Comment
Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations
Representation ID: 22084
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Our comments below relate to specific ecological concerns regarding allocations. In addition to the protection provided in Policy 2, we recommend that specific wording is included in the allocation policies to ensure they are properly addressed at the planning application stage. Any applications in proximity to known wildlife sites (as set out in Table 4), as well as irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland, and priority habitats (as set out in the NERC Act 2016) should be accompanied by an ecological appraisal, with provision of biodiversity net gain and sufficient buffering and safeguarding space secured between the development and the wildlife site in perpetuity (potentially also delivering contributions to green infrastructure).
BAW2 – the inclusion of this site, on the Bawburgh/Colney Pits CWS is dependent on the guarantee that it is only as green infrastructure, and not as retail/ commercial land as described in the draft plan. Any proposals for the site would need to ensure that the ecological value of the CWS is retained and enhanced if they are to be made open to the public.
Thank you for consulting Norfolk Wildlife Trust on the draft Greater Norwich Local Plan. We have attempted to comment wherever possible in response to the questions set out in the consultation, but have a number of comments which cover multiple policies or supporting documents and so have compiled our comments in this letter.
See attached for full submission