planning application. Appropriate measures should be taken to safeguard these habitats and species before any development commences.

  1. England’s Biodiversity List27 identifies species of flora, fauna and habitats considered to be of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity. Known as Priority Habitats and Species, some of these may be protected under other designations e.g. protected species legislation. The list of habitat types is extensive and not all are mapped.
  2. The hierarchy of species protection is:
  3. European protected species (those species protected under the Habitats Regulations);
  4. Species protected by domestic legislation (e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Protection of Badgers Act 1992);
  5. National priority species and habitats (commonly known as 'UK BAP priority habitats and species') published for England under the requirements of Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006); and
  6. Habitats and species within the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
  7. Invasive plants and animals are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act as species of special concern because of their invasiveness and ability to establish in several nations across Europe, including the UK. Invasive plants and animals can cause severe problems by outcompeting native flora and fauna, degrading habitats and decimating population levels. This can be a particular problem along watercourses, which are a common feature in Stockport.

ENV 2: Enhancing nature

  1. Development is expected to viably incorporate green infrastructure and enhance and bridge the gaps within our Ecological Network, in terms of its quantity, quality, accessibility, functionality and connectivity. This will involve retaining and enhancing existing landscape and natural features e.g. trees, hedgerow, watercourses, water bodies, pollination species and priority habitats, the provision of ecological ‘stepping stones’, and consideration given to sensitive lighting. Development must include measures at an appropriate scale to improve ecological network linkages and habitat value.
  2. A net increase in biodiversity will be achieved across the borough, and relevant development will be expected to make the most of a site's potential for

27 Published under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

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