Support

Representation ID: 25742

Received: 12/03/2019

Respondent: Natural England

Satisfied that the HRA has provided a robust assessment of the Preferred Options. Natural England agrees that it is currently too early for the HRA to provide a conclusion that the plan will not lead to any adverse effects on European sites; however, we note that the screening of the Preferred Options has not identified any issues that flag a major concern that would significantly alter the direction and quantum of growth for the Borough. Welcomes recommendations for strengthening of policy wording and identification of key themes, including recreation, urbanisation, water and air quality, for detailed assessment through further stages.

Object

Representation ID: 25760

Received: 12/03/2019

Respondent: Natural England

The effects on local roads and the impacts on vulnerable sites from air quality effects on the wider road network should be assessed using traffic projections and the 200m distance criterion. The designated sites at risk from local impacts are those within 200m of a road with increased traffic, which feature habitats that are vulnerable to nitrogen deposition/acidification.

APIS provides a searchable database and information on pollutants. The results of the assessment should inform updates to the SA, which will need to identify appropriate mitigation to address any predicted adverse impacts to the natural environment.

Object

Representation ID: 25761

Received: 12/03/2019

Respondent: Natural England

The effects on local roads and the impacts on vulnerable sites from air quality effects on the wider road network should be assessed using traffic projections and the 200m distance criterion. The designated sites at risk from local impacts are those within 200m of a road with increased traffic, which feature habitats that are vulnerable to nitrogen deposition/acidification.

APIS provides a searchable database and information on pollutants. The results of the assessment should inform updates to the SA, which will need to identify appropriate mitigation to address any predicted adverse impacts to the natural environment.

Support

Representation ID: 25770

Received: 12/03/2019

Respondent: Natural England

Satisfied that the methodology and baseline information used to inform the scoping report appears to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive and guidance. Advise that further updates to the SA should ensure a robust assessment of the environmental effects of plan policies and allocations on statutorily designated sites and landscapes including the Orwell Estuary SPA, SSSIs and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, considering our advice and the findings of the evolving HRA. The SA will need to identify appropriate mitigation to address any adverse impacts to designated sites and landscapes and other aspects of the natural environment.