The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This section explains the policy on carbon sinks, which are natural features that absorb and store carbon. Where a carbon storage gain cannot reasonably be achieved on site, this must be justified with evidence, and off-site measures should support the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and may use recognised schemes such as the Ecosystem Services Trading Protocol. Planting to absorb carbon cannot be used as a substitute for avoiding harm to irreplaceable habitats, soils or peatlands. A 2024 technical study mapped existing carbon sinks and sequestration opportunities across the area.
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.
.
Policy NZ.6
Carbon Sinks and Sequestration
Development must protect, enhance, and support the long-term
storage and sequestration of carbon in natural and semi-natural
habitats.
1. All development will be required to:
a. apply the mitigation hierarchy to avoid harm to carbon sinks wherever
possible; and
b. protect and retain existing carbon-rich habitats and features, including soils,
peatlands, woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands, grasslands, waterbodies, and
other areas identified as significant carbon stores.
2. All development is expected to:
a. deliver measurable carbon storage or sequestration gain, prioritising on-site
measures that enhance the carbon function of habitats and deliver wider
environmental co-benefits, in accordance with the LNRS, and Policy DS.1
Environmental Mitigation and Compensation; and
b. secure the long-term management of retained and enhanced carbon sinks,
proportionate to the development and carbon outcomes proposed.
3. Where measurable carbon storage or sequestration gain cannot reasonably be
achieved on-site, this must be clearly justified through proportionate evidence. Off-
site provision should support LNRS priorities and wider ecological and climate
resilience objectives and may be delivered through recognised schemes including
those set out in the Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Green Infrastructure Strategy
(Annex A – Ecosystem Services Trading Protocol), as updated.
4. Carbon sequestration measures must not substitute for the avoidance or
mitigation of harm to carbon-rich or irreplaceable habitats, soils or peatlands.
Policy Justification
6.1.30 Natural carbon sinks play a critical role in mitigating climate change while
supporting biodiversity, water regulation and other ecosystem services. Protecting and
enhancing these assets contributes to climate resilience and delivers multiple
environmental benefits. The 2024 technical evidence 'Assessment of Carbon
Sequestration and Habitat baseline opportunities' provides baseline mapping to identify
existing carbon sinks and areas with the potential for carbon sequestration
opportunities. It recommends establishing a presumption against the loss of Climate
Change Resilience Assets (defined as existing features within the environment that
contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation), and for Nature-based
Solutions to be provided to mitigate any loss.
6.1.31 The NPPF at its core requires sustainable development and emphasises the
need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Para 136 of the NPPF
recognises the role of natural assets such as trees in achieving this, and the importance
of some undeveloped land for carbon storage is highlighted in para 125b. The above
policy emphasises the importance of retaining