Comment

Representation ID: 19904

Received: 01/04/2021

Respondent: Natural England

We note that the following allocations are on land which may be best and most versatile agricultural land. The plan should safeguard the long term capability of such land (NPPF para 170).
In order to inform the sustainability appraisal and ensure an accurate assessment of the impact of the plan on soil resources we recommend that allocations over 5ha, or at least those over 20ha, have ALC surveys undertaken in order to determine the ALC grade and help inform master planning and soil handling going forward.

The sites lies on or in close proximity to woodlands and trees identified in the ancient woodland and veteran trees inventories.
NPPF para 175 sets out a strong presumption against development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees). Natural England and the Forestry Commission have produced standing advice on ancient woodland, ancient and veteran trees.