Policy NB4: Landscape Character

Comment

Representation ID: 4147

Received: 20/12/2022

Respondent: Cannock Chase AONB

Landscape Character is welcomed. Specific reference to conserving and enhancing the AONB is welcomed. Reference to the AONB Design Guide and Views and Setting Guide is also welcomed to support proposals and decision making.

Comment

Representation ID: 4406

Received: 22/12/2022

Respondent: Historic England

When considering medium and long term views; does the Council have an evidence base on what these views may constitute and if not, what process should a prospective applicant follow?

Object

Representation ID: 4644

Received: 22/12/2022

Respondent: CWC Group - Clowes Developments

Agent: Savills

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Clowes objects to the policy NB4, because it is not in accordance with national policy, or effective. This policy proposes to strengthen the protection of trees and hedgerows. The NPPF protects ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees (paragraph 180c), there is no national requirement to protect all trees.

Trees of course make an important contribution to well-being and provide biodiversity benefits. We do not consider that Category C or U trees should be afforded any specific protection within the policy. In order for Policy NB4 to be consistent with national policy (paragraph 35d), it should be amended to remove protection of trees which are not defined as ‘irreplaceable habitats’ (NPPF Annex 2).

Comment

Representation ID: 4833

Received: 22/12/2022

Respondent: Crest Nicholson

Agent: Avison Young

The wording of this policy is inconsistent with the NPPF which does not make reference to generally maintaining and enhancing landscapes. Reference to 'protecting and retaining all trees and hedgerows' is unjustified and inconsistent with national policy. As such, the wording of this policy should be amended or deleted.

Object

Representation ID: 4971

Received: 20/12/2022

Respondent: Barratt West Midlands

Agent: Savills

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Policy NB4 proposes to amend the adopted Landscape Character policy to strengthen the protection of trees and hedgerows. The NPPF protects ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees (paragraph 180c), there is no national requirement to protect all trees. However, that being said, we understand the important contribution trees can make to the character of an area. We consider that the policy should seek to protect ancient and veteran trees unless there are wholly exceptional reasons to justify their removal. Trees classified as Category A or B should be protected ‘where possible’. We do not consider that Category C or U trees should be afforded any specific protection within the policy.

Object

Representation ID: 4993

Received: 20/12/2022

Respondent: Barratt West Midlands

Agent: Savills

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Policy NB4 proposes to amend the adopted Landscape Character policy to strengthen the protection of trees and hedgerows. The NPPF protects ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees (paragraph 180c), there is no national requirement to protect all trees. However, that being said, we understand the important contribution trees can make to the character of an area. We consider that the policy should seek to protect ancient and veteran trees unless there are wholly exceptional reasons to justify their removal. Trees classified as Category A or B should be protected ‘where possible’. We do not consider that Category C or U trees should be afforded any specific protection within the policy.

Object

Representation ID: 5187

Received: 22/12/2022

Respondent: Richborough Estates

Agent: Pegasus Group

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? Not specified

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Amend 2nd paragraph to read ‘All trees and hedgerows should be protected and retained wherever possible.’

Support

Representation ID: 5316

Received: 22/12/2022

Respondent: Miller Homes

Agent: Pegasus Group

Support policy

Object

Representation ID: 5325

Received: 22/12/2022

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd

Agent: Pegasus Group

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? Not specified

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Amend 2nd paragraph to read ‘All trees and hedgerows should be protected and retained wherever possible.’

Comment

Representation ID: 5346

Received: 19/12/2022

Respondent: St Philips

Agent: Pegasus Group

Policy NB4 would benefit to an amendment in the text, which reflects the comments made on Policy NB2 above. As drafted, the second paragraph states:
"All trees, woodland, and hedgerows should be protected and retained"
Whilst it is appreciated that the following sentence identified that should a loss be required, appropriate mitigation measure must be delivered by the developer, the above sentence should be amended to the following:
"All trees, woodland and hedgerows should be protected and retained wherever possible".