Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

disturbance. Further work is being carried out by the North KentEnvironmental Planning Group (NKEPG) in relation to this matter and, in themeantime, a precautionary approach to development will be applied. Thismeans that developers may need to provide or contribute to mitigationmeasures will be expected to provide sufficient alternatives for the recreationneeds arising from their developments and implement other measures, whichmay include provision of alternative greenspace, contributions to visitorcontrol mechanisms and/or management of the SPAs, to ensure thatdetrimental impacts on the integrity of the SPAs/Ramsar sites are avoided.5.7.10 The Greater Thames Marshes has recently been declared a NatureImprovement Area (NIA). This recognises that it has a unique yet fracturedlandscape and significant biodiversity importance but that the biodiversity is indecline and struggling to compete with increasing pressures. The NIA seeksto protect and enhance this valuable habitat and increase numbers ofendangered species and protect existing flora and fauna. In Gravesham, theNIA includes the River Thames and much of the marshland to the east ofGravesend.5.7.11 Local Nature Partnerships have recently been set up to help localareas to manage the natural environment as a system and to embed its valuein local decisions for the benefit of nature, people and the economy. LocalNature Partnerships have recently been approved for Kent and ThamesGateway.5.7.12 The strategy is to ensure that there is no net loss of biodiversity in theBorough and to take every opportunity to improve biodiversity. Existing sitesof biodiversity value will be protected according to their importance. Inaddition, development will be expected to be designed, laid out andconstructed in a manner which protects habitats and important species andalso includes features to enhance biodiversity. Biodiversity Opportunity Areashave been identified across Kent and the wider South East which incorporateareas of the greatest biodiversity value. In Gravesham, these comprise: NorthKent Marshes; Thames-side Green Corridors; and Medway Gap and NorthKent Downs. These areas give opportunities for the restoration or creation ofnew priority habitats and will be the focus for improvement where157