Cheshire East Council is urging developers to follow new guidelines for protecting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.
The council is conducting a four-week consultation on a draft supplementary planning document that aims to reduce the impact of new housing and commercial property developments on the environment. Proposals will require a 10% minimum improvement to biodiversity and habitats on developments.
The policy reflects the council’s corporate plan to be an open, fair, and green authority and hopes to promote sustainable development and mitigate the impacts of climate change on the borough.
This latest consultation on the biodiversity net gain supplementary planning document launched on 31st October and incorporates feedback received on the initial draft from May/June 2021.
Although the council has been developing an approach to biodiversity net gain for some time, this guidance will bring the council in line with the new 2022 Environment Act, which comes into effect from January 2024.
Cllr Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council’s chair of the environment and communities committee, said:
“This is an important document if we want to take real steps towards protecting our environment and natural habitats and make our own contribution towards tackling the biodiversity crisis.
“The views of all interested parties are important to us so that we can finalise new planning guidance that will supplement our existing local plan strategy and help the council, developers and communities to achieve housing or commercial developments that enhance our environment and not detract from it.”
Comments on the Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document can be made via the Cheshire East Council consultation website.
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