DRAFT Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
The council has published the draft Biodiversity and Nature Conservation SPD for consultation. This SPD updates SPD11, the Nature Conservation and Development SPD adopted in 2010 and, once finalised, will replace it.
Public consultation on the Draft SPD started on Monday 7th February and runs until Monday 21st March 2022.
The SPD outlines Brighton & Hove’s local biodiversity, highlighting important sites and special habitats and the importance of protecting local wildlife. It provides advice on ways to integrate biodiversity into the design of new development. It identifies key biodiversity matters that need to be considered during the planning process and includes a step-by-step guide of how and when biodiversity should be considered from the very early design stages through to the construction and operational stages of the development.
Tell us what you think of the Draft SPD that, once adopted, will guide decisions on planning applications.
Views put forward in the consultation will feed into the final version of the guidance that will be submitted to the council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee for adoption later in 2022.
How to view consultation documents
Please note that there are changes to the way we normally make the Draft SPD publicly available as a result of the effects of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
• The Draft SPD and its Annexes are available to be viewed and/or downloaded from the council website
• If you are a library member, you can use the library computers to view the Draft SPD online. Please refer to the latest information on libraries opening and use of the library computers and/or for help on accessing the council’s website.
• A paper copy of the Draft SPD and its Annexes are also available to view in all libraries across the city.
If you are unable to access the information via the website or library computers, or are not able to reach your library to view a paper version, or if you are aware of anyone in these circumstances, please leave a message on the Policy Team voicemail on 01273 292333 to discuss alternative arrangements. When leaving a message, please clearly state your name and contact phone number. We will aim to get back within 5 working days.
How to make comments
To help us handle your comments quickly and efficiently we recommend you make your comments using the council’s online consultation portal
Alternatively email: planningpolicy@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Or write to: DRAFT BNC SPD Policy Projects and Heritage Team
Brighton & Hove City Council
First Floor Hove Town Hall
Norton Road BN3 3BQ
A Word version Response Form is available on request via email or phone call to 01273 292333.
Please note that we cannot take account of responses which are submitted to us confidentially. All representations received by the council will be publicly available, although personal contact details will not be published.
Comments must be received by the deadline of 23:59 on Monday 21st March 2022.
Strategic Environmental Assessment of the SPD
As part of the preparation of the SPD, the council has undertaken an initial assessment of whether the SPD is likely to result in significant adverse effects. This is a legal requirement under the “Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004”. In consultation with the statutory bodies: Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency, the council can confirm that the SPD is unlikely to result in significant adverse effects.
This initial assessment, the Strategic Environmental Assessment screening report, is available to view on the council website. Alternatively, a hard copy can be made available on request by emailing planningpolicy@brighton-hove.gov.uk or by phone call to 01273 292333. Please note this report is for information only, the council is not inviting consultation comments on this.