Representation by Natural England (Natural England)
- Date submitted
- 15 November 2022
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Natural England is satisfied that the Environmental Statement and Habitats Regulations Assessment confirm that the proposed scheme is unlikely to have any adverse effect on key matters within Natural England’s statutory remit, including designated sites. However, there is the significant matter of Biodiversity Net Gain that needs to be resolved. To overcome our concerns, a feasibility assessment is needed for offsite Biodiversity Net Gain before the Development Consent Order requirement. We recommend consulting with the Local Planning Authority and county ecologists regarding offsite Biodiversity Net Gain. We are satisfied with the parameters of the Construction Environment Management Plan, Outline Ecological Mitigation Strategy and Landscape Environment Management Plan. The Environmental Statement explored the reasonable alternatives of this proposal and we are satisfied that these were addressed.