Trees, biodiversity and ecology

A system for assessing the value of habitats on a site before development and ensuring that development results in an improvement to those habitats.

It is an offence to carry out works to a protected tree, or remove it, without the approval of the council.

How to ensure that legally protected animals and plants are conserved and enhanced through the planning process.

Water neutrality is defined as development that takes place which does not increase the rate of water abstraction for drinking water supplies above existing levels.

New housing developments in certain areas should not add more 'nutrient pollution' to the water catchments.

New accommodation close to Chichester and Pagham harbours will need to make sure that additional visitors do not disturb the overwintering and ground nesting birds.

The District has three of the best bat sites in Europe, these species feed across a wide landscape and new development must avoid impacting on them.

A Regulation 77 application is a requirement for certain types of development under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.