Friday 26 June, 2009

Residents and developers can have their say in a review of the Council's Interim Avoidance Strategy, which deals with planning applications for new residential development affected by the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA).

The SPA's are internationally important wildlife habitats. One of the aims of the SPA is to protect three rare species of bird - the Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Nightjar.

Guildford Borough Council adopted an Interim SPA Avoidance Strategy in September 2006 to enable residential development to take place across most of the borough, while still offering protection to the heaths and their valuable wildlife.  Earlier this year, the 11 local authorities affected by the SPA agreed a delivery framework, which means that it is now time to review our existing strategy.

Cllr Jenny Wicks, Lead Councillor for Environment, says: "We are asking our residents and developers for their views on our new proposed approach to the SPA. We welcome comments on all aspects of the strategy, including the level of tariffs we are proposing for development.  The money collected will be used to improve eight selected green open spaces across the borough.  With improved tree and hedgerow planting, scrub clearance, pond restoration, upgrading of footpaths and provision of litter and dog fouling bins, benches, signposts and boards, these areas can be used by local people for recreation purposes."

The consultation is open until Thursday 10 September.  The responses will be collated and reported to the Council's Executive Committee in October.  To view the consultation, visit our Special Protection Area consultation pages.

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