Nature Conservation and Planning
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Planning Policy Wales Technical Advice Note 5: NATURE CONSERVATION AND PLANNING September 2009 This document is one of a series of Technical Advice Notes (TANs) which supplement Planning Policy Wales (2002) (as updated by Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statements). Further copies can be obtained free of charge from: The Publications Centre National Assembly for Wales Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ Tel: 029 2082 3683 E-mail: [email protected] Cover satellite image compiled from Landsat data (colour enhanced visible/near visible infrared) and supplied by Infoterraglobal.com. ISBN 978 0 7504 5430 8 © Crown copyright September 2009 CMK-22-04-045(401) E5210910 CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Introduction to the TAN 1.2 Purpose and Structure of the TAN 1.3 Cancellations 1.4 Scope of nature conservation 1.5 The importance of nature conservation 1.6 The vital role of the Planning system in nature conservation 2. KEY PRINCIPLES OF POSITIVE PLANNING FOR NATURE CONSERVATION 4 3. NATURE CONSERVATION AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS 6 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Relevant Statutory Requirements 3.3 Advice in respect of the preparation and review of local development plans 3.4 Supplementary Planning Guidance 3.5 Sustainability Appraisal, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Appraisal 3.6 Monitoring 4. NATURE CONSERVATION IN DEVELOPMENT CONTROL - PROCEDURES 12 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Pre-application discussions 4.3 Preparing planning applications 4.4 Requiring further information 4.5 Environmental Impact Assessment 4.6 The use of conditions on planning permissions 4.7 The use of planning obligations 5. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING DESIGNATED SITES AND HABITATS 20 5.1 Introduction to designated sites 5.2 Further considerations and policy in respect of international and nationally designated sites 5.3 Development affecting internationally designated sites 5.4 Development affecting nationally designated sites 5.5 Local Sites i 6. DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING PROTECTED AND PRIORITY 37 HABITATS AND SPECIES 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Protected species as a material planning consideration 6.3 Protection of European protected species 6.4 Protection of birds, badgers, other animals and plants 6.5 Habitats and species of principal importance for biodiversity in Wales ANNEXES 1 Statutory framework for nature conservation relevant to planning 43 2 Statutory Nature conservation designations 47 3 Development proposals likely to affect an internationally designated nature conservation site 51 4 The review of outstanding planning permissions and deemed planning permissions likely to affect an internationally designated nature conservation site 65 5 Restrictions of permitted development that may affect an internationally designated nature conservation site 69 6 The appraisal of development plans in Wales under the provisions of the Habitats Regulations 75 7. Key legislative provisions for the protection of species 101 8 Lists of species protected by law 105 9 List of species and habitats of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity in Wales 118 10 Countryside Council for Wales 119 11 Other useful contacts 121 12 Link to: 'The Birds Directive', 'The Habitats Directive' and 'The Ramsar Convention' 123 13 Glossary 124 Nature Conservation & Planning 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction to the TAN 1.1.1 Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (2002) sets out the land use planning policies of the Welsh Assembly Government (the Assembly Government). It is supplemented by a series of Technical Advice Notes (TANs). Procedural advice is given in National Assembly for Wales/Welsh Office circulars. PPW, Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statements (MIPPS), the TANs and circulars together comprise national planning policy to which local planning authorities in Wales must have regard in the preparation of development plans. They may be material to decisions on individual planning applications and will be taken into account by the Assembly Government and Planning Inspectors in the determination of called-in planning applications and appeals. Detailed advice on the preparation of unitary development plans (UDPs) is contained in Unitary Development Plans Wales, 2001. Detailed advice on the preparation of Local Development Plans (LDPs) under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 is given in Local Development Plans Wales, 2005. 1.2 Purpose and Structure of the TAN 1.2.1 This Technical Advice Note provides advice about how the land use planning system should contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological conservation. This guidance note should be read in conjunction with Planning Policy Wales (2002), in particular with Chapter 5 Conserving and Improving the Natural Heritage and Coast which sets out the Assembly Government’s objectives for the natural heritage and the land use planning policies which support these. 1.2.2 This TAN brings together advice on sources of legislation relevant to various nature conservation topics which may be encountered by local planning authorities. Chapter 2 sets out the key principles of planning for nature conservation. Chapter 3 provides advice about the preparation and review of development plans, including the relevant statutory requirements. Chapter 4 addresses nature conservation in development control procedures. Chapter 5 deals with the conservation of internationally and nationally designated sites and habitats and also covers local sites. Chapter 6 deals with the conservation of protected and priority species. The Annexes form part of this TAN and provide more detailed information and guidance on a range of issues. 1.2.3 Documents listed in the footnotes provide additional information which may be read in conjunction with this TAN. 1.3 Cancellations 1.3.1 TAN 5, Nature Conservation and Planning (1996) and Circular 23/2001, Guidance for local planning authorities on European protected species and licensing procedures are hereby cancelled. 1 Nature Conservation & Planning 1.4 Scope of nature conservation 1.4.1 Nature conservation as referred to in statute1 means the conservation of flora, fauna, geological and physiographical (also called geomorphological) features. Nature conservation, as referred to throughout this TAN, includes the conservation of biodiversity and geodiversity including the natural systems and processes that continue to change the land form, rivers and coasts of Wales. 1.4.2 “Biodiversity” is the term applied to the variety of life on earth and is short for biological diversity. It describes the richness and variety of all living things, from the smallest microscopic organism to the largest tree. “Geodiversity” is the variety of geological environments, phenomena and active processes that make landscapes, rocks, minerals, fossils, soils and other superficial deposits that provide the framework for life on earth. Geodiversity is important because it underpins biodiversity with soils being the link between them. 1.4.3 “Conservation” in the context of this TAN, involves preservation, protection, wise use, sustainable management and restoration of the natural heritage. ‘Conserving biodiversity’ is also defined in statute as including, in relation to a living organism or type of habitat, the restoration or enhancement of a population or habitat2. The Assembly Government looks to the planning system to improve as well as protect the environment and to enhance as well as conserve the countryside and undeveloped coast, including statutorily designated areas (PPW paragraph 2.3.2). Consequently, this TAN also addresses ways in which the planning system can help to enhance as well as conserve natural features, natural processes, wildlife and the habitats on which it depends. 1.4.4 Section 40(1)) of Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC) places a duty on every public authority, in exercising its functions, to “have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity". This TAN sets out the manner in which planning authorities should comply with this duty. 1.5 The importance of nature conservation 1.5.1 Biodiversity is important in its own right and essential to maintain the life support systems that allow life, including human life, to exist on the planet. Wildlife and its habitats are of fundamental importance to our future well-being and prosperity because a rich and diverse environment supports a long-term sustainable economy and contributes to a healthier and happier society. Biodiversity is an important indicator of sustainable development. Biodiversity and geodiversity add to the quality of life and local distinctiveness. The geology of Wales, including its landforms, minerals and fossils, is diverse, visually impressive and of great scientific importance. 1 Section 39 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. 2 Section 40(3) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. 2 Nature Conservation & Planning 1.5.2 The enjoyment of wildlife and geology provides opportunities for lifelong learning, recreation and tourism. Environments where a rich diversity of wildlife and natural features is appreciated, fostered and enhanced help to retain jobs, attract inward investment and diversify the economy. The conservation of our natural resources is a necessity, not merely a choice. The Assembly Government’s objectives for the conservation and improvement of the natural heritage are set out in PPW at paragraph 5.1.2. 1.6 The vital role of the Planning system in nature conservation