Warning Over Laws to Protect Wildlife

By Ian Noble

DEVELOPERS are being warned to heed new planning laws put in place in Ryedale to help protect wildlife.Local authorities such as Ryedale District Council have a legal obligation to look after habitats, and protected species such as the barn owl and the great crested newt.The authority must, under law, consider a plan’s impact on wildlife when considering a proposed development.To help clarify the position, the district council has taken on new guidance created by The Ryedale Countryside Project, a partnership scheme between the district council and North Yorkshire County Council.Susan Bragg, countryside officer for the project, said: “The wildlife and wild places within Ryedale are important to both locals and visitors.”The district council has a duty to ensure that they help to protect and enhance this wildlife.”However, this duty has been strengthened in recent years, and many people are not aware that they have to consider wildlife when putting in a planning application.”The idea is to give people as much information as possible up front.”Gary Housden, head of the district council’s development control, said the changes could help to avoid the situation where some applications are delayed or refused.He said: “If a protected species or habitat is known or likely to be present, this will be a material consideration in determining the planning application.”It is important that people think about wildlife at the earliest stages of an application, as there may be a need to undertake a wildlife survey.”Other local councils are believed to be compiling similar guidance notes. The district council has created two guides about new planning laws, available on 01653600666 or from ryedale. gov. uk For details about the new planning guidance, contact Ms Bragg on 01653-600666 ext 333.

(c) 2008 Northern Echo. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.