Preferred Approach 38: Nature Conservation and Improvement of Biodiversity

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Object

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 105

Received: 07/07/2008

Representation Summary:

We believe this approach could be stronger. The cummulative impacts of all development on designated sites and the Borough's biodiversity should be considered.

This approach should prevent the granting of permission to developments such as Queensway South, which threatens to damage Marline Woods SSSI.

The Council's BAP strategy must inform decisions and be seen as part of a wider multi-functional green network.

The green networks and open spaces of the urban area must connect functionally to the wider countryside.

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 124

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

With the drive to increase housing, industrial and retail land within the borough, the need for green spaces should not be neglected.

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 164

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:


Several Hastings Greenway related sites aim to support these initiatives including The Ore Valley Greenway Link which includes an integral Speckled Wood Community Plan (initiated by Ore Valley Action)

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 295

Received: 23/07/2008

Representation Summary:

(20.2) agree

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 296

Received: 23/07/2008

Representation Summary:

(20.3) agree

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 297

Received: 23/07/2008

Representation Summary:

(20.6) agree

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 299

Received: 23/07/2008

Representation Summary:

(20.1) 100% agree

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 365

Received: 24/07/2008

Representation Summary:

no comment

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 401

Received: 30/06/2008

Representation Summary:

Supported very much

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 467

Received: 23/06/2008

Representation Summary:

No comment

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1127

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

Highlight the protection of the strategic countryside gap between Hastings and Fairlight.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1210

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

We support references within this section to the need for the enhancement & protection of biodiversity. However, many aspects of this requirement are to be demonstrated through saved policies of the Local Plan & future DPDS.
We recommend a key strategic policy on biodiversity should be incorporated at the Core Strategy stage to ensure all levels of planning incorporate protection, mitigation & enhancement for biodiversity throughout the Borough.
For reference as an urban borough, the incorporation of green roofs could aid in the continuation of green networks. Whilst this may be of more relevance to future DPDs you may be intersted in a recent techinical report http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/sds/tech_rpts.jsp#livingroofs.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1345

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

Bourne Leisure considers that addtional text should be added to this approach, to refer to the need to balance policies to protect the environment with economic policies promoting tourism development, where such development would be acceptable if it does not have a significant & harmful impact on the nature conservation value of the land & where appropriate mitigation measures for dealing with such impact, such as the inclusion of a buffer zone or detailed design measures, can be provided.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1427

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

All woodlands, both protected & unprotected, should be identified by an LDF proposal map & related policies should protect them from development to ensure there is no loss of woodland habitat. This is in accordance with PPS 9 paragraph 10.
Natural England would advise a policy protecting ancient woodland should be included in the Core Strategy.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1430

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

We highly recommend that a Green Infrastructure Strategy should be produced to inform biodiversity networks as outlined in PPS9 paragraph 12.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1431

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

We acknowledge that saved policy NC7 of the local plan provides protection for a green network from development, however this may need updating. This statement confirms Natural Englands strong support for the adoption of the Multifunctional Green Networks strategy within local planning policy. It is Natural Englands view that the policy as outlined below presents a powerful strategic tool which also concurs with Natural Englands strategic outcomes & specific objectives. Further to this, the policy both accords with & facilitates, the implementation of national planning policy & principles such as PPS9, PPS25 & Biodiversity action plans.
Produced by members of Sussex Environment Partnership, the adoption of this polcy would provide an innovative, considered approach achieving :
*sustainable development & management of land
*provision of inter-linking & clearly mapped natural greenspace as standard within planning design which feeds into the identified wider ecological network.
*The idenitification & securing of important functioning habitat networks into the future.
*The provision of, access to & enjoyment of natural green space
*The reversing of the effects of habitat fragmentation & isolation thus aiding the future adaptation of habitats & species to the effects of climate change.
This approach would therefore enable future individual planning applications to provide green infrastructure which enable landscape-scale nature conservation targets to be met. Natural England strongly advise that both the policy & ways in which it will be implemented are included in the Core Strategy & LDF.
Policy - 'We aim to establish an ecological network/a multifunctional green network to conserve & enhance our priority natural areas & the connections between them.
the network will ensure that everyone has access to natural open space, & will maximise opportunity to conserve & enhance biodiversity, whilst deliverying ecosystem services (eg.sustainable drainage & flood storage), that contribute to sustainable development. New development will contribute to this network.
The establishment of an ecological network will be achieved through -
*Mapping of areas that could contribute to the network eg. natural green space, floodplains. Opportunities for future expansion & enhancement will then be identified in line with guidance eg. UK BAP, PPS9, PPS25 etc.
*Creation of a scheme for achieving this network through the life of the plan, by(either/or/both) a) multifunctional greenspace being provided within & around developments, with appropriate linkages to existing/future network. Green space area & network additions to be proportionate to the size/cost of development.
b) A green network fund to be administered (by council/independent local body), with financial contributions to be proportionate to size/cost of development
c) The expanding network will be mapped, monitored & protected from future development.

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1438

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

We support the various strategies set out in Hastings Biodiversity Action Plan 2006 to protect & enhance the most important sites & habitats & the promotion of biodiversity within the Borough.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1439

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

The Preferred Approach to Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Improvement policy should provide a clearer emphasis on the protection & enhancement of nationally & internationally designated sites, which can enable the aims of the BAP to be realised.
The Core Strategy should have policies relating to BAP habitats & species.
We would urge the council to consult with the Borough Ecologist on these matters.
Development proposals should be tested against an approach that avoids harm to the environment whenever possible, if necessary by choosing an alternative location. Then unavoidable harm should be minimised by mitigation measures & any residual harm that cannot be mitigated for should be offset by compensation & then seeks new benefits.
A logical approach to the sequence of avoidance, mitigation & compensatory measures should be put in place to steer LDF policy. PPS1 states that 'planning should seek to maintain & improve the local environment & help to mitigate the effects of declining environmental quality through positive policies on issues such as design, conservation & provision of public space. With a recognition of the limits of the environment to accept further development without irreversible damage'.

Support

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1440

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

Hastings Borough Council are commended for the recognition they give to the outstanding natural environment of their borough.

Comment

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1441

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

It would be advisable to specifically name the 3 nationally important SSSIs & ensure that they are clearly mapped on future development plan documents including the site allocations document.

Object

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1443

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

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.

Object

Core Strategy Preferred Approaches

Representation ID: 1556

Received: 08/07/2008

Representation Summary:

The LDF doesn't address all beaches to be to Blue Flag standards or tree planting in the Borough. Shrub planting grass cutting.