About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Natural Environment Topic Paper, for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.238 The NPPF paragraph 180 d) sets out that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by amongst other things: ‘Minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures.’
9.239 The NPPF further sets out under paragraph 185 a) to protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, plans should: ‘Identify, map and safeguard components of local wildlife-rich habitats and wider ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity; wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them; and areas identified by national and local partnerships for habitat management, enhancement, restoration or creation.’
9.240 In addition to the requirement in the NPPF for mapping Ecological Networks, the Government have set out through the Environment Act 2022 ‘a new, England-wide system of spatial strategies that will establish priorities and map proposals for specific actions to drive nature’s recovery and provide wider environmental benefits’, the system being named Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS). A LNRS is currently being prepared covering the West of England (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire).
9.241 Placemaking Plan Policy NE5 (updated as part of the LPPU) seeks to ensure development proposals demonstrate a positive contribution will be made to regional Nature Recovery Networks. The policy also seeks the maintenance or creation of local ecological networks through habitat creation, protection, enhancement, restoration and/or management. Existing mapped networks are displayed on the councils Policies Map.
9.242 The West of England LNRS will also have a role in Biodiversity Net Gain by defining areas of strategic importance and providing a ‘strategic multiplier’ of 15% to BNG Units.
9.243 The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Natural Environment Topic Paper.
9.244 Once the LNRS is published it will be necessary for local plans to ‘take account’ of them and recognise their significance. Policy NE5 will need to be updated to take account of these forthcoming changes. As such, the following options are proposed:
Option A
Adapt policy NE5 to address the forthcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy as it relates to B&NES and the wider West of England area.
Advantages of Option A
- Will take account of most current and up to date/ emerging priority networks.
- Will ensure alignment of the Local Plan with legislation.
Disadvantages of Option A
Full national guidance on LNRS delivery is not currently available.