Natural Environment Topic Paper 1 1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 4 1.1 Aims and Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 4 1.2 Dartmoor’s Natural Environment ......................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Summary of Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 5 2 International, National and Local Legislation and Policy Context ........................................................... 7 2.1 International Legislation ....................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 National Legislation and Policy ........................................................................................................... 8 2.3 Local Policy Framework .................................................................................................................... 10 3 Biodiversity ............................................................................................................................................ 11 3.1 Policy Context .................................................................................................................................... 11 3.2 Threats............................................................................................................................................... 12 3.3 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) ............................................................................................. 13 3.4 Sites of Special Scientific Interest ..................................................................................................... 15 3.5 Strategic Nature Areas and Key Wildlife Areas ................................................................................. 18 3.6 Ancient Woodland and Ancient and Veteran Trees .......................................................................... 19 3.7 Local wildlife sites .............................................................................................................................. 22 3.8 Traditional Orchards .......................................................................................................................... 24 3.9 Habitats and Species ......................................................................................................................... 26 3.10 Disturbance and Mitigation ................................................................................................................ 29 3.11 Recreational Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 30 3.12 Biodiversity Offsetting and Net Gain ................................................................................................. 35 3.13 Biodiversity enhancement for small-scale development ................................................................... 40 4 Geodiversity .......................................................................................................................................... 42 5 Landscape ............................................................................................................................................. 43 5.1 Policy Context .................................................................................................................................... 43 5.2 Forces for Change ............................................................................................................................. 43 Natural Environment Topic Paper 2 5.3 Landscape Character and Landscape Character Assessment ......................................................... 44 5.4 Landscape Sensitivity Assessment ................................................................................................... 48 5.5 Previously Developed Land ............................................................................................................... 49 6 Tranquillity, Remoteness and Dark Night Skies.................................................................................... 50 6.1 Tranquillity and remoteness .............................................................................................................. 50 6.2 Dark Night Skies ................................................................................................................................ 51 7 Climate Change .................................................................................................................................... 55 7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 55 7.2 Threats and Opportunities ................................................................................................................. 55 7.3 Settlement Strategy ........................................................................................................................... 58 7.4 Renewable Energy ............................................................................................................................ 59 7.5 Wind Energy ...................................................................................................................................... 63 7.6 Energy Efficiency in Buildings ........................................................................................................... 64 8 Agriculture and Forestry ........................................................................................................................ 65 8.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 65 8.2 Non-residential Development ............................................................................................................ 68 8.3 Permitted Development Rights .......................................................................................................... 68 8.4 Agricultural Dwellings and Agricultural Diversification ...................................................................... 70 9 Equestrian Development ....................................................................................................................... 71 9.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 71 10 Water and Air Quality ............................................................................................................................ 74 10.1 Air quality ........................................................................................................................................... 74 10.2 Water quality ...................................................................................................................................... 76 Natural Environment Topic Paper 3 1 Introduction 1.1 Aims and Objectives 1.1.1 This Topic Paper is one of ten topic papers which form part of the evidence base that support the emerging Dartmoor National Park Local Plan. These topic papers have been produced to coordinate and consolidate some of the evidence used in drafting the emerging local plan. All the topic papers are available to view online at: http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/living-and-working/planning/planning-policy/background-evidence 1.1.2 The purpose of this topic paper is to gather evidence and serve as a starting point for developing planning policies related to the natural environment. Invariably the paper will cover issues which overlap or compete with those in other parts of the evidence base e.g. Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), climate change mitigation and adaptation, and Landscape Character Assessment. In light of this the Topic Paper’s aims are to: • review relevant legislation and policy which set the statutory framework for the local plan; • set out the important elements which contribute to Dartmoor’s unique natural environment, • review the current Dartmoor National Park Authority policy framework and its effectiveness through analysis of planning applications and consultation with internal and external consultees • draw on a wide range of source material including research, guidance and best practice to inform policy development; • identify threats and forces for change in the natural environment and opportunities for enhancement; and • recommend how to best adapt policy so it ensures sufficient protection of the National Park’s natural environment and identifies opportunities to enhance it in the future. 1.1.3 The topic paper has been updated throughout the course of the local plan review to reflect new evidence or changes to national guidance or policy. The views of the local community, key stakeholders and partner organisations who all have an interest in the future of Dartmoor National Park forms part of the evidence base for the local plan. We have therefore welcomed comments on this Paper and made appropriate changes. The following summarises the changes made in each version: Version