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Chapter 11
Nature Conservation

NC1

Site Protection

NC2

Protection of Species

NC3

Habitat Protection, Creation and Management

Objective

To protect, enhance and encourage the positive management of Sefton’s sites, habitats and species of nature conservation value.

 

Indicators

(Combined indicators for Nature Conservation and The Coast Chapters)

 

11.1/12.1 Area and condition of land designated as SSSIs.

 

11.2/12.2 Changes (losses and gains) in the area of designated sites of local significance as a result of development.

 

Key partners

Environment Agency, English Nature, Merseyside Biodiversity Group

 


Introduction

11.1 For a metropolitan authority Sefton is remarkably rich in natural value. The diversity of life - or ‘biodiversity’ as it is known - is a key part of sustainable development.

 

11.2 Major habitats include duneland, woodland, wetlands, salt marshes, intertidal foreshores, farmland and heathland. Most of the coastal zone (see Chapter 12 ‘The Coast’) is of high nature conservation value and is protected under European and national legislation.

 

11.3 The United Kingdom signed the Biodiversity Convention1 at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. In response to its obligations under the Convention, the Government published ‘Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan’ in 1994. This sets out the conservation strategy for the next 10 and 20 years and has led to the production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

 

11.4 For Sefton, this is the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (NMBAP) in which the Council is a key partner. The Plan sets out objectives and targets for restoring habitats and species at the local level. Through the NMBAP the Council will endeavour to protect sites and species, improve land management, create links between wildlife habitats and promote wildlife conservation to all communities.

 

11.5 Nature conservation also has a major role to play in urban regeneration through providing access to wildlife in urban areas. Biodiversity can be enhanced as part of development and regeneration projects. Nature conservation sites create a local sense of pride and appreciation.

 

11.6 Although it can make a significant contribution, the Plan does not attempt to address the issues of nature conservation on its own. In addition to the NMBAP, other plans and strategies promote nature conservation within Sefton. These include the Alt/Crossens and Lower Mersey Local Environment Agency Plans and the Sefton Coast Management Plan.

 

POLICY NC1
SITE PROTECTION

  1. Development will not be permitted which would harm the nature conservation objectives or integrity of the following sites of international, national, or local importance, as identified on the Proposals Map:

     

International

 

  1. designated and proposed Ramsar Sites;

     

  2. designated and potential Special Protection Areas;

     

  3. designated and candidate Special Areas of Conservation;

     

National

 

  1. Sites of Special Scientific Interest;

     

  2. National Nature Reserves;

     

Local

 

  1. Local Nature Reserves;

     

  2. Sites of Local Biological/Geological Interest.

     

  1. In the case of international sites identified in (a) - (c), development will only be allowed where there are no alternative solutions and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

     

  2. In the case of national sites identified in (d) and (e), development will be subject to special scrutiny. Development which may have an adverse affect, directly or indirectly, on the special interest of the site will not be permitted unless the reasons for the development clearly outweigh the nature conservation value of the site itself.

     

  3. In the case of local sites identified in (f) and (g), exceptions will only be allowed where the reasons for development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the sites.

     

  4. In all cases it must be shown that:

     

    1. the development cannot reasonably be located elsewhere;

       

    2. harm to the nature conservation value of the site will be as small as possible by careful design and layout of the development;

       

    3. any harm to the nature conservation value which results from the development is compensated within or near to the site.

       

  5. Where planning permission is granted, planning conditions or a legal agreement may be used to protect, enhance and/or compensate for any loss of the site's nature conservation interest.

     

Figure 11.1 Sites of International Nature Conservation Importance

 

Figure 11.1 Sites of International Nature Conservation Importance


Explanation

11.7 Sefton contains significant areas of internationally and nationally important nature conservation sites. These sites are identified in figures 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3. The policy covers both designated and proposed sites as these are treated in the same way when considering development proposals.

 

11.8 The majority of the Sefton coast is designated for its international importance. Areas of the foreshore and dunes are designated, or are proposed for designation, under the Ramsar Convention as internationally important wetland habitats.

 

Figure 11.2 Sites of National Nature Conservation Importance

 

Figure 11.2 Sites of National Nature Conservation Importance

11.9 Areas of the foreshore are also designated as a Special Protection AreaG (under the EC Birds DirectiveG) for the conservation of wild birds.

 

11.10 The dunes and part of the foreshore are designated as a Special Area of ConservationG (under the EC Habitats DirectiveG) for the protection of habitats and species.

 

11.11 Sites of Special Scientific InterestG and National Nature Reserves are nationally important nature conservation sites.

 

11.12 Three National Nature Reserves lie entirely or partly in Sefton. They aim both to protect areas of wildlife habitat and to ensure they are managed in an appropriate way. The Reserves also provide a resource for scientific research.

 

11.13 There are four Sites of Special Scientific Interest which lie entirely or partly in Sefton. These are the best examples of our natural heritage of wildlife habitats, geological features and landforms. Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and National Nature Reserves are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

 

Figure 11.3

Sites of International & National Nature Conservation Importance

International

 

 

Ramsar SiteG

 

Ribble & Alt Estuaries Phase 2

 

Ramsar Site

 

Mersey Narrows & North Wirral Foreshore (proposed)

 

SPA

 

Ribble & Alt Estuaries

 

SPA

 

Mersey Narrows & North Wirral Foreshore (proposed)

 

SAC

 

Sefton Coast

 

National

 

SSSI

 

Sefton Coast

 

SSSI

 

Hesketh Golf Links

 

SSSI

 

Mersey Estuary

 

NNR

 

Ribble Estuary (also Ribble Estuary SSSI)

 

NNR

 

Ainsdale Sand Dunes (within Sefton Coast SSSI)

 

NNR

 

Cabin Hill (within Sefton Coast SSSI)

 

 

 

Figure 11.4

Local Nature Reserves & Proposed Local Nature Reserves

Existing

 

Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills

 

Ravenmeols Sandhills

 

Brookvale

 

Proposed

 

Hightown Meadow

 

Marshside and Crossens Marshes

 

Freshfield and Woodvale Dune Heath

 

Fulwood Way, Rimrose Valley

 

Aintree Triangle Cutting

 

Kenilworth Road

 

Queen’s Jubilee Nature Trail

 

Extension of Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills

 

Extensions of Ravenmeols Sandhill

 

11.14 The international and national sites of nature conservation importance have been combined on the Proposals Map, but are shown separately in figures 11.1 and 11.2.

 

11.15 Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Local Biological Interest and Sites of Local Geological Interest are regionally and locally important sites.

 

11.16 Local Nature Reserves and proposed Local Nature Reserves are listed in figure 11.4. These help to conserve biodiversity. In addition they help people to learn more about the natural heritage and to enjoy it. Local Nature Reserves contribute to English Nature’s targets for providing areas of nature value to which the community has easy access.11.17 Sites of Local Biological Interest have been identified by the Council through surveys for their importance to nature conservation in Sefton, and these sites are listed in Appendix 4. Within the Plan period further sites may be identified.

 

11.18 The Sites of Local Geological Interest form an important element of the network of nature conservation designations. These sites are listed in Appendix 5.

 

11.19 For the sake of clarity on the Proposals Map, Sites of Local Biological Interest and Sites of Local Geological Interest are shown by the same notation.

 

11.20 The policy states that development will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. Where these are proven, proposals will only be permitted if they ensure that any damage is reduced as much as possible and include compensation for the harm caused. This may involve enhancing the remaining habitat and creating new habitat.

 

Implementation

11.21 This policy will be implemented through the development control process.

 

Sustainability appraisal

No changes needed.

 

Policy Links

NC3 Habitat Protection, Creation and Management.

 

Background documents

Planning Policy Guidance Note 9 ‘Nature Conservation’, 1994.

 

POLICY NC2
PROTECTION OF SPECIES

  1. Development will not be permitted which may cause harm to protected or other rare or vulnerable species of animal or plant, or its habitat, unless it can be demonstrated that the impact can be successfully mitigated.

     

  2. Planning applications likely to affect protected, rare or vulnerable species should be supported by an expert survey and specialist advice.

     

  3. Where permission is granted, a planning condition or legal agreement may be used to secure the continued protection of a species and the enhancement of their habitat.

     


Explanation

11.22 Certain plants and animals are protected by law. The presence of a protected species is a material considerationG in planning decisions. Species subject to special protection in Sefton include all wild birds, all bat species, badgers, red squirrels, water voles, great crested newts, natterjack toads, sand lizards and petalwort.

 

11.23 Internationally and nationally rare and vulnerable species are identified in Red Data Books, as defined by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature. Local Red Data Books identify locally rare and vulnerable species, many of which are not protected by law. The Local Red Data Books for Merseyside are held by the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service.

 

11.24 Where proposals may involve protected, rare or vulnerable species, an expert survey should be undertaken and specialist advice obtained. This should be submitted with the planning application.

 

11.25 The impact may be able to be offset by measures to ensure that the species survive. This may include the provision of enhanced or alternative habitat.

 

11.26 Further information and guidance on rare and vulnerable species and on carrying out surveys can be obtained from the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service.

 

Implementation

11.27 This policy will be implemented through the development control process.

 

Sustainability appraisal

Policy changed to refer to need for habitat enhancement.

 

Policy Links

None

 

Background documents

Planning Policy Guidance Note 9 ‘Nature Conservation’, 1994; North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan, Merseyside Biodiversity Group, 2001; Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994; ‘Developing Naturally’, Association of Local Government Ecologists, 2000.

 

POLICY NC3
HABITAT PROTECTION, CREATION AND MANAGEMENT

  1. Development will not be permitted which would harm the management or protection of the following:

     

    1. habitats or other features of the landscape identified as priorities nationally or in the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan;

       

    2. other habitats or features of major importance for wildlife.

       

  2. Where development is permitted, a planning condition or legal agreement may be used to secure the management and/or protection of habitats and features.

     

  3. Opportunities will be taken through the development process to encourage the enhancement, management and creation of wildlife habitat.

     


Explanation

11.28 The 1994 Habitats Regulations require the Plan to include policies encouraging the management of habitats and features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild plants and animals. The relevant features in Sefton include the dune edge, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, railway lines, river corridors, wetlands, ponds and ditches. Protected species in Sefton all require habitat links.

 

11.29 The restoration and enhancement of habitat is a fundamental part of conserving biodiversity. It is necessary to rebuild what has been lost as well as maintaining what we have at present. The development process offers opportunities to enhance, manage or create wildlife habitats. These include proposals for major development, mineral and waste restoration schemes, and the use of planning briefs.

 

11.30 The Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) Notes ‘Public Greenspace and Development’ and ‘Design’ set out in more detail how development can contribute to this both physically and financially, and thereby help meet the targets of the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan. Management agreements will be used where appropriate.

 

Implementation

11.31 This policy will be implemented through the development control process taking account of the SPGs referred to above.

 

Sustainability appraisal

Policy changed to strengthen approach to management and enhancement.

 

Policy Links

None

 

Background documents

Planning Policy Guidance Note 9 ‘Nature Conservation’, 1994; ‘North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan’, Merseyside Biodiversity Group, 2001; The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994; Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

 

1 A global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity

 

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