1. What are habitat mitigation contributions and why are they needed?
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 require the City Council to ensure that the impacts of development on the protected habitats are mitigated.
European designated sites have the highest level of environmental designation in the UK. Exeter is located close to three European Sites, which are protected because of their international importance for flora and fauna. These are:
- The Exe Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA).
- The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
- Dawlish Warren Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Legislation says that we must not grant consent for a development that would, either alone or in combination with other developments, have a likely significant effect on a European wildlife site, unless full mitigation is provided.
Residential development in Exeter is considered to have an impact on these protected habitats because it accommodates a growing population. This places increased visitor pressure on the sites. The visitor pressure comes either from developments in themselves or from developments in combination with others.