addressed.
Policy within the Core Strategy should cascade down from the vision & objectives in a traceable way. Approach 38 needs to be completely revised with greater emphasis on capturing opportunities fo renhancing biodiversity & nature conservation interests. The current approach fails to do this.
Merely setting out the legal protection of designated sites & highlighting policies in PPS9 which deal with adverse effects of development on SSSI designated sites is inadequate.
Policies should be in place which aim for net benefit with no significant losses to the environment emphasising avoidance of harm to, and enhancement of the natural environment.
It does not reflect the significant environmental effects described on page 93 of the Sustainability Appraisal.
b) The protection afforded to SNCIs through saved policy NC6 6 of the Hastings Local Plan 2004 seeks to minimise harm and secure protection, enhancement and management of the nature conservation interests of the sites. Ancient woodland is similarly afforded protection through Saved Policy NC10.
Both saved policies refer to the Local Plan Proposals Map. It would be useful to be provided with this map in future consultations as it provides important information in assessing Core Strategy Policies.
d) We do not necessarily agree with this paragraph whcih states that areas of wildlife importance are accessible & well promoted. We believe ares of wildlife importance should be sensitively managed in order to maximise biodiversity & wildlife gain.