Five local planning authorities in West Sussex have taken action to help great crested newts thrive through a new scheme for sustainable development that has nature recovery at its core.
Great crested newts, a protected but declining species, are a concern for local authorities, developers, and conservationists across the country. Since 1900, an estimated 50% of the UK’s ponds have been lost due to urban development and infrastructure, which has had a detrimental impact on newt populations.
The protected species status means that ecological impacts on the species from construction projects must be accounted for, which can be a long and expensive process and can cause significant delays.
The District Licensing Scheme, designed by NatureSpace and regulated by Natural England, is a new solution that provides improved conservation benefits for great crested newts while offering developers a quick, simple and risk-free approach to assessing ecological impacts. The scheme will also help planning authorities deliver tangible outcomes for biodiversity and will feed into forthcoming work on nature recovery.
Funds generated through the scheme are used to create, manage and monitor high-quality habitat for great crested newts and other wildlife. The conservation work is undertaken by the Newt Conservation Partnership and supported by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and Freshwater Habitats Trust.
West Sussex is the latest addition to over 50 local authorities across the midlands and south of England that have already joined the NatureSpace Scheme, covering over 17,300 square kilometres. The five planning authorities offering the scheme to developers in West Sussex are Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council, and Mid Sussex District Council, as well as the South Downs National Park Authority and West Sussex County Council.
Since its launch in 2018, the scheme has invested over £4.4 million in newt conservation, creating or restoring more than 287 clean water ponds and over 905 hectares of terrestrial habitat. The scheme is accessible to all types of developers, from householders to major infrastructure and commercial development projects.
“We are looking forward to working with NatureSpace on this scheme, which aims to ensure that great crested newt habitat is increased and enhanced, enabling this protected species to thrive within West Sussex in the coming years.
Don Baker, Team Manager, Environment & Heritage, Planning Services at West Sussex County Council
The scheme will also assist developers by expediting planning applications in areas that have been assessed by NatureSpace.“
“We are thrilled to be expanding into West Sussex with our five new partner planning authorities. It’s great news for planning authorities, developers and for great crested newt conservation in the county.
Our scheme leads to the creation of vital new ponds that are created in optimum locations for newts. These habitats provide a sustainable future for newts and other wildlife.“
Dr Tom Tew, CEO, NatureSpace Partnership
During the planning process development impacts are carefully accounted for using NatureSpace’s impact risk zone maps and the District Licence impact metrics.
For more information about the scheme, please visit www.naturespaceuk.com.
