From August, nine local planning authorities in Hampshire will offer developers a new option for great crested newt licensing, streamlining the planning process whilst funding new habitat for wildlife.
Great crested newts are a declining species in the UK and are strictly protected, but the standard licensing approach is notoriously slow and complex, often causing significant delays and issues for developers and planning authorities.
A new solution, known as District Licensing, revolutionises newt licensing by consolidating planning and licensing into a single streamlined approach. This removes risk and uncertainty for developers and speeds up the licensing process for all developments – from householders to major infrastructure and commercial projects.
Designed by NatureSpace and regulated by Natural England, District Licensing is already offered to developers in over 60 planning authorities in the Midlands and the South of England. Hampshire is the latest region to offer the new scheme, with participating local authorities being Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Hart District Council, Isle of Wight Council, New Forest District Council, New Forest National Park Authority, Southampton City Council, South Downs National Park Authority and Winchester City Council.
Funding raised from developers using the District Licence will create hundreds of high-quality great crested newt ponds across Hampshire, which will be delivered by the Newt Conservation Partnership, a group of experts from amphibian and freshwater NGOs, and will be managed for at least 25 years.
Since its launch in 2018, the scheme has invested over £4 million in newt conservation, creating or restoring more than 300 clean water ponds and nearly 1000 hectares of terrestrial habitat.
“We are delighted to be part of this scheme and to be working with NatureSpace to protect and enhance great-crested newt populations in Eastleigh. The scheme will contribute towards our aim of supporting nature recovery across the borough while also providing developers with an efficient system to assist with planning applications”.
Eastleigh Borough Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Property, Councillor Keith House.
“We welcome the District Licensing Scheme and look forward to working with NatureSpace to implement it here in the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is an internationally significant landscape for freshwater wildlife, and as well as streamlining development processes, new ponds will help a wide range of species in addition to supporting great crested newts.”
New Forest National Park Authority Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, Steve Avery.
“It is fantastic to have so many Hampshire local planning authorities use District Licensing. They join many other local authorities who have already realised the significant benefits the scheme provides for great crested newt conservation.
“It offers a year-round solution for assessing sites, avoiding survey season restrictions and unforeseen delays. Once planning consent is granted, the developer can start work quickly without worrying about seeking a separate licence from Natural England – and with no long-term obligations.”
NatureSpace CEO, Dr Tom Tew.
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