Nature & environment

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation sets out an assumed 1,500 homes on around thirty hectares off Little Horwood Road, Winslow. It includes a primary school, a local shop, a community hall and healthcare provision, plus financial contributions to secondary and special needs education. Access comes from Little Horwood Road and the B4032, with good walking and cycling links to the town centre and the new Winslow Station. The setting of the Grade II listed Redhall Farmhouse must be protected, and half the site needs archaeological investigation first.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 630 homes on around twelve hectares west of Furze Lane and north of Verney Road, Winslow. Higher density is expected because of the nearby train station, with direct walking and cycling links to the town centre, station and schools. A buffer is required between homes and the railway line, and veteran ash trees on the site must be safeguarded. Financial contributions are needed towards Verney Road improvements and other strategic infrastructure for Winslow.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation proposes an assumed 355 homes on 8.93 hectares north of Reynolds Mead, Cheddington. The site is close to the Mentmore Conservation Area and Registered Park and Garden, so a heritage assessment and careful design are required. A substantial buffer must protect the wood pasture priority habitat next to the northern boundary, and landscaping must soften views from the surrounding countryside. Contributions are required to shared infrastructure including the Horton Bypass and a new railway bridge, and protected area mitigation must be in place first.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation covers land at Parsonage Farm and west of Wood Lane, Tingewick, for an assumed 175 homes across two parcels, only one of which has potential road access. The scheme must link the western field through to the eastern part, improve walking and cycling routes into the village, and protect the setting of the Tingewick Conservation Area and nearby listed buildings. Ecological buffers must retain boundary trees and hedgerows, and landscaping is needed to reduce noise from the A421 bypass.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation designates approximately twelve hectares of land north of Lower Icknield Way, Princes Risborough, as a new Key Employment Area, of which 9.6 hectares is expected to be developed for business, industrial and storage uses. The site is visible from the Chilterns National Landscape and the Ridgeway National Trail, so high-quality design and structural landscaping are required, including new hedgerow planting. Access would come from Lower Icknield Way, with contributions towards the Princes Risborough to Chinnor walking and cycling route.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation provides 4.5 hectares of employment land behind Weston Road, Aston Clinton, of which 3.6 hectares is expected to be developed. It supports the expansion of Halton Brook Business Park, an established base for medical instrument manufacturing, reinforcing the area as a hub for medical technology. Development must be coordinated with the neighbouring allocated site, keep and improve the hedgerow and trees on the western boundary, and be designed to sit comfortably alongside the homes on Weston Road.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development to protect and support the long-term storage of carbon in natural habitats. All development must apply the mitigation hierarchy, which means avoiding harm to carbon sinks first, and must retain carbon-rich features such as soils, peatlands, woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands, grasslands and waterbodies. Development is also expected to deliver a measurable gain in carbon storage, preferably on site, and to secure long-term management of these natural carbon stores.

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.

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.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the full protection rules for wildlife sites, habitats and species. Development causing loss or deterioration of internationally designated sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland will be refused, and locally important sites are also protected. Minimum wildlife buffers apply: 50 metres from ancient woodland and veteran trees, 30 metres from other woodland, 8 metres either side of watercourses and 5 metres either side of intact hedgerows. Up-to-date ecological surveys are required where protected assets may be affected.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation sets aside land at the former Finmere Aerodrome near Tingewick as a new Key Employment Area, delivering approximately 27 hectares of employment land for industrial, storage and distribution uses. Development should be masterplanned, led by landscape design, and focus on the previously developed (brownfield) parts of the former RAF airfield. Requirements include safe access from the A421, a bus turning circle, protection of the Tingewick Conservation Area and nearby Ancient Woodland, and archaeological investigation. Around 16 hectares of new employment development are expected after supporting infrastructure.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section opens the natural environment part of the plan and lists the strategic objectives it supports, including protecting environmental assets and working towards environmental net gain. It stresses that a healthy natural environment provides food, fresh water, clean air, climate resilience, flood control and recreation. With habitats and species declining across South Warwickshire, the plan aims to halt and reverse these losses. The policies that follow cover protected sites, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain, trees and woodlands, landscape management and the best farmland.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section introduces Policy BN.1 on protecting sites, habitats and species. It states that these form a vital part of biodiversity in the wider green and blue infrastructure network. Development is expected to enhance, restore and support protected and important sites, habitats and species, whether on or next to the development site, taking recreational pressures into account. Development will not be permitted where it would cause unacceptable harm to them.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development proposals to show how they have taken account of the Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a county-wide plan for restoring nature. Development should support its delivery by maintaining, restoring or creating the habitats it identifies, strengthening ecological networks and habitat connections, and helping the recovery of its priority species. Any biodiversity or environmental enhancement measures within a scheme should line up with the strategy's priorities and opportunity areas.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the background to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy policy. The strategy was introduced by the Environment Act 2021 and prepared by Warwickshire County Council to identify the best places for creating and restoring habitats. It is not a planning designation and adds no new constraints, but councils must have regard to it. Developers can show compliance through green infrastructure design, aligning Biodiversity Net Gain with strategy priorities, and using its mapping data. Local habitats and species such as calcareous grassland, Eurasian curlews and lesser horseshoe bats get special consideration.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy, BN.3, requires all development to protect biodiversity and contribute to its recovery. Proposals must apply the mitigation hierarchy, deliver measurable habitat improvements supporting the Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and secure long-term management of biodiversity assets. Where land has been deliberately degraded before an application, the council will assess it on its original condition. Development subject to mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain must deliver at least 10% net gain, provided on site as a priority, with off-site provision guided by the local Ecosystem Services Trading Protocol.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the biodiversity policy. It applies to all development, not just schemes that trigger the statutory Biodiversity Net Gain rules under the Environment Act 2021, because even small schemes can improve habitats and connections between them. Biodiversity gains must be secured and managed for a minimum of 30 years. The justification acknowledges viability challenges on some sites, notes a lower requirement for brownfield land to support reuse of previously developed sites, and points applicants to recognised methods such as British Standard 8683:2021.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development to protect, enhance and expand trees, hedgerows, woodlands and community orchards as key parts of South Warwickshire's natural environment and landscape character. Proposals must protect and retain existing trees and hedges of ecological, landscape, historic or amenity value. This includes ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees, and trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders, which are legal protections placed on specific trees.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the full requirements for trees, hedges and woodlands. Development must keep buffer zones around ancient woodland and veteran trees, design retained trees into streets, open spaces and drainage from the start, and deliver a measurable increase in tree canopy cover. All planting must use native, climate-resilient species and have maintenance plans, including replacing failed planting. The justification notes tree cover is uneven across the area and points to recognised standards such as BS 5837 for tree protection and the UK Forestry Standard.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires a Landscape and Environmental Management Plan, known as a LEMP, wherever landscape mitigation, restoration or habitat creation is proposed. The plan must be secured through planning conditions or a legal agreement for at least 30 years or the full life of the development, whichever is longer. It must set clear management objectives, include baseline surveys of existing landscape and wildlife features, give detailed specifications for all planting and landscape elements, and identify who will manage the land and how it will be funded.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the landscape management policy. Management responsibility for new landscape areas will first be offered to the town or parish council, then to the local authority, with adoption plus a 30-year maintenance payment the preferred outcome. Management plans must cover monitoring, invasive species control, litter, public safety, measures against vandalism, and lighting controls to protect dark skies and rural character. The 30-year minimum period matches national biodiversity legislation and ensures improvements are sustained and adapted over time.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects agricultural land and soils. The best and most versatile farmland, Grades 1, 2 and 3a, must be protected from permanent loss wherever possible, with development steered to lower grade land (Grades 3b, 4 and 5) instead. Building on the best land is only acceptable where no suitable lower-grade alternative exists and the benefits clearly outweigh the land's long-term value for food production, climate resilience and ecosystem services. Soils must be managed sustainably, including saving and reusing topsoil during construction.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the policy on farmland and soils. Development of 5 hectares or more should include a sustainable soil management strategy following Defra's Construction Code of Practice for soils on construction sites. The justification describes agricultural land as a finite resource supporting food security, rural economies and climate resilience. Where soils are disturbed, they should be restored so they can support farming, carbon storage or wildlife. Lower grade land may be developed where this does not undermine wider sustainability aims.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the pollution policy. It notes that residual harm may only be permitted where it is offset through environmental improvements, secured and monitored long term, and where cumulative pollution from several developments together would not become unacceptable. The justification cites national policy requiring development to avoid causing or suffering unacceptable soil, air, water, noise or light pollution, and to respect Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones. Planning conditions or legal agreements may secure long-term management of compensation measures.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the policy on historic parks, gardens and village greens. It describes them as irreplaceable historic landscapes that contribute significantly to local character, identity and biodiversity, often containing mature trees and species-rich habitats. A landscape-led approach ensures development respects historic design intent and setting. The justification notes development can also bring opportunities to reinstate lost landscape features and improve public access, and that the required assessments make sure change is well informed and well managed.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets criteria for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople accommodation, in line with the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment. Sites must be well designed with enough space for caravans, day rooms and landscaping, have safe access to services such as shops, schools and healthcare, and respect the size of the nearest settled community without dominating it. They must avoid flood risk and harm to the environment, and be serviceable with water, utilities and sewerage. For Travelling Showpeople, the need for mixed-use yards and storage space will also be considered.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the full waterways policy. Development affecting waterways must not harm water quality, heritage, landscape, biodiversity or the usability of towpaths, and should improve access and active travel routes. On navigable waterways, moorings and marinas are supported where they do not damage the waterway or its surroundings, with canal regeneration encouraged, notably around the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area. Culverts are permitted for access only. Major schemes should consider new moorings for boat dwellers and strategic opportunities such as the Tach Brook re-naturalisation and a River Avon Linear Park.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects water quality in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater. Development will only be supported where it does not harm surface or underground water bodies, and proposals should look for chances to improve water quality. Schemes affecting designated wildlife sites or water catchments must show how quality will be maintained and pressure on the wastewater network reduced. Extra safeguards apply in Drinking Water Safeguard Zones and Source Protection Zones, including restrictions on soakaways and infiltration drainage, and a Water Framework Directive assessment is required where development could harm a waterbody.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers the Long Marston Airfield New Community, a 697-hectare site for at least 10,300 homes, with a minimum of 4,500 built by 2050. It also provides 15 hectares of employment land, 21 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, four primary schools, a secondary school with land reserved for a second, a district centre, three local centres and a new country park. Early phases of 500 homes can start first, but wider development depends on the Stratford-upon-Avon Bypass opening, expected in 2035. Land is safeguarded for a railway station.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development to conserve and enhance watercourses and their corridors, including their biodiversity, landscape, flood management and recreation value. Culverting or hard engineering of watercourses is not supported, and opportunities to restore rivers to a more natural state should be actively pursued. Development next to a watercourse must keep a natural buffer of at least 10 metres from the top of the bank, with no lighting, rising to at least 15 metres for chalk streams such as the River Chess and River Misbourne. Chalk streams are a globally rare habitat with stronger protection.