Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area

Interim Avoidance Strategy

A revised Interim Avoidance Strategy (1.31MB) for the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area was adopted by Cabinet on 4^th November 2010 replacing the Interim Avoidance Strategy January 2009.

The maps detailed in the Interim Avoidance Strategy are available as downloads on the right-hand side of the page.

Please note: from 1st January 2011new tariffs for the financial contributions will be implemented.  The new tariffs are detailed in Annex 1 of the strategy.

Background

The SPA is a network of heathland sites designated under the European Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive and protected in the UK under the Habitats Regulations.  Particular rules apply to development proposals in the vicinity of the SPA to ensure that they are not likely to have significant adverse effects on the integrity of the SPA.

The purpose of the Interim Avoidance Strategy is to provide guidance for developers in Hart on the provision of avoidance measures with net residential development.

The key changes to the document include:

• The inclusion of a new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) at Hawley Meadows and Blackwater Park to accompany the existing SANG at Hitches Lane, Fleet.
• The inclusion of an extra tariff for the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) cost.

Applicants for sites affected by the SPA will be expected to provide appropriate avoidance measures in line with the Interim Avoidance Strategy to ensure the development will not have a significant adverse effect on the SPA.

Monitoring

The Council monitors the depletion of mitigation capacity at the SANGs as planning permissions are granted. This is detailed in the table below.

Further Information

The Joint Strategic Partnership (JSP) was set up to deliver a strategic approach to the issues raised by the SPA. It is made up of a number of bodies, mainly the local authorities surrounding the SPA and Natural England.  Further information can be found on the JSP website.

The Strategic Delivery Framework for the Thames Basin Heaths SPA endorsed by the JSP can be downloaded by clicking here.(429KB)

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Posted: January 2009
Updated: 29 September 2011