Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

In March 2005, the government designated areas of heathland within the Thames Valley as the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (TBH SPA) under the EC Birds Directive.

The TBH SPA includes areas of heathland across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, covering 11 different local authorities, including Guildford Borough.

The TBH SPA has been identified as an internationally important habitat for three rare species of bird - the Dartford warbler, woodlark and nightjar.

Within Guildford Borough, there are a number of areas included within the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

Natural England believes that recreational use of the heaths arising from housing developments up to 5km away from a SPA will create disturbance to rare bird populations. As a result, all housing development within 5km of a SPA is now subject to stringent tests and impact assessments.

TBH SPA Avoidance Strategy 2009-2014
The SPA Avoidance Strategy 2009-2014 has been prepared in consultation with Natural England which facilitates the Council in considering planning applications where these fall within 5km of a SPA.  This strategy has enabled residential development to take place which would otherwise have been prevented by the provisions of European legislation relating to the protection of the SPA.  It replaces the earlier TBH SPA Interim Avoidance Strategy (2006) and comes into effect from 1 April 2010.

The strategy and a summary of the strategy are available to view from the links on the right.

From 1 April 2010, the tariffs for financial contributions from developers will be as shown in the Avoidance Strategy on page 24.

Please also refer to the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) website.

Updated Strategy
The updated avoidance strategy was the subject of a public consultation between 22 June and 10 September.  For more information please visit our SPA consultation page.  The new strategy, which includes the new tariffs, was adopted by the Executive on 25 February 2010.  It takes effect from the 1 April 2010.

Natural England
Natural England's conservation objectives relating to the SPA's affecting Guildford Borough are available from the links below.

•  Conservation Objectives for the Thames Basin Heath SPA (Ash to Brookwood Heaths) [82kb]
•  Conservation Objectives for the Thames Basin Heath SPA (Whitmoor Common) [34kb]
•  Conservation Objectives for the Thames Basin Heath SPA (Ockham and Wisley Common) [35kb]

As a statutory consultee on planning applications for residential and some commercial development within 5km of a SPA, Natural England has the right to object to applications which they consider will have a negative impact on a SPA.

Planning Policy Team
TBH SPA Avoidance Strategy
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444471
Email: planningpolicy@guildford.gov.uk