Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure
In advance of the production of a new Local Plan and prior to the statutory biodiversity net gain requirements coming into force, the Council has produced the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Planning Advice Note which will be a material consideration when determining planning applications. It sets out clear expectations and a transparent approach with regard to how applicants are to demonstrate compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requirement for 'measurable net gains for biodiversity'. It also sets out a 'get ready approach' for the emerging statutory requirements, expected to be in place November 2023, and promotes the provision of 10% biodiversity net gain within development.
The Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Planning Advice Note was endorsed at Full Council on 19 October 2022.