Mitigation and Compensation
When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.
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Chwilio
National Planning Policy
Planning is a devolved matter in Wales – meaning that Wales has its own primary planning legislation (the Planning (Wales) Act 2015), and that local planning authorities in Wales must comply with the plans and policies set by the Welsh Government.
Local Development Plans (LDP) Process
A Local Development Plan (LDP) is a strategic document written by the Local Planning Authority, setting out how much development should take place in the area, what kinds of development are needed, and where new development should be built.
Running a local campaign
If there is a development that significantly threatens wildlife, you may want to raise awareness and support by running a local campaign. Such campaigns can serve several purposes, such as encouraging more people to respond to the planning application and showing the level of concern to the developer and the planning authority.
Developments of National Significance (DNS)
Applications for some large infrastructure projects are decided by Welsh Ministers instead of the local planning authority. These include energy projects, roads, railways and airports, dams and reservoirs and certain waste facilities, subject to various thresholds, and are called Developments of National Significance (DNS).
Place plan
A Place Plan is a document that sets out local level planning guidance. It sits below a Local Development Plan (LDP), linking to the LDP policies, and other local plans. They are usually written by local people or town or community councils and can be adopted by a local planning authority as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Speaking at Planning Committee
Larger and more complex developments are usually decided by the planning committee. Each local planning authority will have its own rules as to which applications will be decided by the planning committee (called the scheme of delegation). You can find out if an application is going to be decided by committee by looking at the application information or by asking the case officer.
Sea mouse
This strange furry creature often found washed ashore after storms is actually a kind of worm!
Freshwater pearl mussel
Freshwater pearl mussels spend their adult lives anchored to the river bed, filtering water through their gills and improving the quality of the water for other species.
Little grebe
The little grebe is a fantastic diver, but to help it swim underwater, its feet are placed towards the back of its body, making it rather clumsy on land. It only really comes ashore to breed.