The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This section introduces the chapter on enhancing South Warwickshire's built and natural environment, starting with the natural environment. It notes that key habitats and species are in worrying decline locally, and that development under the plan must not come at nature's expense. Instead the plan will protect and enhance existing ecological assets and include proposals for country parks and biodiversity enhancement areas. It previews policies on protected sites, nature recovery, Biodiversity Net Gain, trees and hedgerows, landscape management and farmland.
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.
7 Enhancing the Built and Natural
Environment of South Warwickshire
7.1 Natural Environment
Policies within this section contribute to achieving the following Strategic
Objectives:
SO4. Making effective use of land and natural resources
SO6. Creating attractive places and spaces
SO7. Protecting and enhancing our heritage and cultural assets
SO8. Improving the quality of life of our communities
SO10. Protecting and enhancing our environmental assets and working towards
environmental net gain
7.1.1 A healthy natural environment is of vital importance to people, places, the
economy and nature itself. It provides important services such as food, fresh water,
clean air, climate stabilisation and resilience, flood control, recreation, tourism and
much more. South Warwickshire is experiencing concerning declines across a number
of key habitats and species and there is a significant need to halt and reverse these
declines for the future prosperity of South Warwickshire. This means that development
delivered through the SWLP must not be done at the expense of the natural
environment. Instead, opportunities will be identified to protect and enhance existing
ecological assets as well as including proposals within the Plan for country parks and
biodiversity enhancement areas.
7.1.2 The following section outlines how specially protected sites, habitats and
species will be safeguarded against future development; how the Local Nature
Recovery Strategy will be used to influence the creation of new habitats, increasing
connectivity; how Biodiversity Net Gain will be used as a tool to deliver the biodiversity
ambitions of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council; how the
existing network of trees, hedges and woodlands will be protected and enhanced,
improving the availability of green corridors for species; the particulars of Landscape
management and maintenance plans; and the approach to protecting our Best and
Most Versatile Agricultural land.
BN.1
Protection of Sites, Habitats and Species
A. Protecting irreplaceable Natural Assets
Sites habitats and species form a vital role for biodiversity in the wider GBI network.
Development will be expected to enhance, restore and support protected and
important sites, habitats or species whether located within or adjacent to the
development site, with consideration given to recreational pressures.
Development will not be permitted where it would result in unacceptable harm to
protected and important sites, habitats or species, whether located within