Nature & environment

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 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 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 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.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects sites and habitats of high biodiversity and geodiversity importance, from internationally and nationally designated sites down to locally designated sites and priority habitats. The highest protection goes to national and international sites, where harmful development will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. Harm to local sites must be justified by clear benefits that outweigh the ecological value, with compensation at a 2:1 area ratio on a like-for-better basis. Minimum natural buffers are required: fifty metres for Sites of Special Scientific Interest and ancient woodland, and thirty metres for sites of local importance.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects wildlife species covered by international and national law, priority species listed under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, and species in significant decline. Where such species could be affected, proposals must be supported by proper ecological surveys and assessments by qualified professionals, carried out before permission is granted. Designs must follow the mitigation hierarchy of avoiding, minimising and compensating for impacts, with any residual impacts compensated at a minimum 2:1 basis. The Council also operates a district licensing scheme for great crested newts.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development to deliver biodiversity net gain, meaning habitats must be left in a measurably better state than before. Unless nationally exempt, schemes must achieve at least 10% net gain if delivered on site or elsewhere within Buckinghamshire, rising to 20% if delivered outside the county. Gains are calculated using the latest statutory metric and should support the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Buying statutory biodiversity credits is a last resort, and significant habitat creation must come with a long-term management and monitoring plan approved by the Council.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development to deliver high-quality green infrastructure, the network of green spaces, trees, waterways and other natural features that benefits wildlife, flood management, health and recreation. Residential schemes of more than ten dwellings, or over 1,000 square metres of floorspace, must meet Natural England's Accessible Green Space standards and submit a Green Infrastructure Statement. These standards aim for good quality green space within a 15-minute walk of home. Green infrastructure must be managed for at least 30 years after completion, with arrangements to secure its management in perpetuity.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy resists the loss of existing accessible green space, including allotments, and the transfer of public green infrastructure into private gardens. Loss will be refused unless an assessment against Natural England's standards proves the space is surplus, the land makes no positive contribution to appearance, recreation or wildlife, it contains no priority habitats or species, and there is no cumulative harm to the local area. Any green space lost must be replaced with equivalent or better provision within the catchment of the space lost.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects trees, woodlands, orchards and hedgerows. There is a presumption to refuse development that would cause the loss or deterioration of ancient or veteran trees, ancient woodland, traditional orchards or important native hedgerows, except in exceptional circumstances with clear overriding public benefit. Minimum natural buffers are required, including fifty metres for ancient woodland, at least twenty-five metres for other woodland and five metres either side of hedgerows. Where trees could be affected, a tree survey to British Standard 5837 is required, and acceptable losses must be replaced with locally appropriate species.

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.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets out what development must do in or near the Colne Valley Regional Park, a park of over 10,000 hectares in the east of the county established in 1967. Development should maintain and enhance the park's landscape, waterways and biodiversity, provide countryside recreation that is accessible to all, and improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes. It should also support the rural economy, encourage community participation and help reduce pollution to the River Colne. A possible extension of the park to cover Fulmer parish is being considered.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects the county's most important nature sites, including the Chilterns Beechwoods, Burnham Beeches and Aston Rowant Special Areas of Conservation. Proposals must show they will not harm these sites, and a Habitats Regulations Assessment is required. The plan sets a 500 metre exclusion zone for new housing around Burnham Beeches and the Ashridge part of the Chilterns Beechwoods. Within wider Zones of Influence, developments must fund alternative green spaces (SANGs) and visitor management measures to reduce recreational pressure. Several strategic SANG sites and a Gateway site are allocated.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers proposal GAY.1, a 588-hectare employment allocation at Gaydon next to the Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin Lagonda sites. It provides about 157 hectares of strategic employment land and 81 hectares of non-strategic land, focused on automotive manufacturing. At least 50% of floorspace on the main site must be industrial or research uses, with warehousing capped at 50%. It includes 51 hectares for JLR expansion, 7.5 hectares for AML, 73.5 hectares of testing tracks, and a travelling showpersons yard of at least 8 plots.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy covers the 329 hectare Little Marlow Lakes area between Marlow and Bourne End, which sits in the Green Belt beside the River Thames. It allocates Spade Oak Lake as a strategic alternative green space (SANG) to reduce visitor pressure on Burnham Beeches, with parking off Muschallick Road, and supports wider outdoor recreation. Qualifying developments relying on the SANG must contribute financially and provide safe walking and cycling links between Marlow and Bourne End. Development must protect the river setting, lakes, wildlife, conservation areas and manage flood risk.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy manages noise, air quality and contaminated land. Noise-generating developments must include attenuation measures, and noise-sensitive uses such as homes, schools and hospitals will not be supported where users would suffer from existing noise. Developments that may worsen air quality must submit an air quality impact assessment, particularly within Air Quality Management Areas, and road traffic is identified as the county's main source of air pollution. Development on land that may be contaminated requires an assessment, with remediation normally completed before first occupation.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy controls artificial light at night to protect wildlife, dark skies and local character. External lighting must be the minimum needed for safety and security, with light spill, glare and impact on the night sky minimised. Dark corridors, such as watercourses and hedgerow networks, must be protected because species like bats depend on them. A mitigation hierarchy applies: avoid lighting in sensitive areas first, then minimise it, then compensate. All lighting should have a clear purpose, be no brighter than necessary, use warmer colours where possible and be switched off when not needed.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes proposal LEA.2 at Milverton, the second urban extension north of Leamington Spa. Some 76 hectares leave the Green Belt for at least 974 homes on about 38 hectares, with 38 hectares of open space, delivered between 2032 and 2045. It includes a food store of up to 15,000 sq ft, around 2 hectares of employment land, land for a possible hospital expansion, and a two-form entry primary school. A landscape-led approach is required given the site's sensitive position between Kenilworth and Leamington.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects the delivery of two major rail projects. Development must not prejudice High Speed 2 or its environmental mitigation such as woodland and screening, and construction impacts on communities must be managed. It also protects East West Rail, including the proposed Aylesbury Link from Aylesbury station to Claydon Junction, and future upgrades to the Aylesbury to Princes Risborough line. New structures over these lines must allow for future double tracking and overhead electrification. Applicants within 50 metres of the routes are encouraged to consult Network Rail early.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers proposal COV.1, south of Coventry. The 294-hectare development area, alongside a 236-hectare biodiversity enhancement area, will deliver 4,015 homes by 2050, two two-form entry primary schools, provision for a six-form entry secondary school and two neighbourhood centres. A new multimodal transport corridor will link Westwood Heath Road with the A46 Stoneleigh Junction, and land is safeguarded for a transport interchange with a rail station, park and ride and very light rail. Densities of at least 40 homes per hectare are expected.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development in Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance their character and appearance, having regard to siting, density, scale, height and design. Natural materials matching existing buildings should be used, and important views into, out of and within the area must be protected. Demolition of unlisted buildings that make a positive contribution will be resisted, and trees that contribute to character will be protected, with Tree Preservation Orders made where needed. Buckinghamshire has 179 Conservation Areas, and a programme to review them all has begun.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers proposal SOU.1, land east of Southam delivering at least 3,122 homes across 201 hectares between 2028 and 2045. It includes 2.8 hectares of employment land, 13 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, three primary schools, a new secondary school plus a one-form expansion of Southam College, and two local centres. Densities of at least 40 homes per hectare apply. Bus services must improve, including a half-hourly service to Leamington, and development must keep a strong sense of separation between Southam and Napton on the Hill.