Appendix 1 – Biodiversity and Development: A Green Infrastructure Approach Supplementary Planning Guidance Contents Biodiversity & Development: A Green Infrastructure Approach Supplementary Planning Guidance Executive Summary Glossary of terms A. The Green Infrastructure Approach 1 Introduction 1 2 Who should use this SPG? 2 3 Structure of SPG 3 4 Key LDP Policies 5 5 What is Green Infrastructure? 7 6 Green Infrastructure Assets 8 7 The Benefits of Green Infrastructure 9 8 How do I capitalise on Green Infrastructure? 11 9 Information to include in the planning proposal 12 10 Funding Green Infrastructure 22 11 Other Considerations 23 B. Biodiversity Design Guidance 26 1 Purpose 27 2 Recognising the full value of biodiversity 27 3 Areas subject to particular protection 27 4 Species subject to particular protection 29 5 Incorporating biodiversity into developments 30 6 Initial assessment checklist for protected species and habitats 34 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheets B1 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Bats & Development 38 B2 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Birds & Development 48 B3 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Reptiles and amphibians 57 B4 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet European, UK Protected and Priority Habitats and Species 66 B5 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Great Crested Newts & development 83 B6 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Invasive Species & Development 91 B7 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Badgers & Development 98 B8 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Protected Areas & Development 104 B9 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Ecological survey requirements 112 B10 Biodiversity Design Guidance Sheet Dormice and Development 121 Appendix 1 Green Infrastructure Case Studies 130 Appendix 2 Consideration of Protected Species within Developments 140 Appendix 3 Protected Species Survey Schedule 141 Appendix 4 Useful Contacts 142 Appendix 5 Consultation Responses 143 References 181 Executive Summary The purpose of this Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) is to expand upon the Council’s existing planning policies on biodiversity and g reen infrastructure contained within the adopted Local Development Plan (LDP). It outlines how the Council will expect habitats to be considered as part of development proposals within the County Borough of Bridgend. It also introduces the concept of adopting a Green Infrastructure Approach to development. This document has been formulated as a result of close cooperation between the Planning and Regeneration departments of the Council and Natural Resources Wales, all of which will be involved in the negotiations for protecting and enhancing green infrastructure through the planning system. This SPG was adopted by Bridgend County Borough Council th at its meeting on 16 July 2014. Appendix 5 out lines the responses received during public consultation and the Council’s response. Glossary of terms LDP: Local Development Plan PPW: Planning Policy Wales LCA: Landscape Character Assessment SINC: Site of Importance for Nature Conservation LBAP: Local Biodiversity Action Plan SPG: Supplementary Planning Guidance GI: Green infrastructure TAN: Technical Advice Note BCBC: Bridgend County Borough Council TCPA: Town and Country Planning Association A. The Green Infrastructure Approach Image © Landscape Institute1 reproduced with permission A. The Green Infrastructure Approach safeguarding, enhancing, restoring, and creating wildlife habitats and the landscape as well as protecting and 1 Introduction enhancing recreational facilities. 1.5 Notwithstanding the obvious reliance that the human 1.1 The purpose of this Supplementary Planning Guidance population has on the built and the natural environment, (SPG) is two-fold: they have historically been v iewed as conflicting with 1. It expands on P olicy Guidance contained within one-another. the Bridgend Local Development Plani (LDP) 1.6 The green infrastructure (GI) concept reconciles these 2006-2021 providing detailed guidance on seemingly ‘competing’ objectives and introduces a new biodiversity issues approach to the way that the ‘natural environment’ and 2. It provides an introduction to the ‘Green ‘development’ are perceived and how they interact. It Infrastructure Approach’ to development which provides an approach which moves away from the the Council is adopting as best practice. historical view of the environment and development 1.2 The Bridgend Local Development Plan (LDP) has a being in conflict to viewing the natural environment as housing delivery target of 9690 new dwellings up t o an ‘asset’ which developers can capitalise on i n the 2021 to accommodate anticipated population growth development process allowing the County Borough to and provide housing for all of those wishing to live and benefit from the economic prosperity of growth whilst work in the County Borough. This housing growth is protecting and enhancing the natural environment. supported by planned targets to provide employment opportunities, schools for education, community buildings, health facilities and road infrastructure. 1.3 However, we are also reliant on the natural environment and the services in providing us with clean air, water, food and opportunities for recreation etc. 1.4 Therefore, the LDP also contains policies to ensure the protection and enhancement of our natural environment through managing climate change, water management, 1 2 Who should use this SPG? • Adjacent or close to existing green infrastructure features important to biodiversity such as mature Developers hedgerows; mature trees; barns; watercourses; ponds and sites designated for nature conservation. Note 1: All major and sensitive developments will be expected to make a pos itive contribution toward enhancing green 2.3 This information can be ac cessed via the Councils infrastructure. Green Infrastructure Online Tool (under development), 2.1 The main audiences for this SPG are those individuals the Council adopted Local development Plan Proposals and organisations planning new development within Maps or by contacting the Council. A list of useful Bridgend County Borough. This development falls into contact details are provided in Appendix 4. two categories; 1. Major developments, where professional expertise Decision Makers and Landowners should be sought on green infrastructure and topics 2.4 The SPG will also be us ed as a p oint of reference by such as ecology. decision makers within BCBC and its partner organisations. Land owners and managers across the 2. Minor developments, where the applicant is County Borough are encouraged to use the information unlikely to require professional expertise. M inor to guide land management activity. developments are defined by the Council as those involving fewer than 10 houses, all other The General Public/Community Groups development covering less than 1,000 m2 or less than 0.5 ha, house extensions and changes of use. 2.5 In addition, this SPG also provides information to the local communities of Bridgend; by providing guidance 2.2 However, where a minor development is located within on what they should expect from new development in a sensitive location (Sensitive Developments), their community, and c reating a s ense of pride and Bridgend Council recommends that professional ownership in working together to improve Bridgend’s expertise should be sought on GI/ecology. For the purpose of this guidance, sensitive locations include the green infrastructure for the future. following: 2.6 For more information and i deas on h ow you can • Located in the Countryside (subject to Policy ENV1) contribute to the Green Infrastructure Approach in your community please visit the Council’s Green Infrastructure Online tool (under development). 2 3 Structure of SPG 3.4 Detailed Landscape and Local Character Design Guidance - This document will provide detailed 3.1 Section A sets the strategic framework for the delivery landscape and local character design guidance of the Green Infrastructure Approach in Bridgend. It incorporating the results from the Special Landscape defines what is meant by green infrastructure and Area Assessment as defined in the adopted LDP and outlines the benefits of adopting the approach as an the Landscape Character Assessment (LCA). integral part of development projects. It describes the local and national policy context within which the Green 3.5 Renewables in the Landscape Design Guidance – Infrastructure Approach is set. Section A also provides This document will provide landscape design guidance practical advice for developers on meeting the policy specifically relevant to developments for renewable objectives of the Council in relation to green energy (wind turbines/farms and solar development) infrastructure and capitalising on the green incorporating the results from the Special Landscape infrastructure assets that may exist/could be introduced Area Assessment as defined in the adopted LDP and into their development proposals with cross-references the Landscape Character Assessment. to other SPG where relevant. 3.6 It is envisaged that the Green Infrastructure Approach 3.2 Section B applies the Green Infrastructure Approach to can be ap plied to a broad range of SPG which the practical guidance on protecting and e nhancing the Council is producing including guidance on recreation biodiversity in the County Borough. It is informed by a facilities and residential development etc. range of evidence including the Sites of Importance for 3.7 This SPG and its links to other guidance and evidence Nature Conservation Report