Draft Charging Schedule

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated and received by Natural England on 09 March 2015.
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.
Natural England has no specific comments to make on the draft CIL Charges, however would like to make the following general comments, which we hope are helpful.
Natural England is not a service provider, nor do we have detailed knowledge of infrastructure requirements of the area concerned. However, we note that the National Planning Policy Framework Para 114 states "Local planning authorities should set out a strategic approach in their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure." We view CIL as playing an important role in delivering such a strategic approach.
As such we advise that the council gives careful consideration to how it intends to meet this aspect of the NPPF, and the role of the CIL in this. In the absence of a CIL approach to enhancing the natural environment, we would be concerned that the only enhancements to the natural environment would be ad hoc, and not deliver a strategic approach, and that as such the local plan may not be consistent with the NPPF.
Potential infrastructure requirements may include:
 Access to natural greenspace.
 Allotment provision.
 Infrastructure identified in the local Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
 Infrastructure identified by any Local Nature Partnerships and or BAP projects.
 Infrastructure identified by any AONB management plans.
 Infrastructure identified by any Green infrastructure strategies.
 Other community aspirations or other green infrastructure projects (e.g. street tree planting).
 Infrastructure identified to deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation.
 Any infrastructure requirements needed to ensure that the Local Plan is Habitats Regulation Assessment compliant (further discussion with Natural England will be required should this be the case.)
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.