Dorset Council have published updated guidance to Biodiversity Appraisal in Dorset.
Under the Council’s current protocol planning applications for sites of over 0.1Ha in area, or where there are known protected species or important habitat features can be required to be accompanied by a Biodiversity Mitigation and Enhancement Plan. That plan needs to be submitted to the Dorset Natural Environment team and a fee paid for them to consider it and, if agreed, issue a certificate of approval, and planning permission wont be issued until a certificate of approval is in place.
The updated guidance sets out the Council’s approach to considering Mitigation and Enhancement Plans when those are required, and what types of mitigation are needed and when. The guidance is applicable to planning applications made in the Dorset Council area (the former local authority areas of North, East and West Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland) and can be viewed at: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/countryside-coast-parks/countryside-management/biodiversity/biodiversity-appraisal-in-dorset.aspx
The guidance is complex and can have significant impacts for the layout and capacity of new developments. We therefore encourage applicants to take advice on this aspect at an early stage when formulating their planning applications.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this matter please do not hesitate to contact us.
