BASE HEADER

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 17 March 2014 which was received by Natural England on the same day.
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.
Preferred Options DPD
Having reviewed the preferred option sites and possible alternatives, Natural England concludes that the sites are unlikely to significantly affect any internationally designated sites or significantly harm nationally designated Sites of Special Scientific Interests.
Allocations which have the potential to indirectly affect neighbouring local wildlife sites (including potential sites) (Gtalt01, Gt02 and GTalt02) should be avoided. This complies with the NPPF 'mitigation hierarchy' which states harm should be avoided, mitigated or, as a last resort compensated.
If, through the SA, your authority determines that these sites are in the most sustainable locations (when compared against reasonable alternatives) and they remain allocated, mitigation measures which preserve and enhance their wildlife interest should be identified in the plan.
Sustainability Appraisal
The SA methodology complies with the requirements of SEA Directives, Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004.
Natural England concurs with the appraisal's assessment of each site's sustainability.
We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.