Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations

Comment

Representation ID: 22071

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).

KES2 – this site is adjacent to Harford Bridge Marshes CWS and NWT Nature Reserve. Run-off from the development onto the CWS may be an issue and will need to be mitigated for.

Comment

Representation ID: 22073

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).
GNLP0132 – this site includes an area of ancient woodland in the south-west corner of the proposed allocation. This area should be safeguarded through sufficient buffering (at least 50m, preferably 100m, in line with Woodland Trust guidance ).

Comment

Representation ID: 22074

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).
GNLP0102 – this proposal is adjacent to Frenze Beck CWS. This CWS is a vital part of local green infrastructure with public access granted by the Waveney Rivers Trust. Adjacent housing will add to visitor pressure on the CWS and should contribute to the restoration of the CWS and management of local green infrastructure in order to avoid visitor pressure impacts on the CWS.

Comment

Representation ID: 22075

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).
DIS9 – this site partially overlaps the northern end of Frenze Beck CWS. We recommend that the boundary of this allocation is reviewed and that the overlapping area is secured. Anecdotal records of turtle dove, a rapidly declining migrant species that is at risk of extinction as a UK breeding species, are known from the local area and there is the potential for this area to contribute vital nesting habitat.

Comment

Representation ID: 22076

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).
HETHEL1, HETHEL2, GNLP2109 – these allocations are adjacent to Hethel Wood CWS, an important ancient woodland site, likely to also be of importance for several bat species. Given the proximity of the existing industrial area to the wood, and the sensitivity of ancient woodland to nearby development, we recommend that any allocations in this area safeguard the CWS from further encroachment and includes appropriate policies to avoid indirect disturbance from features such as external lighting. This area is also a key location for connectivity with other priority habitats in the south Norfolk claylands and net gain contributions could help link Hethel Wood with other County Wildlife Sites and ancient woodland.

Comment

Representation ID: 22077

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).
HETHEL1, HETHEL2, GNLP2109 – these allocations are adjacent to Hethel Wood CWS, an important ancient woodland site, likely to also be of importance for several bat species. Given the proximity of the existing industrial area to the wood, and the sensitivity of ancient woodland to nearby development, we recommend that any allocations in this area safeguard the CWS from further encroachment and includes appropriate policies to avoid indirect disturbance from features such as external lighting. This area is also a key location for connectivity with other priority habitats in the south Norfolk claylands and net gain contributions could help link Hethel Wood with other County Wildlife Sites and ancient woodland.

Comment

Representation ID: 22078

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).
HETHEL1, HETHEL2, GNLP2109 – these allocations are adjacent to Hethel Wood CWS, an important ancient woodland site, likely to also be of importance for several bat species. Given the proximity of the existing industrial area to the wood, and the sensitivity of ancient woodland to nearby development, we recommend that any allocations in this area safeguard the CWS from further encroachment and includes appropriate policies to avoid indirect disturbance from features such as external lighting. This area is also a key location for connectivity with other priority habitats in the south Norfolk claylands and net gain contributions could help link Hethel Wood with other County Wildlife Sites and ancient woodland.

Comment

Representation ID: 22079

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).
REP1 – this site is adjacent to Broomhill Meadows CWS, a wet grassland site reliant on local groundwater conditions. Any application should be accompanied by an ecological appraisal including an evaluation of drainage impacts on the adjacent CWS.

Comment

Representation ID: 22080

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).
GNLP0608 – this proposed allocation is adjacent to Lenwade Pits West CWS, which the Trust will be resurveying this summer. We would be happy to provide further comments on this site once the survey has been completed.

Comment

Representation ID: 22082

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).
HNF3 - this site is adjacent to Horsham Meadows CWS, a pingo site. Impacts on the local hydrology and changes in drainage may have a significant effect on the adjacent CWS and so would need to be addressed by any application.