The following documents have been issued by the Sussex Wildlife Trust and its partners to advise on how nature conservation can be incorporated into strategic planning matters:

Our Advice

Biodiversity And Planning In Sussex

We have produced this guidance document to help those involved in planning in Sussex ensure that development within the county protects and enhances our valuable local biodiversity.

•  Biodiversity and Planning in Sussex (2MB)

Landscape Buffer Strips

For the protection of trees, woods and other wildlife habitats - This document provides information on Landscape Buffer Strips and offers guidance on their sizing and implementation.

•  Landscape Buffer Strips (499KB)

Advice from The Wildlife Trusts

NERC Act 2006 - Your Section 40 obligation

This acts as a source of inspiration for how local authorities can have clear regard for biodiversity in their work. Practical examples show how local authorities can take effective action for biodiversity conservation.

•  Local Authority Services and Biodiversity - Your Statutory Obligations (4MB)

Planning for a healthy environment - Good practice guidance for green infrastructure and biodiversity

Produced by The Wildlife Trusts and the Town & Country Planning Association, this guidance helps local authorities deliver positive practical solutions when planning for the future. Solutions that protect and enhance the natural environment and provide quality of life benefits through the delivery of well-planned Green Infrastructure.

•  Planning for a healthy environment (7MB)

Advice from other organisations

Sussex Local Nature Partnership Local Plan Guidance

Local planning authorities must have regard to the activities of LNP's when preparing their Local Plans. This guidance helps local authorities assess whether their Plan conform with the Sussex LNP's objectives.

•  Sussex LNP Local Plan Guidance (166KB)

Sustainable Drainage Systems - Maximising the potential for people and wildlife

This guide was produced by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. It is aimed at local authorities and developers and sets out ways in which SuDS can be designed and managed to maximise biodiversity benefits.

•  Sustainable Drainage Systems (4MB)

Planning Naturally - Spatial Planning with Nature in Mind: in the UK and beyond

This guide was produced by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Royal Town and Planning Institute and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. It aims to show how nature is integral to every part of the planning process by using 12 principles of good spatial planning.

•  Planning Naturally (621KB)