Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) Provision Standard Requirements

Descriptions

https://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/planning-and-building/recreational-disturbance Investigation in to whether the provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) should vary based upon where development is within the identified Zone of Influence (ZoI). This work would be a desk-based study, involving a new view on interpreting existing visitor survey data and mitigation approaches in line with the Habitats Regulations. The work should focus on whether the 8ha/1,000 person ratio is required as currently advised by NE, or if proportionate mitigation approaches across the ZoI could be acceptable. In depth knowledge of the Habitats Regulations would be necessary for any consultants completing this work to ensure that any mitigation recommendations would meet the required level of certainty, beyond reasonable scientific doubt, of avoiding impacts upon the integrity of Habitats Sites. It will be useful to draw on previous caselaw and Policy approaches to demonstrate the robustness and/or potential challenges of the project's conclusions. A project is necessary to investigate the proportional SANG approach proposed by Eastleigh Borough Council and provide evidence for NE to defend or develop its advice. This evidence is required as early as possible in order to support the current strategic solution, and ensure that mitigation is being appropriately secured. Our current stance is to require 8ha/1,000 people for all developments within the New Forest ZoI. Natural England is currently objecting to all developments relying on the Eastleigh Interim approach to proportional SANG provision. This project would be very useful to provide additional information to inform our future approach. This could also have much wider implications nationally for all strategic solutions who currently utilise the 8ha/1,000 people standard for SANG.