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Mitigation Strategies

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) refers to the several distinct stages of Assessment which must be undertaken in accordance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) to determine if a plan or project may affect the protected features of a habitats site before deciding whether to undertake, permit or authorise it. European Sites and European Offshore Marine Sites identified under these regulations are now referred to as ‘habitats sites’ in the National Planning Policy Framework and accompanying planning policy guidance.

‘Habitats Sites’ consist of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) as well as the globally important wetlands known as Ramsar sites. The network of these internationally recognised sites are of exceptional importance in respect of rare, endangered or vulnerable natural habitats and species within Europe and beyond.

Mitigation measures comprise:

  • SAMMS (Strategic Access Management and Monitoring); and
  • Off-site infrastructure (including SANGs – ‘Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace’).

These two approaches would complement each other.

SAMM measures are required to address recreation impacts and make the SAC more resilient to any increased recreation. SAMM measures generally comprise: dedicated staff; signs and interpretation; education & awareness raising; parking and travel related measures and; monitoring. With SAMM contributions, multiple payments per dwelling will be necessary where Zones of Influence overlap.

SANG are created, or existing greenspaces enhanced, in order to absorb the level of additional recreation pressure associated with new development. Some projects will be expected to be delivered directly by developers through on-site provision.

SANG payments do not apply to the Rodborough Common SAC.

Elsewhere, where a contribution is collected for off-site SANG provision, this will be at a standard rate of £480 per Dwelling. Where zones of influence overlap, e.g. the Cotswolds Beechwoods and the Severn Estuary, multiple SANG payments per dwelling will not be necessary for each mitigation strategy. The Council consider SANG provision on a District wide basis.