Object

Representation ID: 27641

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Persimmon Homes (West Yorkshire)

Agent: Lichfields

ZONE B relates to such evidence that may be reasonably required, as to whether land proposed for development affects foraging habitat for qualifying species of the SPA. The guidance in the HRA for the draft Local Plan (see below) and the South Pennine Moors SPA/SAC SPD does not adequately describe what evidence will be required (for example, survey effort and methods) to establish whether land is or is not functionally linked to the South Pennine Moors SPA/SAC. The HRA of the draft Local Plan and SPD should be based on field survey evidence of the presence of SPA birds rather than just desk-based study and the modelling of habitat types. It is essential to first establish whether or not a potential development site supports SPA birds (i.e. birds which are actually associated with CBMDC Draft Local Plan Review Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire 4 the SPA and are regularly moving between the SPA and the development site).
If this policy is to remain then it must be reworded to reflect that fact that it is only land that is used by SPA birds which may be regarded as functionally linked land not simply habitat that may be used theoretically.
“In Zone B it will be considered, based on such evidence as may be reasonably required, whether land proposed for development affects foraging habitat DEL<for> INS<used by> DEL<the qualifying species of the> SPA INS<birds>. Further guidance can be found in the South Pennine Moors SPD.”