Policy MW4: The Brecks Protected Habitats and Species

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Comment

Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Pre-Submission Publication

Representation ID: 99422

Received: 19/12/2022

Respondent: Natural England

Representation Summary:

Natural England welcome the inclusion of policy MW4, specific to the Brecks’ protected habitats and species. The Brecks is an area rich in biodiversity and is of particular value for a number of ground-nesting bird species including Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus.

Natural England are currently in the process of revising our guidance on assessing development effects on Breckland SPA stone curlew populations, which could influence the detail of policy MW4. We would advise the removal of the following paragraph, “A buffer zone has also been defined (indicated in orange hatching on Map 2) that extends 1,500 metres around areas that have a functional link to the SPA, because they support Stone Curlew outside, but in close proximity to the SPA boundary, within which new built development would be likely to significantly affect the SPA population.” Whilst at the draft stage of development, Natural England would be happy to discuss the proposed new guidance with Norfolk County Council so that it can be used to inform this policy.

Change suggested by respondent:

Natural England are currently in the process of revising our guidance on assessing development effects on Breckland SPA stone curlew populations, which could influence the detail of policy MW4. We would advise the removal of the following paragraph, “A buffer zone has also been defined (indicated in orange hatching on Map 2) that extends 1,500 metres around areas that have a functional link to the SPA, because they support Stone Curlew outside, but in close proximity to the SPA boundary, within which new built development would be likely to significantly affect the SPA population.”

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