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Re: Old Milverton & Blackdown - Neighbourhood Planning Area
Thank you for your consultation on the above, which was received by Natural England on the 12 October 2012.
Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
We acknowledge the intention to commence work on the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and would like to draw your attention to the joint guidance issued by Environment Agency, English Heritage, Forestry Commission and Natural England which can be found at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf .
It is noted that Guy's Cliff Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is in the vicinity of the neighbourhood planning area.
Please note paragraph 118 of the National Planning Policy Framework that specifies that 'proposed development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (either individually or in combination with other developments) should not normally be permitted.'
We trust that these comments are useful. For any correspondence or queries relating to this consultation only, please contact Jamie Melvin using the details given below. For all other correspondence, including in relation to forward planning consultations, please contact the address above or email consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.