The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy requires larger developments to build in features that help wildlife, on top of any compensation already required. New homes must include at least two ecological features per dwelling, half of them swift boxes, while non-residential buildings need at least one feature per fifty square metres of floor space. Features can include bat, bird and bee boxes, hedgehog holes in fences and safe road crossings for toads and badgers. Developers must submit an ecological enhancement plan covering locations, installation and ongoing maintenance.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
NE10: Ecological enhancements
1. Major residential and non-residential developments are required to create new ecological features (over and above any required for direct species compensation) and incorporate provisions to maximise opportunities for biodiversity at the following rates:
a) At least two features per dwelling (half of which should be swift boxes), considering the local context to maximise uptake from target species.
b) At least one feature per fifty square metres of GIA floor space (rounded up to the nearest whole number of features) for non-residential development.
2. For minor development, including householder proposals, ecological enhancements will be expected were proportionate and practicable.
3. The ecological enhancements should be varied to consider the local context.
4. Where development could create barriers to the movement of wildlife, this should be avoided through design and layout. If this is not possible, mitigation features should be used.
5. Developers will be required to provide a concise ecological enhancement plan including ongoing maintenance arrangements.
7.202 Discrete ecological enhancement or barrier mitigation features are not included within Biodiversity Net Gain. However, they can inexpensively provide vital support for priority and threatened species.
7.203 Ecological enhancement features can include integrated bat/bird/bee boxes, stag beetles loggeries, reptile hibernacula etc. In some instances, it is beneficial to include several features together on a single plot (e.g. swift boxes). Design and positioning of features should be in accordance with best practice guidance set out in Appendix Q - Ecological Enhancement Features.
7.204 Wildlife barrier mitigation features can include:
a) hedgehog holes in fences,
b) dropped kerbs and gully pot ladders for amphibians,
c) culverts under roads to enable toads, badgers or other species to safely cross a road.
7.205 The ecological enhancement plan should be secured either with the development or by condition, which includes the following:
a) a plan showing the location of features (on site plan and elevations drawings)
b) details on the specification of the features, including if boxes are to be integrated or retrofitted.
c) details on the height and aspect for installation
d) ongoing maintenance requirements for the features
e) a summary of how the proposed features support local wildlife – consider local species records where possible when choosing what to include.
f) a copy of a letter or leaflet which will be distributed to new homeowners, explaining the features included at the site, why they are important and the need to keep them.
7.206 For all developments which requires more than five ecological features, the conditioning of an inspection report following installation and prior to first occupation, is to be expected.