Planning
Wildlife-rich areas in England equivalent to
four and a half times the area of Greater London1 could be at
greater risk under the new planning system, according to The
Wildlife Trusts.
The Government has now published an
overhaul of the planning system in a National Planning Policy
Framework (NPPF) which sets out 'national priorities and
rules' within a more simple system which 'safeguards the
environment while meeting the need for sustainable
growth'.
However, The Wildlife Trusts warn that any
dilution of recognition, value and protection of Local Sites will
have dire long-term consequences for local communities and
wildlife. And will scupper Government's ambition to be 'the
first…to leave the natural environment of England in a better state
than it inherited.'
Stephen Trotter, Chief Executive of
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust added "In Warwickshire, Coventry and
Solihull we have relatively few SSSIs and European Protected Sites
- and almost all of our remaining wildlife is found in local
wildlife sites. It is therefore vital that these relatively
wild places are carefully protected in the planning system as well
as green belt, national parks and AONBs. Planning is about
more than just economic growth and economic sustainability, it has
a critical for people - and the health and well-being of
society. Wildlife, wild places and the environment
provide the foundation of life and the basis on which
economic activity depends. We clearly need jobs and
sustainable economic activity but not at any cost."
Local wildlife sites at risk
across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull
There is growing concern about the
potential impacts of the proposed changes to the planning system on
wildlife. The draft National Planning Policy Framework does
contain some positive proposals for the natural environment but
ignores local wildlife sites and makes them more vulnerable to
damage or development. At the moment they have no statutory
protection but they are material considerations and must be taken
into account when affected by planning applications.
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull
have a relatively small number of Sites of Special Scientific
Interest and most of our remaining biodiversity lies within these
non-statutory sites. They are therefore of great importance
not only for wildlife but are often valued by people living in
local communities - as important places for local people to
exercise and enjoy fresh air and natural beauty.
Having had some protection to date, these sites would no
longer have any specific protection. Local Sites are the
basic building blocks of a landscape-scale approach to restoring
biodiversity and we urge Government to give them some recognition
and protection in local plans and the planning process.
The
Government's consultation ends on the 17th October and we would
urge everyone to respond at www.dclg.gov.uk and highlight
the need for some protection for local sites. Some
background information and details of the Trust's concerns are
outlined on our Planning webpage here. We have also written an open
letter to MPs and Councillors which is also available here.
Read the views of our Chief Executive
on what the Government must do next ... download the article here
Read
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust's response on the draft NPPF
here