Nature & environment

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.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy supports community food growing by protecting existing community gardens, allotments and orchards and enabling new ones. Developments of 50 to 99 dwellings must include a 150 square metre plot for community food growing, rising to 300 square metres for schemes of 100 dwellings or more. Developers must also provide supporting infrastructure such as a water supply and storage facilities. The council sees these spaces as helping health, social connection and access to affordable food.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy supports new sport and recreation facilities that are accessible by walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport, provided they avoid unacceptable impacts on amenity, roads, wildlife, heritage and flooding. Housing developments of more than 10 units, or over 1,000 square metres of floorspace, must meet the sports and recreation standards in Appendix P, normally through on-site provision. Existing facilities can only be lost if they are shown to be surplus, replaced with equivalent or better provision, or the change delivers clear open space benefits. Long-term management arrangements must be agreed.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets water efficiency standards for new development, reflecting that the South East is classed as under serious water stress. All new dwellings must achieve a standard of 85 litres per person per day, or any tighter future national requirement. Non-residential development must achieve full credits in the BREEAM water calculator, with at least three credits under the Wat01 measure. Refurbishments and changes of use must be retrofitted to the same standards. The approach aims to protect the chalk aquifer and the Chilterns' chalk streams from over-abstraction.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section describes proposal WAR.1, 51 hectares west of Warwick Racecourse delivering at least 850 homes between 2031/32 and 2040/41. The scheme includes a new country park with play areas, sport and flood management, plus a new off-road walking and cycling route across the A46 to Warwick Parkway station. A spine road will link Hampton Road and Old Budbrooke Road. Built development must avoid the flood-prone eastern part of the site and protect the character of the Warwick Conservation Area, with the racecourse running flat retained or relocated.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out proposal WEL.1, land north of Wellesbourne. The 129-hectare allocation delivers at least 1,331 homes on 97 hectares between 2033 and 2042, plus 9 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, a two-form entry primary school, a local centre possibly including a health facility, and a sports pavilion. It also allocates 47.5 hectares (27 net) of employment land, mainly research and office use, at the University of Warwick's Wellesbourne Campus, with building heights ranging from one to four storeys across defined character areas. The setting of Charlecote Park must be protected.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers the Stoneleigh Employment Group, proposals STO.1 to STO.3, across 188 hectares. Together they deliver about 82.3 hectares of non-strategic employment land: 5.4 hectares through intensifying Stoneleigh Park, 64.9 hectares north and south of Stoneleigh Road, and 12 hectares at Manor Fields Farm. A new multimodal spine road, using former HS2 compound land, will give an alternative access to Stoneleigh Park and act as a bypass for Stoneleigh village. Development must protect Kings Wood, the Stoneleigh Abbey estate and other heritage assets, with delivery from 2030 onwards.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section introduces the public open space guidance annex, which explains how the plan's open space policies will be applied. It should be read alongside published technical notes, including a draft management plan, cost schedule and template legal agreements. It then begins defining four types of accessible greenspace: parks and gardens, recreation grounds, natural and semi-natural greenspace, and amenity greenspace, each described by its character and typical uses.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out detailed public open space guidance. New residential development must provide at least 5.67 hectares of usable open space per 1,000 residents, calculated from bedroom numbers, with the same standard applied to jobs in commercial schemes. Space should be on site, or within about 480 metres, or funded through a financial contribution. Developments over 100 homes must provide allotments. It also covers 30-year maintenance sums, minimum sizes for council adoption, delivery before 60% of homes are occupied, management company rules, and design standards for planting, play areas and sustainable drainage.