Biodiversity and Planning Policy
Recommendation (bb). We believe that biodiversity is inadequately integrated into the planning system at present. Key to addressing this problem are the Planning Policy Guidance Notes. Biodiversity must be integrated into all PPGs as and when they are reviewed. The upcoming review of PPG9 (Nature Conservation) is particularly important and we recommend that it should encourage local plans to reflect Biodiversity Action Plan priorities, emphasise the importance of local wildlife sites and give guidance on realising the potential benefits of planning gain for biodiversity generally, and habitat provision in particular. If brownfield sites which are rich in biodiversity are to be lost to development, the developer must provide replacement areas of similar biodiversity value, by enhancing the biodiversity of other green spaces in the area. Urban regeneration efforts must embrace biodiversity: each and every development can provide some positive benefits for biodiversity.
Recommendation (hh). There is a need to ensure that biodiversity is adequately integrated into the Regional Development Plans. We commend the guidance provided by the South West Biodiversity Partnership as a model for other regions.
The Government agrees that biodiversity policy should be integrated into all appropriate PPGs as they are reviewed. The revised PPG 9 will give advice on biodiversity (including its importance in urban areas and the possibilities for achieving positive benefits through planning conditions) and emphasise the importance of local BAPs. It will also cover the role of wildlife sites and the new provisions contained in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. We intend to consult on a revision of PPG 9 during 2001.
PPG 11 on Regional Planning Guidance already provides advice on how biodiversity should be treated in regional planning. It sets out the need to take account of the regional and sub-regional distribution of priority species and habitats and the potential for enhancement of biodiversity, particularly where it would contribute to meeting targets for recreating declining habitats. PPG 11 also encourages close working with regional biodiversity fora, such as the South West Biodiversity Partnership, in order to enhance existing regional biodiversity strategies. We agree that this Partnership’s guidance is an excellent model.
The England Biodiversity Group has established a Regional Sub-Group to consider and advise on how biodiversity can best be integrated into the policies and work of the new regional bodies, how biodiversity efforts can be co-ordinated at regional level and how advice and best practice can be disseminated. The findings of the group will be incorporated into the preparation of the England Biodiversity Strategy.
Published 21 May 2001
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