Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy SPD
The Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy SPD 2019 sets out an approach whereby new residential development that is between 400 metres and five kilometres of the SPA can avoid adverse effects on the SPA by providing Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) as an alternative site for recreation, and by funding access management and monitoring measures on the SPA itself. The SPD outlines the assessment and mitigation requirements for development which places recreational pressure on the SPA and the financial contributions required from developers. The SPD updates the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy SPD 2012 and takes into account guidance that has been issued since the 2012 SPD was adopted.
The SPD was agreed for adoption by the Council's Executive on the 19 March 2019.
The Borough Council, in consultation with the Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England determined under Regulation 9 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 that Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was not required for the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy SPD. It was also determined that a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) was not required for the SPD.
A hard copy of the SPD or the SEA Determination may be obtained in Large print, Braille or foreign languages on request to the Borough Council by contacting 01276 707100 or by policy.consult@surreyheath.gov.uk(link sends e-mail).
SANG is collected through the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy. A SANGs charge of £112.50 per sqm (Gross Internal Area per square metre) will be levied to cover maintenance and management of SANGs for residential development from which CiL cannot be levied - see more on our guidance page.