The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This section explains the purpose of the natural environment policy: conserving and enhancing Buckinghamshire's biodiversity, landscapes, water and green spaces while strengthening resilience to climate change. It sets out how delivery will run through the detailed Chapter 7 policies on matters such as water quality, biodiversity gain, green infrastructure, trees, protected sites, Green Belt, landscape character, flood risk and drainage.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
What the plan says
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
Natural environment and climate resilience
Purpose
5.159 The purpose of this policy is to conserve and enhance Buckinghamshire's natural environment and strengthen resilience to the effects of climate change. The policy seeks to protect and enhance biodiversity, geodiversity, landscapes, water resources and green and blue infrastructure networks, whilst supporting nature recovery and ensuring that development contributes positively to environmental quality. It also seeks to ensure that growth is planned and delivered in a way that responds to climate change, reduces environmental risks, promotes the sustainable use of natural resources and improves the long-term resilience of communities, ecosystems and infrastructure.
Implementation through Development Management Policies
5.160 The delivery of the natural environment and climate resilience objectives of Policy SP13 will be supported by the Development Management policies in Chapter 7. In particular, proposals will be expected to accord with policies relating to Water Quality, Watercourses and Associated Corridors, Development Involving or Affecting Canals, Biodiversity Protection and Conservation of Species, Biodiversity Gain and Nature Recovery, Green Infrastructure, Resisting the Loss of Existing Green Space, Trees, Ancient and Veteran Trees, Woodlands and Orchards, Ecological Enhancements, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar Sites, Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space, the Colne Valley Regional Park and Little Marlow Lakes. These policies provide the detailed framework for protecting and enhancing Buckinghamshire's biodiversity, geodiversity, ecological networks, green infrastructure and water environment.
5.161 Development proposals will also be expected to comply with policies relating to the Protection of the Green Belt, Development in the Countryside Outside the Green Belt, National Landscapes and their Setting, Landscape Character and Visual Amenity, Pollution, Air Quality and Contaminated Land and Mitigating Light Impacts. Together, these policies support the conservation and enhancement of Buckinghamshire's valued landscapes, environmental assets and natural character whilst helping to address the impacts of climate change.
5.162 In addition, proposals should accord with other relevant Development Management policies relating to Flood Risk, Sustainable Drainage Systems, Water Efficiency Standards, Infrastructure Delivery, Design of Developments, Heritage Assets, Conservation Areas, Health Impact Assessment, Transport Requirements for New Development and Public Rights of Way. Together, these policies ensure that development supports climate resilience, environmental enhancement and sustainable growth whilst protecting Buckinghamshire's natural and historic environment and contributing to healthy, attractive and well-connected places.