5.11. Proposed policy DEN4 seeks to positively address biodiversity and ecology in the district. Whilst this does come across in the policy, there are some concerns regarding the requirements of part iii), in that by requiring all development to retain and enhance biodiversity, development opportunity on sites will be considerably limited.

5.12. It would be more appropriate for the policy to require full consideration to be given to existing features and for enhancements or mitigation measures to be secured on site. This may enable, for example, protected species to be moved and a new habitat created that would allow development to also come forward. However, requiring all development to also retain existing features, is likely to prevent otherwise acceptable development sites, from coming forward. The policy wording should therefore be appropriately revised to ensure that a balance is maintained between development opportunity and protection of the natural environment.