Planning for biodiversity
Biodiversity Action Plans and planning authorities
Defra guidance on the implication of the NERC duties highlights the following key messages for local planning authorities:
- National planning policy on biodiversity conservation is the primary reference point for those developing or appraising development plans or projects.
- Establishing a good evidence base is essential when developing planning policies and determining planning applications.
- Biodiversity conservation involves taking opportunities to enhance biodiversity, as well as protect it.
- Local authorities should play a leading role in establishing systems to conserve and enhance Local Sites and Local Nature Reserves and to give proper consideration to biodiversity outside designated areas.
- It is important that local authorities screen development proposals for potential effects on biodiversity to ensure biodiversity is fully considered and to prevent delays in determining planning applications.
- Effective monitoring is key to ensuring that measures put in place to conserve biodiversity are successful.
