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| Chapter 11 |
| Landscape and the
Natural Environment |
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Introduction |
| 11.1 |
Peterborough has a wide variety of landscapes,
including the limestone hills and woods to the west and north-west
of the City, the undulating clay lands to the south and the Fens to
the east. The character of these landscapes has been determined by
human activity over several thousand years. The River Nene runs west
to east, bisecting the District, and almost the entire western half
of the District is designated as an 'Area of Best Landscape' in the
Cambridgeshire Structure Plan. |
| 11.2 |
In recent years there has been growing
nationwide appreciation of and concern about the environment. It is
widely accepted that there is a need to protect the natural and historic
environment for the benefit of future generations. |
| 11.3 |
There is, however, continuing pressure
for the development of open land to allow towns and cities to continue
to grow and expand. The countryside around the built-up area of Peterborough
is subject to a wide variety of pressures for development. Some of
these pressures are genuinely related to the needs of the rural economy,
but many are unrelated to these needs, seeking to take advantage of
lower land values and attractive landscape settings for developments
which are essentially urban in character. These pressures come at
a time when the nature of the rural economy is itself changing, with
greater demands for recreation, an increasing trend towards farm diversification,
and agricultural land being set aside as part of a package of measures
to reduce the output of agricultural products which are in surplus. |
| 11.4 |
The City Council acknowledges that the
essential development needs of rural areas must be met if the rural
economy is to be sustained. However, it is important that these needs
are catered for in a way which does not have an adverse impact on
the countryside. It is the policy of central Government that new housebuilding
and other new development in the open countryside, away from established
settlements, should be strictly controlled; and that the importance
of protecting the countryside for its own sake should be a material
consideration along with the need to safeguard agricultural land of
the best and most versatile quality. This approach is endorsed by
the City Council and is reflected in the aims and policies which follow. |
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Aims |
| 11.5 |
The aims of the Plan for landscape and
the natural environment are: |
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- to promote sustainable development with low environmental impact
within the rural areas of the District;
- to restrict new development in the open countryside to that
which genuinely requires a rural location or meets an essential
need related to the rural economy;
- to promote biodiversity through the development process;
- to protect agricultural land of the best and most versatile
quality;
- to protect and enhance areas of best landscape and sites of
special importance for nature conservation; and
- to ensure that any new development maintains and enhances the
quality of the landscape and preserves areas of existing nature
conservation value.
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The Countryside |
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Development in the
Countryside |
| LNE1 |
Development in the countryside
will be restricted to that which is demonstrably essential to the
effective operation of local agriculture, horticulture, forestry,
outdoor recreation or public utility services. |
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| 11.6 |
For the purposes of this policy (and all
other policies in the Plan) 'the countryside' is defined as all the
land outside the Urban Area boundary and Village Envelopes. |
| 11.7 |
The Plan aims to ensure that the unique
environmental qualities of Peterborough's rural area are protected
and enhanced. The countryside is experiencing major changes as a result
of new national agriculture policies and practices, and there are
greater development pressures as farmers are actively encouraged to
diversify. These changes are likely to have an impact on the rural
fabric of the District. However, if the agricultural industry is to
become more competitive and sustainable in the future then it is essential
that some development to assist diversification is permitted. |
| 11.8 |
Exceptions may be made to this policy
to secure provision of affordable housing in rural areas in accordance
with policy H22, and subject to the criteria set out there. The circumstances
in which mineral working may be acceptable in the countryside are
set out in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan 2003
and the Cambridgeshire Aggregates (Minerals) Local Plan. |
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Green Wedges |
| LNE2 |
Within the areas shown
on the Proposals Map as 'Green Wedges' planning permission will not
be granted for any development that would reduce the degree of physical
separation between settlements. |
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| 11.9 |
In the countryside around the City of
Peterborough there are three specific areas that are under considerable
pressure for development and which, if built on, would result in the
amalgamation of the Urban Area with nearby settlements. The City Council
wishes to maintain the separate identity of settlements as far as
possible. It is felt appropriate, therefore, to provide a long-term
commitment to the maintenance of 'green wedges' in these particular
cases. |
| 11.10 |
One of these wedges separates Peterborough
from Glinton; a second separates Peterborough from Eye; the third
separates Stanground from Farcet. Another green wedge separates the
main part of Peterborough from its suburb of Stanground. Although
Stanground forms part of the Urban Area, it is separated from the
remainder of the City by an area of undeveloped land. Here, as in
the other cases, it is the policy of the City Council to maintain
the separate identity of communities by preventing urban sprawl. |
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Loss of Agricultural
Land |
| LNE3 |
Planning permission will
not be granted where development would lead to the loss of agricultural
land of grades 1, 2 or 3a except where there is an overriding need
and there is no other suitable site for that specific development.
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| 11.11 |
Agriculture has played a very important
part in shaping the landscape and economy of the District and it will
be vital for their future maintenance. Government guidance stresses
the need to protect the best and most versatile land (grades 1, 2
and 3a) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's Agricultural
Land Classification system. |
| 11.12 |
The District contains a high proportion
of grades 1, 2 and 3a agricultural land, compared with the national
average. The City Council recognises the need for its protection and
this forms part of the sustainable approach to ensure that good quality
land is safeguarded for future generations. Once agricultural land
is developed, even for 'soft' uses such as golf courses, its return
to best and most versatile quality is seldom practicable. |
| 11.13 |
Proposals for developing on greenfield
land, including best quality agricultural land, should be accompanied
by evidence that sites on previously developed land and in urban areas
have been investigated, and a detailed explanation as to why such
sites are considered unacceptable. Where there is a fully justified
need for a development on agricultural land and sites of a quality
below grade 3a are unsuitable (for example, because of their landscape
quality, nature conservation value or poor relationship to the urban
area or transportation network) the City Council will give preference
to a location which would involve the loss of grade 3a land rather
than grades 1 or 2 land. |
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Landscape |
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Layout and Design to
Safeguard Landscape Character |
| LNE4 |
The City Council will require
high standards of layout and design for all development in or adjoining
the countryside in order to assimilate development and enhance the
overall landscape character. |
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| 11.14 |
Over time, contrasting geology, soils,
vegetation, and land uses such as agriculture have created a rich
variety of landscapes in and around the District. These landscapes
can be divided into four sub areas, each with its own distinct characteristics.
They are based on the Countryside Agency's Character Areas and English
Nature's Natural Areas. |
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- The Southern Claylands: This is an undulating area of
scattered farmsteads, heavily influenced by a long history of
brick clay extraction and the more recent restoration of the brickfields
in preparation for the development of the Hampton township.
- The Fens: The vast, open, treeless landscape of the Fens
provides distant views to isolated settlements and farm buildings.
This landscape is amongst the most intensively managed anywhere
in Europe and the pockets of remaining wetlands are an important
ecological resource in both the national and regional context.
- The limestone uplands: Situated to the west and north
west of the Urban Area, this area comprises woods and parkland
with relatively small scale field patterns bounded by hedges and
dry stone walls. This is substantially the 'Area of Best Landscape'
whose character is protected by policy LNE5 (and policy SP12/2
of the Structure Plan).
- The Nene Valley/Peterborough Gravels: This is a diverse
area ranging from shallow undulations of clay and limestone, to
flat fens, important for its recreation facilities, riverside
features and sand and gravel quarries. Policy LNE8 provides the
Nene Valley with specific protection.
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| 11.15 |
The value of each of these landscapes
is recognised by the City Council and it will aim to protect and enhance
their local distinctiveness and diversity in considering all proposals
for development. |
| 11.16 |
The Cambridgeshire Landscape Guidelines
document will provide assistance, to both the City Council and potential
developers, in assessing the impact of proposed developments in the
countryside. The document illuminates a vision for the countryside
of the former county of Cambridgeshire (now Peterborough and Cambridgeshire)
over the coming decades. It presents a challenge to use landscapes
positively as an integrated part of both the development process and
the management of rural land - to improve the visual character of
the countryside and conserve and enrich natural habitats. For residential
schemes, the principles set out in the Peterborough Residential Design
Guide, published by the City Council, should be followed as appropriate. |
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Area of Best Landscape
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| LNE5 |
New development within
the Area of Best Landscape should conserve and, where possible, enhance
the Area's distinctive landscape character. Planning permission will
not be granted for any development that would fail to: |
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(a) |
respect local building
forms in terms of scale, mass, style and materials; or |
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(b) |
retain trees that form
an important element in the landscape; or |
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(c) |
reflect the relationship
between a settlement and its landscape setting; or |
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(d) |
retain important and distinctive
historical, wildlife, architectural or landscape features; or |
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(e) |
safeguard important views;
or |
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(f) |
be sympathetic to the local
topography. |
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| 11.17 |
Policy SP12/2 of the Cambridgeshire Structure
Plan establishes an Area of Best Landscape comprising the limestone
area to the north and west of the built-up area of Peterborough. The
Explanatory Memorandum to that Plan highlights this area as being
one 'part of the countryside to be given special protection from the
adverse effects of development'. The area is characterised by a gently
undulating landform, with enclosed, nucleated villages contrasting
with rolling farmland; woodlands, coverts, hedgerows and individual
specimen trees; estate parklands; and a predominance of limestone
in buildings and drystone walls. Further information is available
from the City Council's 'Area of Best Landscape Review 1999'. |
| 11.18 |
Policy LNE5 does not impose a blanket
restriction on development, but rather requires particularly careful
consideration to be given to the impact of any development in an area
acknowledged for its landscape value. Where a proposal is likely to
have significant impact on the character of the landscape an applicant
may be asked to submit a detailed assessment of that impact, including
measures for mitigating any harm and for enhancement. The policy also
applies to development proposals outside the Area of Best Landscape
which would adversely affect its setting. |
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Buffer Zones for Development
Bordering the Countryside |
| LNE6 |
Where development would
border on the countryside or some other open landscape setting, and
that adjoining land does not itself have planning permission or is
not allocated for development, a buffer zone will be required on the
edge of the development site of adequate size and with appropriate
landscape treatment to assimilate the development into the landscape
satisfactorily. |
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| 11.19 |
Major developments such as business parks
or large industrial premises can be particularly prominent when viewed
from the countryside. Small rear gardens beside arable fields can
result in an undesirable public view of washing lines, sheds and a
variety of makeshift fences, whilst the house occupants may suffer
from windy, open gardens which may be susceptible to spray drift and
public scrutiny. Conversely, farmers have good reason to wish to see
a robust buffer between fields and other land uses, in order to minimise
problems of trespass and vandalism. Buffer zones may also provide
opportunities for habitat creation. |
| 11.20 |
Where a buffer zone is required this will
normally need to be provided within the development site rather than
outside it. The form and extent of the buffer zone, and the detailed
design of landscaping within it, will vary according to the scale
and design of the development proposals, and their particular landscape
context. The aim should be to make the buffer zone an integral part
of the design of the development as a whole and to ensure that buildings
and landscaping together form a coherent and attractive 'edge' to
the countryside. Screen planting is not necessarily the best or only
answer; buildings should be well designed in themselves and it may
be appropriate to use planting as a foil to them rather than to conceal
them from view. |
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Areas of Historic Landscape
or Parkland |
| LNE7 |
Planning permission will
not be granted for development which would lead to the loss of or
unacceptable harm to the character or setting of any area of historic
landscape or parkland shown on the Proposals Map. |
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| 11.21 |
The quality of the landscape to the north
and west of the urban area of Peterborough is partly shaped by the
influence of the great 17th and 18th century landscape designers.
Milton Park, Burghley Park and Thorpe Park are included in English
Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
in England. These areas have historic layout features or architectural
ornaments which make them of special interest. |
| 11.22 |
In addition, there are other areas of
parkland within the District that warrant protection, including the
grounds and surroundings of Walcot Hall and the parklands west of
Ufford, west of Bainton, and south-west of Thorney. Many of these
grounds provide the setting for an important listed building or an
historic village within the landscape. All are protected by policy
LNE7. The policy also applies to development proposals outside an
area of historic landscape or parkland which would adversely affect
its setting. |
| 11.23 |
If English Heritage include additional
sites in their Register during the lifetime of this Plan these will
be subject to this policy. |
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The Nene Valley |
| LNE8 |
The landscape, nature conservation
and amenity value of the Nene Valley will be safeguarded and enhanced
throughout its length. Planning permission will not be granted for
development that would prejudice its value for these purposes. |
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In exceptional circumstances,
planning permission will be granted for recreation development that
takes advantage of a riverside location if the development makes appropriate
provision to minimise any adverse impact. |
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| 11.24 |
To the west of the Urban Area of Peterborough
the Nene Valley is designated as an area of best landscape, and, from
a nature conservation perspective, parts are also designated as a
Site of Special Scientific Interest and County Wildlife Site. East
of the City lie the Nene Washes SSSI and other wetland sites. The
Nene Washes are of international importance for nature conservation.
They are a Special Protection Area under the terms of Article 4 of
the EC Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds;
and a 'Ramsar' site under the terms of the 1971 Ramsar Convention
on Wetlands of International Importance (as amended). Part of the
Nene Washes (Morton Leam) has now also been designated as a candidate
Special Area of Conservation for spined loach. |
| 11.25 |
Where these designations apply, the duty
to further the conservation and enhancement of the features for which
the site is of special interest will carry considerable weight in
decision-making. In other parts of the Nene Valley recreation development
will be encouraged (in accordance with policy LT11), subject to there
not being any unacceptable impact on these considerations. |
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Landscaping Implications
of Development Proposals |
| LNE9 |
Planning permission will
not be granted for development unless: |
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(a) |
it makes adequate provision
as far as is reasonably practicable commensurate with the development
proposed, for the retention and protection of trees and other natural
features that make a positive contribution to the quality of the local
environment; and |
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(b) |
it makes adequate provision
for landscaping of the site as an integral part of the development. |
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| 11.26 |
For most development proposals involving
construction or engineering works, applicants will be expected to
provide a comprehensive site survey as part of the planning application,
identifying the trees and other natural and landscape features. The
information submitted should clearly distinguish trees or other features
to be removed from those to be retained. |
| 11.27 |
In considering the likely impact of a
development proposal on trees and other natural features, the City
Council will take into account those on adjoining land as well as
those on the application site itself. Whilst development proposals
will usually be expected to retain and protect trees and other natural
features that make a positive contribution to the quality of the local
environment, careful consideration will need to be given to ensure
that the retention and protection of such features does not unduly
compromise design quality. |
| 11.28 |
Further advice on the way in which the
Council will assess the relationship between the development proposals,
existing site features and the landscaping of the site are contained
in the City Council's guidance 'Trees on Development Sites'. |
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Detailed Elements of
Landscaping Schemes |
| LNE10 |
Where appropriate, the
City Council will impose a condition on, or if necessary, seek a planning
obligation in connection with planning permissions, requiring the
provision of a landscaping scheme suitable for the type of development
proposed and its location. The scheme should include the following
elements as appropriate: |
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(a) |
provision for the retention
of landscape and ecological features of value on the site; and |
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(b) |
new tree, shrub and hedgerow
planting suitable for the location, including wildlife habitat creation;
and |
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(c) |
provision for the protection
and management of existing and new landscape and ecological features
during and after construction, including the replacement of any trees
or plants introduced as part of the development scheme which die,
are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased; and |
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(d) |
provision of areas for
natural ecological regeneration in connection with major development
proposals in the countryside; and |
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(e) |
a requirement to complete
the initial scheme by the end of the first planting and seeding seasons
following the first occupation of the buildings or the completion
of the development whichever is the sooner. |
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| 11.29 |
Landscaping schemes should respond to
the following: |
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- the retention and sympathetic treatment of existing features;
- the setting of the proposed development in relation to adjoining
land uses;
- the end users of the development;
- the layout and design of buildings;
- the enhancement of opportunities for and creation of wildlife
habitats, including through natural regeneration where appropriate;
and
- the need for suitable management regimes.
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| 11.30 |
The 'Cambridgeshire Landscape Guidelines'
offers further advice on the principles of landscape creation as well
as practical guidance to all those people who might be preparing or
implementing landscaping schemes. |
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Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows |
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Ancient, Semi-Natural
Woodland and Veteran Trees |
| LNE11 |
Planning permission will
not be granted for development which would adversely affect an area
of ancient, semi-natural woodland or veteran tree. |
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| 11.31 |
Ancient, semi-natural woods are those
areas of woodland which have had a continuous cover of native trees
and plants since at least 1600AD, and have not been cleared and/or
extensively replanted since then. These ancient woodlands are vitally
important for biodiversity and as part of the historic landscape of
the district. As a habitat, ancient semi-natural woodland is home
to many of the UK's most threatened species. Peterborough is one of
the least wooded areas of the UK. The main pockets of ancient semi-natural
woodland within the district lie to the west of Peterborough. However,
such woodland is rare in the Fens due to its historic wetland origins.
The City Council recognises the particular importance of ancient semi-natural
woods and will seek to safeguard them from development or other proposals
that would adversely affect their conservation value. |
| 11.32 |
A veteran tree is one that is old relative
to the longevity of other trees of the same species, that is in the
ancient stage of its life or a tree that has biological, aesthetic
or cultural interest because of its age. As with ancient semi-natural
woodlands, a veteran tree has special conservation value for these
reasons. |
| 11.33 |
The 'Tree and Woodland Strategy', produced
by the City Council in 1998, sets out its strategy for the management
of trees and woodland in Peterborough district and gives some guidance
on management practices. Relevant guidance entitled 'Trees on Development
Sites' has also been produced, which was adopted in 1999. In determining
development proposals which may affect areas of woodland, the City
Council will be guided by both these documents. |
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Hedgerows |
| LNE12 |
The City Council will not
grant planning permission for development which would result in the
loss of an established hedgerow. Where a development site includes
a hedgerow, the City Council will seek its retention as part of the
overall landscape scheme, unless it can be shown that this would not
be feasible. |
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| 11.34 |
In considering applications under the
Hedgerows Regulations the City Council must apply the criteria that
are specified in those regulations. However, the value of a hedgerow
is likely to be dependent, to some extent, on its local situation
and context. There may also be local circumstances which influence
perceptions of the importance of hedgerows. The nationally prescribed
criteria may not, therefore, match local expectations of what makes
a hedgerow important and what a hedgerow protection system should
deliver. For the purposes of the policy, therefore, an established
hedgerow will be regarded as a line of predominately locally native
tree or shrubs species that have been established for a period of
greater than five years, initially planted for the purposes of boundary
marking, stock enclosure, shelter, partitioning, amenity or habitat
creation. |
| 11.35 |
For the above reasons the City Council
will also take into consideration the value of hedgerows that are
not protected by the regulations, in considering applications for
planning permission. For example, it will endeavour to protect garden
hedges where they border rural land. This would extend protection
to potentially important hedgerows which mark historic boundaries
between villages and open countryside. It may seek to protect short
lengths of hedgerow of particularly fine landscape or wildlife quality
where they can be incorporated into the landscaping scheme for the
development. |
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Ponds, Wetlands and Watercourses
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Conservation of Ponds,
Wetlands and Watercourses |
| LNE13 |
The City Council will not
grant planning permission for development that would unacceptably
harm the ecological interest of ponds, wetlands and watercourses.
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| 11.36 |
Ponds, drains and dykes are significant
features in the landscape and are potentially rich wildlife habitats. |
| 11.37 |
In the limestone and gravel areas there
are many village ponds, stock ponds and former gravel pits of which
a number are disused and neglected, together with some which are managed
for the benefit of the local environment. The claylands are studded
with former brick pits, many of which are of great ecological value,
and the Fens are drained by an intricate network of dykes and channels,
many of which are particularly important for invertebrate species. |
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Nature Conservation |
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Sites of International
Nature Conservation Importance |
| LNE14 |
Proposals for development
which may affect a designated or proposed designated European site
of nature conservation importance will be subject to the most rigorous
examination. Development proposals not directly connected with or
necessary for site management, which would adversely affect the integrity
of the site, and where that adverse effect could not be removed by
conditions, will not be granted planning permission unless: |
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(a) |
there is no alternative
solution; and |
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(b) |
there is an imperative
reason of overriding public interest for permitting the development. |
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Where the proposal site
concerned hosts a priority habitat type and/or a priority species,
development proposals will not be permitted unless necessary for reasons
of human health or public safety or for benefits of primary importance
for nature conservation. |
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| 11.38 |
Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Special
Areas of Conservation (SAC) are statutory designations of European
importance, and Ramsar Sites are wetland sites of international importance.
Areas subject to these designations have the highest nature conservation
importance and development proposals should, therefore, avoid the
loss of and damage to such sites. |
| 11.39 |
If it is determined that development would
adversely affect the integrity of a site (i.e. the coherence of its
ecological structure and function), permission for development will
be refused except in closely defined circumstances. The City Council
must be satisfied that in meeting the criteria outlined within The
Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (the Habitats
Regulations), there are no alternative solutions to the proposal. |
| 11.40 |
If there do not appear to be alternative
solutions to a proposed development, and the proposal site does not
host a priority natural habitat or species as defined in The Habitats
Regulations, permission will only be granted where development has
to be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
If a site hosts a priority habitat or species, and there is no alternative
solution to a proposed development, the only reasoned justification
for the granting of planning consent are those relating to human health,
public safety, or beneficial consequences of primary importance to
the environment. |
| 11.41 |
In cases where planning permission is
granted for a development proposal which would adversely affect the
integrity of a SPA or SAC, compensatory measures will be required
from the applicant to meet the requirements of regulation 53 of The
Habitats Regulations. |
| 11.42 |
Boundaries of sites of international and
national importance shown on the Proposals Map are as notified by
English Nature, and the City Council has no powers to alter them.
The boundaries are correct at the time of adoption, but users of the
Plan are advised to consult English Nature and/or the City Council
in respect of any possible subsequent changes. |
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Sites of National
Nature Conservation Importance |
| LNE15 |
Proposals for development
in or likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific
Interest will be subject to special scrutiny. Planning permission
will not be granted for development which may have an adverse effect
on the special interest of the site unless the reasons for development
outweigh the nature conservation value of the site and national policy
to safeguard the national network of such sites. |
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Where development is permitted,
the City Council will attach conditions and/or seek a planning obligation
to ensure the protection and enhancement of nature conservation interests
on the site. |
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| 11.43 |
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
are areas of land or water identified by English Nature as being of
outstanding value for their flora and fauna, geological or physiographical
(landform) features. As well as their SSSI designation, some nationally
important sites are additionally designated as National Nature Reserves,
National Conservation Review sites or Geological Conservation Review
sites. |
| 11.44 |
As with internationally designated sites
of nature conservation interest, the Council will give priority to
protecting these sites from development. Development proposals likely
to have a significant effect on an identified site of national importance
will not be permitted unless there are demonstrable reasons of overriding
public interest. |
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Sites of Local Nature
Conservation Importance |
| LNE16 |
Planning permission will
not be granted for development which would be likely to have an adverse
effect on a Local Nature Reserve or a County Wildlife Site unless
there are demonstrable reasons for the proposal which outweigh the
need to safeguard the nature conservation value of the site. Where
development is permitted, damage to nature conservation interests
will be expected to be kept to a minimum. |
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Where development is permitted,
the City Council will attach conditions and/or seek a planning obligation
to ensure the protection and enhancement of nature conservation interests
on the site. |
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| 11.45 |
The identification of County Wildlife
Sites has been made on the basis of criteria drawn up and agreed between
the City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, English Nature and
the Wildlife Trust as part of the preparation of the 1996 Local Plan.
These criteria and detailed descriptions of each site appear in a
separate County Wildlife Sites Manual, available for inspection at
the offices of the City Council. |
| 11.46 |
It is acknowledged by the City Council
that the nature conservation value of sites may change over time,
for reasons unforeseeable at the time of the Plan's preparation. For
this reason, sites are periodically reviewed by the appropriate body
and there may need to be additions to or deletions from the sites
contained in the Manual. If necessary, formal alterations will be
made to the Plan and Proposals Map as a result. |
| 11.47 |
In circumstances where a proposed development
is deemed to be necessary in respect of overriding public interest,
the Council will consult with the relevant nature conservation bodies
regarding appropriate compensatory nature conservation features that
could be sought through a planning obligation. It should be noted,
however, that in many instances habitats cannot be satisfactorily
transferred or relocated. The aim overall is to ensure no net loss
of biodiversity. |
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Other Sites of Nature
Conservation Importance |
| LNE17 |
Outside areas subject to
policies LNE14, LNE15 and LNE16, planning permission will not be granted
for development proposals unless adequate provision is made, as far
as is reasonably practicable commensurate with the development proposed,
to protect wildlife habitats that are likely to be adversely affected.
Where development is permitted that is likely to harm a site of identifiable
nature conservation interest, the City Council will attach conditions
and/or seek a planning obligation to ensure appropriate mitigation
and/or compensatory measures. Where appropriate, the City Council
will seek to encourage the promotion and enhancement of biodiversity
in association with development proposals. |
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| 11.48 |
The City Council is committed to the promotion
and enhancement of biodiversity. This can be achieved in part by the
conservation and enhancement of key habitats as identified in the
UK, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biodiversity Action Plans. New
development will be expected, where possible, to provide for the planned
retention of existing habitats and wildlife features. Where appropriate,
the creation or restoration of habitats will be encouraged as a part
of new development in accordance with biodiversity principles. |
| 11.49 |
Outside the formally designated statutory
and non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest, the need
to protect and promote biodiversity will be a material consideration
in the determination of planning applications. This will be particularly
important where a particular habitat or species is subject to a Biodiversity
Action Plan. In seeking appropriate mitigation and compensatory measures,
the City Council will seek to ensure that development proposals do
not lead to a net loss of biodiversity. |
| 11.50 |
Under this policy the City Council will
seek to protect features of the landscape which are of major importance
for wild flora and fauna because of the way they act as 'corridors'
or 'stepping stones' for migration, dispersal and genetic exchange
of species. Examples are hedgerows, rivers, ditches and banks, stone
walls, tree belts and shelter belts, woodlands, parklands, green lanes
and drove roads, reservoirs and ponds. Such protection will help meet
the requirements of the EC Habitats Directive, as applied by Regulation
37 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c) Regulations 1994. |
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Regionally Important
Geological/Geomorphological Sites |
| LNE18 |
Planning permission will
not be granted for development which would be likely to have an adverse
effect on a Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Site
unless there are demonstrable reasons for the proposal which outweigh
the need to safeguard the nature conservation value of the site. Where
development is permitted, damage to nature conservation interests
will be expected to be kept to a minimum and the City Council will
attach conditions and/or seek a planning obligation to ensure appropriate
mitigation and/or compensatory measures, including: |
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(a) |
to allow suitable persons
opportunities to study and record exposures and features; and |
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(b) |
to incorporate, within the
development, the preservation of geological features of interest. |
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| 11.51 |
The City Council, in conjunction with
the Peterborough Environment City Trust, the Stamford and District
Geological Society and the Peterborough Museum, have undertaken a
Geology Audit of the Peterborough area, including the establishment
of criteria for the identification of Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological
Sites (RIGS). These criteria, based on scientific, educational, historical
and aesthetic factors, enable the designation of sites for their earth
science importance at the regional and county level. |
| 11.52 |
As there are no natural outcrops of rock
in the Peterborough area, most exposures result from human activity,
particularly quarrying. All of the RIGS identified in the Geology
Audit are based at quarries, the majority of which are active. As
a result it is not possible to show the sites on the Proposals Map,
because in most cases their location will change as quarrying operations
proceed. |
| 11.53 |
For this reason the City Council will
produce guidance which will identify general areas within which, at
any one time, geological exposures meeting the RIGS criteria will
exist. This guidance will be updated as frequently as necessary. Sites
and areas within the guidance will form the basis for the implementation
of policy LNE18. |
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Protection of Species
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| LNE19 |
The City Council will not
grant planning permission for any development proposal that would
cause demonstrable harm to a legally protected species. Where planning
permission is granted for development that may have an effect on those
species, the City Council will attach conditions and/or seek a planning
obligation to, where appropriate: |
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(a) |
facilitate the survival
of individual members of the species; and |
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(b) |
ensure disturbance is kept
to a minimum; and |
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(c) |
provide adequate alternative
habitats to sustain at least the current levels of population. |
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| 11.54 |
Where a development is thought likely
to affect a legally protected species (such as those listed under
the relevant sections of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended); the Protection of Badgers Act 1992; or the Conservation
(Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994), the City Council will require
sufficient information from the applicant to allow it, in consultation
with other organisations, to assess the likely impact on such species
prior to the determination of the planning application. |
| 11.55 |
Before development is permitted that may
have an adverse effect on protected species, the City Council will
consider imposing conditions or seeking a planning obligation to reduce
disturbance to a minimum or provide alternative habitats to sustain
the population, if this would prove to be the most suitable arrangement.
In certain cases, such as where an approved planning permission is
likely to affect badgers, the applicant will also need to obtain a
licence from the appropriate authority prior to commencing development.
The City Council will be mindful of the requirements of other internationally,
nationally or locally rare or vulnerable species. |
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