The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy requires developers to follow a mitigation hierarchy when dealing with environmental effects. They must avoid harm wherever possible, minimise and mitigate impacts where avoidance cannot reasonably be achieved, and offer compensation measures only as a last resort where significant effects remain. The approach should be proportionate to the scale and significance of the likely impact and supported by appropriate evidence.
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.
environmental gains.
Policy DS.1
Environmental Mitigation and Compensation
Development proposals should apply a proportionate mitigation hierarchy to
potential environmental effects.
A. Mitigation Hierarchy
Development proposals will be expected to:
• avoid adverse environmental effects wherever possible;
• minimise and mitigate impacts where avoidance cannot reasonably be
achieved; and
• provide compensation measures only as a last resort where significant
residual effects remain following avoidance and mitigation.