The YDNPA has set out its preferred options for the New Local Plan 2023-2040. Included in the proposals is a requirement that all new housing be for permanent residency; all barn conversions should be for local occupancy use; a requirement for new developments to show climate change adaptations; protection for core Dark Skies areas and a revised target of 50 new houses per year.
Additionally all planning applications, even for small projects such as extensions, would be required to submit a Sustainability Statement providing evidence of biodiversity net gain and implement biodiversity enhancement measures such as bird boxes, bee bricks; creating holes in fences for small animals; hedgerow enhancements or planting trees or wildflowers. This is a wider list of options than the current plan.
The objective is for new development to achieve 20% net biodiversity gain, with tighter protections for habitats, trees, water courses etc. The Sustainability Statement will also need to cover energy, transport, carbon emissions (during construction) and flood and climate mitigation/adaptation. The whole of the NP will be designated a Dark Sky Reserve, with no external lighting permitted in core areas, and only ‘essential’ external lighting in buffer areas for new developments.
Responses sought by 19th August. The consultation document is available on the YDNPA website