The Borough Council will seek to conserve, protect and enhance an integrated green network of wildlife habitats, wildlife corridors and informal nature areas and will not normally permit development which may adversely affect, sever or in general, act to the overall detriment of this green network.
The Borough Council recognises the most appropriate manner in which to regard its nature conservation resource is to view it as a holistic interdependent system of habitats and green spaces, some of which stretch outside the Borough. This resource can be seen as the green network of different habitats and areas of land, water and landscape features which provide conditions suitable for wildlife to flourish.
By continually defining, monitoring and safeguarding a green network, the Borough Council recognises that it not only protects a strategic natural resource for wildlife, but protects a quality natural environment within easy access for all residents and visitors to the borough to enjoy.
It is generally accepted that nature sites have a greater biological viability when they form part of a larger network system. This facilitates the general movement of plant, animal and bird communities and reduces the vulnerability of sites or communities which may become island-like open spaces and therefore prone to deterioration or unsympathetic development.
The green network itself includes all the important and recognised wildlife sites. This includes SSSI's, LNR's, SNCI's, woodlands, rivers, coastal areas, ponds and informal open spaces.
The Borough Council will;
NC 2.1. Define a green network of wildlife habitats, statutory and informal nature areas, woodlands, water and landscape features which contribute to the natural resource of the Borough and resist developments which may adversely affect the integrity of the green network.
NC 2.2. In consultation with the County Council and the adjacent Local Authority, define strategic areas of nature conservation value which may cross administrative boundaries which the Borough Council will consider as integral with its own green network.
NC 2.3. Seek appropriate opportunities to consolidate and strengthen the green network by ensuring that new developments adjacent to and within the network, contribute positively to their strategic role within the Borough.
NC 2.4. Where appropriate, support schemes and projects which enhance ecological interest and improve or create public access to the green network.
NC 2.5. Recognise the green network covers appropriate woodland edge and marginal vegetation structures and therefore resist developments which will adversely affect the continuity and integrity of these margins.
NC 2.6. Continue to protect woodlands, trees, groups of trees and tree belts through the use of Tree Preservation Orders and development control measures.
NC 2.7. Continue to implement and update the policies and proposals as contained within the Borough Tree and Woodland Strategy.
NC 2.8. Continue to provide a service of advice within the Authority on any matter, arboricultural or ecological, which may affect any area within the green network.
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This page last updated: 28/03/2003