Joy Russell
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Planning applications must be made to the ‘Local Planning Authority’ (LPA), for any development that involves the change of use to a piece of land.
Having received a planning application, the LPA is required to consider the economic, social and environmental implications of the proposal, and may seek views from interested parties, including local residents. The full range of consultations that the LPA is obligated to undertake will depend on the scale of the proposal and the nature of the development.
Which applications does Yorkshire Wildlife Trust consult on?
Due to limited resources, it is generally only within our remit to make representations in relation to very large-scale applications and applications which may impact on one of our Living Landscapes or nature reserves. Local authorities and/or Natural England (acting as a statutory consultee where an application involves a SSSI or protected species) both have responsibilities to ensure protection and enhancement of the natural environment through the planning system.
What can you do?
Planning applications can usually be obtained from the Local Authority’s website or by contacting the planning officer. When looking through the application you should look out for whether it will directly or indirectly affect wildlife habitats, at or near the proposed development site. Some applications may have an Environmental Statement or Ecological report (a professional study on how the development may affect the environment) which should detail any surveys that have been carried out.
Writing a letter of response
When writing a letter of response use the word ‘object’ if you are against the response as this holds more weight.
You can use a conditional objection where a development is acceptable subject to a few alterations or conditions. Make sure your response is reasoned and any conditions you suggest are realistic and achievable. If you have some evidence of significant wildlife interest you may also lodge a request for a more detailed biological survey/study of this particular feature, e.g. a bat survey.
Objections should include supporting evidence that is based on material considerations such as relevant legislation and policies. Look for policies that support your objection in National Planning Guidance (Planning Policy Statements), or your Local Development Framework. In general, objections can be made on nature conservation grounds where a development:
- Directly affects an important wildlife site or priority habitat
- Indirectly affects an important wildlife site or priority habitat (e.g. hydrology, visitor pressure, noise or pollution)
- Affects a protected species, or a priority species (as listed under either the UK or County Biodiversity Action Plan)
- Reduces green space available as wildlife corridors along rivers, streams and hedgerows etc, especially through urban areas
National Planning Policy Framework
For more information visit The Wildlife Trusts page here.
Contact
For more information contact Sara Robin or Joanne Hodgson. Please also visit our webpage for useful contacts and groups in your local area.
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| Planning Guidance | 298.87 KB |
| Statutory Designations | 320.1 KB |
| Other Wildlife Sites | 258.52 KB |
| Protected Species | 397.21 KB |
| Amphibians | 325.56 KB |
| Bats | 322.4 KB |
| Otters and Water Voles | 322.23 KB |
| Birds | 318.1 KB |
| Badgers | 318.86 KB |
| Bats and Wind Turbines | 438.74 KB |
| Birds and Wind Turbines | 423.64 KB |