Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
Interim Avoidance Strategy
Hart District has a number of areas designated as part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA), for their ability to provide a habitat for the internationally important bird species of woodlark, nightjar and Dartford Warbler, These species are particularly subject to disturbance from walkers, dog walkers and cat predation. It is considered an increase in net dwellings will increase the number of residents and therefore increase the potential number of visitors to the SPA.
In response to this the Council have produced a draft Interim Avoidance Strategy. Please use the link below to view the document:
The purpose of the Interim Strategy is to provide guidance to developers when making planning applications on the provision of avoidance measures to avoid the effect of a net increase in population within 5km of the SPA.
The document went out to consultation from 29th September - 10th November 2008. We are currently analysing the responses, after which we will make any amendments accordingly. The Interim Avoidance Strategy will then be taken forward to Cabinet and used to provide guidance to developers when producing planning applications for a net increase in residential dwellings within 5km of the SPA.