Planning and Biodiversity Seminar 2014

Presentation summaries

1: Update on key national issues

Mike Oxford, ALGE

With the Dorset Protocol approach in mind, Mike’s talk explores other mechanisms that are already in place, or that might be introduced in the future, that could also present alternative ways of achieving the same ends in the planning and development process. His talk covers CIEEM’s new proposals for the structure and format of ecological reports; changes in permitted development for agricultural buildings; NE Low Impact Class Licences; the implications for planners of the Crime and Disorder Act; and how a radical approach to using the Building Regulations could make everybody’s life so much easier … well it is nearly Christmas!

2: Delivering Green Infrastructure – from concept to implementation

St Edmundsbury Borough Council Place Shaping Team

The presentation focuses on the delivery of growth in Bury St Edmunds in particular how green infrastructure is embedded in planning policy and the Local Plan. Master planning is part of the planning process that precedes any planning application and in the growth sites, the master plans are being influenced heavily by the green agenda. The final part of the presentation concentrates on future management commitment to open space and the influence that this has on design.

3: Community Infrastructure Levy: funding for nature

Sam Hubbard, Waveney District Council

• What is CIL
• CIL in Suffolk Update
• Spending of CIL
  • Funding for Nature
  • Waveney Green Infrastructure Strategy
  • Waveney approach to spending

4: Suffolk Nature Strategy – Opportunities for planners to make a difference

Nick Collinson, Suffolk County Council

Suffolk’s Nature Strategy was produced by a partnership of organisations and seeks to not only identify the priorities for the natural environment in the county but also to present the role that it can play in the county’s economic growth and health and well-being. The presentation focuses on the strategy and what planners can do to support the natural environment in Suffolk.

5: Simple measures to benefit wildlife through planning: Three case studies

5a. Planning for Turtle Doves

Andrew Holland, RSPB

I work with farmers within the Brecks, North Norfolk and Suffolk Sandlings, giving advice, management guidance and help with agri-environment scheme applications on all matters concerning farm wildlife. With a decline of 96% in the last 25 years, the Turtle Dove, a Suffolk BAP species, is under huge threat of becoming extinct in this country in the near future. By securing suitable habitat and food through planning conditions, we can help to reverse this severe decline of an iconic species.

5b. Reptiles on site, are we doing our duty?

Simone Bullion, Suffolk Wildlife Trust

There are four native species of reptiles in the East of England. They are widely distributed across Suffolk and are found in all Local Authority Districts/Boroughs. They have partial protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and are UK and Suffolk Priority Species. During the last decade, there have been a number of schemes requiring the translocation of reptiles from development sites to receptor sites, but few include planning conditions securing post-translocation monitoring and habitat management. Future development will continue to require mitigation for the presence of reptiles, so this talk seeks to promote a strategic approach to having reptiles on site, whilst maintaining their local biodiversity importance.

5c. Planning: Mitigation Measures for Stag Beetles

Colin Hawes, Royal Holloway University of London and Suffolk Naturalists' Society

This presentation illustrates the life cycle of the internationally endangered stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), its habitat, poor dispersal, and planning conservation measures to mitigate habitat loss.

NB This presentation forms part of Colin's PHD thesis and should not be used elsewhere without his permission.

6: ‘Dorset Protocol’, an innovative approach to European Protected Species

Mike Oxford, ALGE

This presentation outlines the Dorset Protocol. An approach adopted by Dorset County and District Councils with the support of Natural England. Its primary purpose is to streamline the process for smaller-scale lower risk development proposals while at the same time increasing scrutiny over likely effects on biodiversity. During 4 years of operation, it has proven popular with all involved.

7: Natural England update including SSSI Impact Risk Zones

Alison Collins, Natural England

This presentation gives a brief update on recent changes to Natural England’s structure and an introduction to new guidance for local planning authorities.