Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 19)

Policy DLP34 Provision, retention, and protection of Hedgerows Comment

1. Under The Hedgerows Regulation 1997 protection is afforded to hedgerows of more than 20 metres in length or which join other hedgerows, provided they adjoin agricultural land, forestry, paddocks, common land, village greens, a site of special scientific interest or a local nature reserve.
2. There will be a presumption against the wholesale removal of hedgerows for development purposes, especially where ecological surveys have identified them to be species-rich and where they exist on previously undeveloped land or the hedgerow is of 'Historic Importance', as defined under The Hedgerow Regulations 1997.
3. Hedgerow retention and reinforcement will be of particular importance where hedgerows form part of an established ecological network enabling the passage of flora and fauna into and out of rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. If hedgerow removal is needed to accommodate a high-quality site layout, replacement hedgerow planting will be required.
4. Protection of hedgerows before and during development must be undertaken. This will include: the provision of landscape buffers where appropriate; protective fencing and temporary ground protection during the construction phase; and careful management of plant and materials on site to avoid damage to the hedgerow(s) and its root system.
5. New hedgerows will be sought as part of site layouts and landscaping schemes where appropriate and must include a suitable mixture of species that are able to withstand climate change and promote local biodiversity.