In this chapter

• Introduction to development management policy
• Housing
• Climate change
• Nature and ecosystem services
  • Policy N/SHS: Sites, habitats and species
  • Policy N/BNG: Biodiversity net gain
  • Policy N/GI: Green infrastructure
  • Policy N/OS: Open spaces
  • Policy N/TWC: Trees and woodland conservation
  • Policy N/CELLC Landscape character and setting of settlements
  • Policy N/RFSD: Flood risk management and sustainable drainage
  • Policy N/ES: Ecosystem services
  • Policy N/EN: Ecological networks and nature recovery - local nature recovery strategies
• Green Belt
• Jobs and economy
• Healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities
• Heritage and design
• Sustainable transport
• Pollution, contamination and safety
• Minerals and waste
• Waste
• Infrastructure

Policy N/ES: Ecosystem services

About this page

How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works

These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:

Policy background

• Relevant national policy or regulations
• National or regional trends
• Local situation and needs/li>
• How we have dealt with this issue in the past
• The thinking behind the policy

Policy options for the new Local Plan

We may suggest a variety of approaches:

• Keeping existing policy as it is
• Making small changes
• Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
• Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future

Policy option analysis

• A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.

More on this topic

Read the Natural Environment Topic Paper, for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.

Explore the policy

Select a section below to read more.

Policy background

9.233 The NPPF paragraph 180 b) sets out that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by amongst other things:

9.234 'Recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland.’

9.235 Placemaking Plan Policy NE4 seeks to protect and enhance supporting services, provisioning services, regulatory services and cultural services.

9.236  The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Natural Environment Topic Paper.

Policy options for the new Local Plan

9.237 Natural England (NE) have released a tool to help towns and cities turn greener. A standard within the tool promotes urban nature recovery. This standard aims to boost nature recovery, create and restore rich wildlife habitats and build resilience to climate change, while incorporating nature- based solutions, including trees and wildflowers, into the design of towns and cities will increase carbon capture, prevent flooding and reduce temperatures during heatwaves. As such, the following options are proposed:

Option A

Leave policy as existing.

Advantages of Option A

Limited issues from a development management perspective.

Disadvantages of Option A

The existing policy is currently underused and general in its approach.

Option B

Adapt policy NE4 to better address/require a nature- based solutions approach as set out within NE GI Framework – Principles and Standards.

Advantages of Option B

• Will take account of most current and up to date guidance set out within NE GI Framework, particularly promoting the need to manage and enhance natural assets.
• Will ensure that developments are maximising benefits for people and nature and are contributing to nature’s recovery.

Disadvantages of Option B

Need to provide sufficient evidence for justification.