12.44 National policy[1] promotes sustainable development whilst conserving and enhancing biodiversity. Plan policies should take a strategic approach to the conservation, enhancement and restoration of biodiversity and geology by sustaining and where possible improving the quality and extent of natural habitat and the populations of naturally occurring species which they support. This should be based on up to date information of resources in the area and should promote opportunities within the design of the proposal for the incorporation of beneficial biodiversity and geological interests.

12.45 The District Council recognises the value of our natural assets and has been working with Somerset County Council, the District/Borough Councils, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, RSPB and other conservation agencies as part of the Somerset Biodiversity Partnership to identify species[2] and habitats that are important in Somerset and to draw up plans to assist in their conservation.

12.46 'Wild Somerset' is the Strategy that covers the whole area of Somerset and describes how the partnership will work together and involve local communities and other agencies in activities to protect and enhance wildlife. In addition to the habitats and species covered in the Countywide Wild Somerset Strategy, the South Somerset Local Biodiversity Action Plan describes the actions that the District and other partners will take locally to protect and enhance wildlife in the District.[3] All proposals should consider protection and enhancement of biodiversity from the outset and have regard to Local and Regional Biodiversity Strategies, taking into consideration the findings as identified in 'The Distribution of European Protected Species in South Somerset' and 'European Protected Species in South Somerset'.[4] Priority Species are defined in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act and in Somerset Priority Species List, and are to be protected from the adverse implications of new development. The Brackets Coppice Special Conservation Area near Crewkerne merits particular consideration of its resident bat population and their foraging area in consideration of local biodiversity in that area. The implications for bats of lighting associated with development will need to be borne in mind when determining planning applications.

12.47 There are significant consequences for the long-term protection and adaptability of biodiversity and the ability of wildlife and habitats to respond to climate change. There is a need to expand and re-connect the existing areas and restore habitats where they have been destroyed. Development proposals should be accompanied by sufficient information to assess the effects of development on protected sites, species, biodiversity or geology, together with any proposed prevention, mitigation or compensation measures.  They will need to demonstrate that they will not adversely impact nationally and internationally designated sites.

12.48 It is anticipated that the forthcoming Green Infrastructure Strategy is relevant and will contribute to the protection and enhancement of areas of biodiversity importance and therefore support delivery of the policy objectives.

12.49 The following delivery bodies will be key in implementing Policy EQ4:

• South Somerset District Council;
• Developers and Landowners;
• Natural England.