JCS_MasterDocument_FIN_27.03.18

4.9.6
4.9.7
4.9.8
International sites include Special Protection
Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
and Ramsar sites (globally protected wetlands).
Any development that has potential to have
a likely significant effect on an international
site (either alone or in combination with other
plans or projects) will be subject to a Habitats
Regulations Assessment. This includes a
screening process followed by the completion
of an Appropriate Assessment (if required) as
set out in the European Union Habitats Directive
92 / 42 EEC. Development that would adversely
affect the integrity of any SPA, SAC or Ramsar
site will need to demonstrate exceptional
requirements relating to the absence of
alternative solutions and imperative reasons of
overriding public interest.
National sites include Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI). Local sites include Local Nature
Reserves (LNR), Key Wildlife Sites (KWS) and
Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS).
These sites are subject to national and local
policy protection.
The JCS provides an opportunity to deliver some
of the objectives and complement the work
programme of the Local Nature Partnership
(LNP). The three local authorities are all
partner organisations of the LNP, helping to
deliver actions to address the needs of priority
species and habitats as well as plans for other
biodiversity and geodiversity assets of local
importance or interest. The Gloucestershire
Nature Map sets out spatial priorities for
ecological conservation and enhancement across
the county. A key part of this is the identification
of a number of Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs),
which are the key landscape-scale blocks of land
where characteristic habitats that typify the
county can be expanded and linked to support
wildlife. Partnerships of local authorities, local
communities, landowners and the private sector
are also able to identify Nature Improvement
Areas (NIA), such as the Cotswold Scarp NIA.
These are the places which offer the best
opportunities for habitat restoration on a
significant scale with the greatest benefits for
wildlife and are largely based on SNAs.
Geodiversity conservation concerns the
protection, management and enhancement
of geological formations. Advice is available
through the Gloucestershire Geology Trust.
It is likely that, during the lifetime of the JCS, a
Geodiversity Action Plan will be developed for
Gloucestershire that will provide more detailed
advice on the conservation of geodiversity.
4.9.9
4.9.10
4.9.11
4.9.12
Delivery
Delivery will be achieved within the context of
international and national legal frameworks,
countywide initiatives and local strategies
for biodiversity and geodiversity. Nature
conservation will also be an important
consideration within the Cotswolds AONB.
District plans could support the JCS by
identifying and mapping components of
the local ecological network, including
internationally, nationally and locally designated
sites. District plans may also, as appropriate,
include the boundaries of SNAs and NIAs which
have been identified as priority areas for habitat
creation and restoration. Where necessary,
District plans will provide additional detail
and guidance for decision makers. This may
include information on the approach to securing
developer contributions, and recommendations
for habitat enhancements associated with new
development, such as nesting boxes.
The development management process
will contribute to delivery by protecting
sites, habitats and species in accordance
with national and local policies and other
relevant legal requirements. The NPPF is
clear that the presumption in favour of
sustainable development does not apply where
development requiring Appropriate Assessment
under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being
considered, planned or determined.
Enhancements will be secured through the
design of development and via planning
conditions and obligations, including S106
agreements and CIL. To deliver these
enhancements, developers and local
authorities should work with appropriate
partner organisations including the LNP and
Gloucestershire Geology Trust.
The JCS requires developers to avoid harm
to biodiversity or, where this is not possible,
to incorporate mitigation measures into the
design of developments. Developers should also
ensure that development outside designated
sites will not cause reasonably foreseeable
harm to those sites, and if such an effect is
likely, should mitigate against it. For situations
where measures cannot be provided on-site, the
local authorities may in certain circumstances
consider a system of ‘biodiversity offsetting’.
In addressing the impacts of potential
developments on geodiversity, it is intended
that the councils will follow a similar approach
to that proposed for biodiversity, based on
avoidance, on-site mitigation and off-site
compensation (for example, by improving the
exposure of the geological feature).
Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy 2011-2031
Adopted December 2017
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