HOW TO USE THE ONLINE CONSULTATION FORM: Scroll down and you will find our feedback form. The form has a different page for each policy (5-9) in this chapter. If you don’t want to give feedback on every policy, just click ‘skip’ until you reach the policy you want.
THE VISION: Natural environments, open spaces, biodiversity and wildlife are restored, enhanced, protected and accessible for all. There are a network of ecological corridors that connect through the villages and to the wider countryside. Space for a wide range of active and passive recreation, for all ages. Air & water quality is good, it is quieter with dark skies and tranquility.
Below you can see our individual policies for this chapter. Click to expand the aims, issues and objectives, then use the short survey underneath to let us know your thoughts about each policy.
The abundance of natural green and blue spaces in and surrounding the parish are important in protecting wildlife, habitats, biodiversity and geodiversity and off-setting the effects of air pollution. Developments are required to deliver biodiversity net gain of 10% and this is encouraged to be delivered within the development. However, this is not always possible and Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOA) are identified. BOAs in B&L include Wealden Heaths, the River Wey, Radford park, Bohunt Manor Estate, Community Supported Agriculture
Aim: To protect and enhance the biodiversity of the Parish
Policy Objectives:
- Development delivers a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity
- The network of green and blue (land and water) infrastructure is maintained, enhanced, and better connected
- Areas identified for improvements are achieved.
The Policy (Course of Action):
- Identify the networks of green and blue infrastructure locally
- Consider opportunities where networks can be better connected / improved
- Require developments to delivery a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity
There are many natural areas in the parish designated as important and are protected including areas of the SDNP, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - Weavers Down & Woolmer Forest, Bramshott and Ludshott Commons; Ancient Woodland - Gentle’s Copse, Griggs Green Copse and Croaker’s Patch. Other important natural features that are important but not protected include mature trees, established woodland, hedgerows, ponds, mature planted gardens, agriculture and grazing land, wide green verges and roads and banks of River Wey.
Aim: To protect and enhance the natural features of the Parish and ensure that development contributes positively to these.
Policy Objectives:
- Non-designated natural features of the Parish are retained and where possible incorporated into development. Additional features provided to reflect the natural character of the Parish.
- Open space within development is provided.
- Wildlife friendly features incorporated into development
- Ancient and notable trees protected
The Policy (Course of Action):
- Identify designated natural features
- Define the natural features of the Parish that are characteristic but not necessarily statutorily protected
- Support proposals that safeguard/incorporate typical natural features of the Parish within them
- Support development that will contribute positively to enhancing wildlife
The community values small green spaces that are special because of their close proximity to where they live. These spaces have a particular beauty, historic value, recreational value, are spaces of tranquility or have a richness in wildlife.
Aim: To designate Local Green Spaces - to protect demonstrably special green spaces from inappropriate development
Policy Objectives:
- Valued green spaces within the Parish are designated as Local Green Spaces.
- The spaces are protected against inappropriate development.
The Policy (Course of Action):
- Undertake an audit of the green spaces and consider each against the national criteria for Local Green Space. Map each space, justify and provide a photo
The community values certain views in the parish that are of local significance and that contribute to the character of the area.
Aim: To safeguard local views and viewpoints from the negative impacts of development
Policy Objectives:
- Important views within the Parish are protected against the negative impacts of development
The Policy (Course of Action):
- Identify significant views in the Parish and ensure that proposals impacting these views seek to mitigate that impact
Dark skies are important for both nocturnal and diurnal wildlife and are predominantly unspoilt in rural parts of the parish, particularly Woolmer forest and Bramshott and Ludshott Common
Aim: To minimise light pollution in order to retain the dark skies that the Parish benefits from
Policy Objectives:
- Development that takes place does not detrimentally impact the darkness of skies mapped within the Parish
The Policy (Course of Action):
- Encourage proposals to minimise their impact on light pollution, drawing on the advice set out by the Institution of Lighting Professionals
Now give your feedback on this chapter using the form below:
PLEASE COME BACK ON WEDNESDAY 22ND WHEN THE FEEDBACK FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE TO USE.