What do we do?

We work to conserve and enhance the special qualities of Northumberland's natural environment. We do this by making sure that nature conservation matters are fully taken into account during preparation of Local Development Framework documents and when making decisions about development proposals.

We also offer specialist advice where proposed developments affect the natural heritage of Northumberland, and pre-application discussions are encouraged to help provide you with information early in the application process. In recognition of the importance of nature conservation, biodiversity is protected by the government's Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9), the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation and relevant policies in the Regional Spatial Strategy.

When considering the ecological effects of a proposed development, impacts on both species and sites of ecological concern are taken into account. Certain species are protected under national and international legislation, and a much longer list of species, as well as a range of habitats, are included on the Government’s Lists of Species and Habitats of Principal Importance in England. All public bodies are required to have regard to the purpose of conserving such species and habitats.

Protected Sites

There are a number of different protective designations which are applied to areas of land of high ecological importance:

Special Protection Areas, designated under the European Birds Directive, are areas of international importance for their bird populations

Special Areas of Conservation, designated under the European Habitats Directive, comprise areas of international importance for their habitats or populations of species other than birds

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance

Sites of Special Scientific Interest, designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, are sites of national importance for wildlife. All of the above designations are managed by Natural England, the statutory nature conservation organisation for England

Sites of Nature Conservation Importance are non-statutory sites of county or regional importance, designated by a partnership of public bodies and wildlife organisations, including the Council, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Natural England and Northumbrian Water.

Ecological Surveys

If a development proposal may have implications for important ecological features, the applicant will be required to commission relevant surveys and assessments, so that the Council can evaluate the impact of the proposal on these features, in accordance with the requirements of PPS 9 and relevant legislation. If important features are likely to be harmed by the proposal, the applicants will need to consider the extent to which harm could be avoided by amending the proposal or, if this is not possible, the extent to which harm could be mitigated or compensated for.

It is important to note that many ecological surveys can only be undertaken at certain times of year, as many plants are only visible for part of the year and many animals are only active or resident in Northumberland for part of the year. Accordingly, it is important that developers consult the Council regarding ecological survey requirements at as early a stage as possible, so that seasonal constraints do not cause delays to their work programmes.

Please contact us for further information and advice.

Bats and Houses

All species of bats and their roosts are strictly protected. If you have bats roosting in your house and this causes you any concern, or if you are planning to undertake repairs or maintenance, you can obtain free advice from Natural England by telephoning their Bat Advice Line on 0845 1300228.

Biodiversity Action Plan

The Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was launched on Tuesday 22 May 2007 at Longhirst Hall, Morpeth. The BAP aims to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and encourage a coordinated approach to species and habitat conservation across Northumberland. For more information about the Biodiversity Action Plan please contact the BAP Coordinator at the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Related web pages

Local Development Framework

Natural England is an independent public body whose purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings.

Northumberland Biodiversity Partnership is a collection of organisations and individuals working together to conserve, enhance and promote biodiversity in Northumberland.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is the leading charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental education in North East England.

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs is a UK Government Department with advice on sustainable development.

MAGIC is the first web-based interactive map to bring together geographic information on key environmental schemes and designations in one place.

Cross Border Currents is the website of the Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site Special Area of Conservation.

Contact us

Email: conservation@northumberland.gov.uk

Telephone: 01670 534166