Policy PNP 5 - Wildlife

Comment

Representation ID: 5297

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

The concept of development ensuring net gain to biodiversity is supported in NPPF. It should be stated within this document together with the mechanism required to measure net gain. HMWT suggest adding the following policy or adding the clause to 5.1:
'When required, development must demonstrate that it will result in net gain to biodiversity. This should be assessed by utilising the Biodiversity Impact Calculator (Environment Bank 2015 or as amended)'

Comment

Representation ID: 5298

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

More detail should be provided to guide what is required when an ecological survey is needed. This will ensure standardised reports which present clear avoidance, mitigation or compensation measures to achieve net gain to biodiversity. The following phrase should be added to 5.2. 'When required, ecological information must be provided to support a planning application. This information must be submitted by a suitably qualified expert, utilise nationally accepted survey methodologies and be presented in accordance with British Standard 42020 Biodiversity: Code of practise for planning and development (BS 42020). '

Comment

Representation ID: 5299

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Add the requirement for features for wildlife to be integrated into the built environment. Many species such as Swifts and House Martins are dependent on buildings for reproduction. It is important that new builds ensure continued access to this resource. Add another policy to PNP 5:

5.4 New developments must be permeable to biodiversity by providing linking habitats around or through the site. Integrated features for wildlife e.g. Swift, House Martin and bat boxes should be incorporated into all suitable buildings.

Comment

Representation ID: 5300

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Add a lighting and wildlife policy into PNP 5 e.g.

Development involving potentially adverse lighting impacts to wildlife will require surveys to identify movement corridors and ensure that these are protected and enhanced.'

Comment

Representation ID: 5301

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Suggest adding the following text to ensure ecological information is submitted to the same standard on all applications.

'When required, ecological information must be provided to support a planning application. This information must be submitted by a suitably qualified expert, utilise nationally accepted survey methodologies and be presented in accordance with British Standard 42020 Biodiversity: Code of practise for planning and development (BS 42020). '

Support

Representation ID: 5541

Received: 05/03/2017

Respondent: Dr Davina Ross-Anderson

I agree

Support

Representation ID: 5833

Received: 22/03/2017

Respondent: North Herts & Stevenage Green Party

PNP5.3 Mentions green pathways for wildlife eg hedgehogs. So good to see this mentioned.

Support

Representation ID: 5850

Received: 22/03/2017

Respondent: Mrs Marilyn Parkin

I agree.

Comment

Representation ID: 6367

Received: 23/03/2017

Respondent: North Hertfordshire District Council

There are some inconsistencies in the terminology used in this section. The policy refers to "wildlife habitats", the supporting text refers to "wildlife areas" and the map on page 31 defines "wildlife sites."

Comment

Representation ID: 6409

Received: 23/03/2017

Respondent: Mr Wilfred Aspinall

Again the Character Assessment document takes hold of policy strategy and demonstrates the "green and environmental" approach.