2. Why is Habitat Mitigation needed?
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, places a legal duty on local planning authorities to protect internationally important wildlife sites. Under these Regulations, councils must not grant planning permission for any development that would, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, have a likely significant effect on a European wildlife site unless the impact can be fully mitigated.
In East Devon these legal protections apply to:
- The Exe Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and;
- The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
These areas hold European designations due to their exceptional importance for rare and vulnerable species. Councils must assess the potential impacts of development on these sites. Where significant effects are likely, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) must be undertaken to determine whether suitable mitigation can be secured.
Evidence shows that existing recreational use of these protected areas already contributes to disturbance of key species, and new housing or tourist accommodation increases visitor pressure further. Mitigation measures must therefore be secured before consent can lawfully be issued.
To mitigate recreational impacts, applicants must pay a Habitats Mitigation Contribution for each new house or holiday unit.? These funds are used to deliver mitigation measures on the Exe Estuary and the Pebblebed Heaths.