Planning Validation
Biodiversity
When required:
When the development is proposed within/adjacent to sites designated as Sites of Special Scientic Interest;
Local Wildlife Sites; sites where there are known protected species; agricultural buildings to be converted/
demolished; works within/adjacent to woodland, heathland, meadows, grassland, parkland, pasture, ponds,
slow owing watercourses, rough grassland, watercourses; affects derelict, disused or run down buildings or
land in the countryside and; major development proposals.
Yes No
What information is required?
• Ecological Scoping Survey or Ecological Site Assessment
• Where Scoping Surveys or Site Assessments recommend further surveys then these Protected Species
reports must be carried out prior to the application being submitted and included within supporting
documentation.
Policy Drivers:
• Policy SP1 ‘Design of New Development and Conservation’ of Sevenoaks District Council’s Core Strategy
• Policy SP11 ‘Biodiversity’ of Sevenoaks District Council’s Core Strategy
Where to look for further assistance:
Natural England Standing Advice: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/planningdevelopment/
spatialplanning/standingadvice/default.aspx
Planning Obligation(s) Draft Head of Terms for S106 Legal
When required:
When the development proposes more than 10 new residential units; or more than 5 new residential units if
the site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or for smaller developments where the gross oor space
of the completed development is greater than 1,000 sq m;.
Yes No
What information is required?
• For applications where on-site affordable housing is required but a nancial contribution is proposed
only: A full draft S106 Agreement for affordable housing contribution including copy of Title Deeds
and Solicitors’ details; A supporting statement setting out how the contribution was calculated, with
independent verication and details of why on-site provision in accordance with Policy SP3 is not
proposed; A viability statement to support a nancial contribution for affordable housing below the
requirements of Policy SP3. If a Vacant Building Credit is being claimed details of how this has been
calculated must be included.
• For applications where on-site affordable housing is required and the development proposes to meet
the requirements of Policy SP3: An affordable housing statement including information concerning
both the affordable housing and any market housing and an indication of where on the development the
affordable housing is proposed. Include the numbers of residential units, the mix of units with numbers of
habitable rooms and/or bedrooms or the oor space of the new units. The levels or types of affordability
or tenure proposed for different units should be clearly and fully explained. The statement should also
include the proposed timing of the provision and should include as a minimum draft heads of terms for a
planning obligation or should be accompanied by a Unilateral Undertaking. If a Vacant Building Credit is
being claimed details of how this has been calculated must be included. In preparing the statement, and
any proposal advice can be obtained from planning ofcers during pre-application discussions.