Comment

Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

Representation ID: 19739

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: RSPB

Representation Summary:

Figure 4. Environmental Designation - The council needs to take a hierarchical approach in presenting areas of conservation importance. International sites need to be clearly highlighted to ensure appropriate protection and avoid ambiguity. Table 2 - The strategy needs to be developed further to provide habitats and species space to naturally adapt to climate change trends.
Protection and enhancement of priority habitats and species should also be highlighted as a challenge, as increased development and transport infrastructure have far reaching impacts on wildlife and an effective mitigation strategy will have to be undertaken to safeguard the districts important environmental assets. Alternative wording could be to "ensure that development and economic growth does not conflict with protection and enhancement of the District's unique wildlife and habitats"