LIB DEM COUNCIL COMMITS TO PROTECTING LOCAL WILDLIFE

A new strategy, which aims to protect local wildlife, encourage the improvement of the Borough's open spaces and allow residential development to continue, was given the green light by members of Woking Borough Council's Executive at its meeting last night (Thursday 1 June).

Woking is one of the first councils to take this proactive step in response to the formal designation of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) - an internationally important nature conservation status, designated by the European Union.

The SPA is made up of 13 separate Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that cover 11 local authorities across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. The Sites of Special Scientific Interest that are within Woking Borough are parts of Horsell Common, Sheets Heath and Brookwood Heath.

The SPA relates specifically to three rare species of bird - the Dartford warbler, nightjar and woodlark - all of which nest on, or near to, the ground and are prone to being disturbed by other animals.

In recent months, the conservation organisation, English Nature, has expressed concerns about the impact that residential development within 5km of the SPA can have on these birds, and has explained that domestic pets and recreational activities can have an adverse effect on the birds within the SPA.

Unless this issue can be addressed, all local authorities that are affected by the SPA may be obliged to refuse new applications for residential development. Mindful of the need for new homes, Woking Borough Council has decided to produce planning guidance to address the concerns of English Nature.

The Borough's new interim strategy sets out a number of measures to ensure that local wildlife is protected, including improving the quality of alternative open spaces to divert people away from the birds' habitats.

To support the improvement of open spaces such as Brookwood County Park and an area of the Hoe Valley in White Rose Lane, residential developers will be asked to make a contribution based on a tariff sheet that has been drawn up by the Council. The rate will depend on the location of the site and the number and size of units that the developer plans to build.

Speaking about the interim strategy, Cllr Sue Smith, Leader of Woking Borough Council's Executive, said: "We believe that, through working closely with English Nature, we have come up with an all-round good solution to a difficult problem. This new strategy will: enable much-needed residential development to continue in our Borough, encourage the improvement of some key areas of open space and ensure that we protect important conservation sites. In taking this proactive approach, we are helping to address the Council's key priorities on both housing and the environment."

Following the Council's decision last night, the interim strategy will be implemented as soon as possible and a legal document will be drawn up to formalise Woking Borough Council's agreement with English Nature.

(Reprinted from Woking Borough Council website)