Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/133

Policy GI01

Add new paragraph to end of policy

Policy GI01 - Protection of nationally designated (SSSI) and Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ)

Development which would materially harm either directly, indirectly or cumulatively, or detract from the scientific or nature conservation interest of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve or Marine Conservation Zone will not be permitted.

Exceptionally, where it can be demonstrated that the need for the proposed development is compelling and overrides the national importance of the site, and it has been demonstrated that no suitable alternative site exists, mitigating measures will be required to maintain the integrity of the site, to the satisfaction of the appropriate authority.

The proposed development will, wherever possible and appropriate, include measures to enhance and improve connectivity to designated sites.

For clarity and effectiveness.

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/134

Policy GI02

Policy GI02 - Locally Designated Wildlife Sites

Development which would have a detrimental impact on locally designated wildlife sites will not be permitted unless suitable mitigation can be provided either on or off site within Thanet. Exceptionally, where a strategic need for a proposed development is identified which outweighs the importance of the locally designated sites and cannot be located elsewhere, an equivalent area of habitat will be created elsewhere at a suitable location well related to other existing habitats.

Wherever possible and appropriate, new developments will provide a net environmental gain in accordance with Policy SP27, and include measures to enhance and improve wildlife connectivity to designated wildlife sites.

For clarity and effectiveness and consistency with national planning policy.

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/135

Policy GI03

Policy GI03 Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS)

At RIGS sites, development which would result in the loss or obstruction of geological features of importance will not only be permitted where a strategic need for the proposed development is identified which outweighs the importance of the locally designated sites and cannot be located elsewhere.

For clarity and effectiveness.

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification 

Reason for change

MM/136

Policy GI05

Policy GI05 - Protection of Playing Fields and Outdoor Sports Facilities

Built development will not be permitted on playing fields or on land last used as a playing field unless one or more of the following applies:

1) It is demonstrated that there is an excess of playing field provision in the area, for current and future uses of both the school and the community; or
2) The proposed use is ancillary to the primary use as a playing field and does not affect the quantity or quality of pitches or adversely affect their use; or
3) The proposed development is on land incapable of forming a pitch or part of a pitch and does not result in the loss of, or inability to make use of, apitch; or
4) The playing field or fields that would be lost as a consequence of the proposed development would be replaced, prior to the commencement of the development, by a playing field or fields of at least a similar or improved quality and size in a suitable nearby location and subject to equivalent or improved management arrangements; or
5) The proposed development is for an indoor or outdoor sports facility, the provision of which would be of sufficient benefit to sport and recreation as to outweigh the detriment caused by the loss of the playing field or playing fields.
6) The playing field does not make a visual contribution to the amenity of and its loss would not be detrimental to the character of the area

In each case the playing field should not make a an important visual contribution to the amenity of the area and its loss should not be detrimental to the character of the area.

For clarity and effectiveness and consistency with national planning policy

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/137

Policy GI06, paragraph 1

Policy GI06 - Landscaping and Green Infrastructure

MajorWhen a development proposals and all other proposals which are likely to have significant landscape implications shall be supported byrequires a design and access statement, it will include a landscape survey. The landscape survey should describe the current landscape features on the application site, and demonstrate how the proposed development will provide landscaping and Green Infrastructure to enhance the setting of the development, where possible and appropriate, to:

• Retain historic features including boundaries and layouts
• Create new wildlife corridors and stepping stones
• Soften hard building lines and the impact of new buildings
• Create an attractive environment for users and occupiers
• Establish a sense of enclosure with hedges and trees
• Provide screening from noise and sun
• Create new wildlife habitats and improve biodiversity including the integration with surface water management
• Improve connectivity between new and existing features

The developer will need to satisfy the Council that adequate arrangements to ensure continued maintenance of landscaping has been made. The Council may seek to secure arrangements for this purpose through a planning agreement.

To provide clarity and improve effectiveness.

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/138

Policy GI07

Policy GI07 - Jackey Bakers

Jackey Bakers sports ground will be promoted as the long-term primary sports venue for Thanet. Proposals which will provide a 3G pitch and improve the facilities for football, rugby, hockey and other sports will be supported. Proposals will need to include a new clubhouse with improved changing and social facilities.

Where fully justified, the Council will permit ancillary development in order to subsidisemaintain the sports use.

This could include limited development of D2 (leisure facilities), D1 (community facilities) and A3 (restaurant facilities).

To ensure that the policy is positively worded and effective.