2 Embedding
Embedding geodiversity in plans, policies and practice
The plans and policies of governmental bodies and other organisations such as quarry companies have an impact on geodiversity features. We need to promote geodiversity conservation and enhancement by reviewing and contributing to plans and policies and day-to-day practice, wherever possible.
This work involves responding in detail to public consultations, and may involve recommending policy formulations and providing outreach information.
Local planning policy consultations
Members of the NGP have been involved in responding to many planning policy consultations as part of Local Development Framework and Minerals & Waste Development Framework processes. Until recently this work has been carried out within the framework of 'Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation' (PPS9), but this has been replaced by the new National Planning Policy Framework.
This states that
the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils (section 109).
Local planning authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged (section 113).
To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should aim to prevent harm to geological conservation interests (section 117).
ODPM Circular 06/2005 (Biodiversity and Geological Conservation - Statutory Obligations and Their Impact Within the Planning System) provides further guidance in respect of statutory obligations for biodiversity and geological conservation and their impact within the planning system.
Other advisory documents retained (at least for the time being) are:
For statutorily protected sites [SSSIs]: 'Planning for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation - A guide to good practice'.
For non-statutorily protected Local Sites [CGS]: 'Local Sites: Guidance on their Identification, Selection and Management'.
National policy consultations
The NGP has been active in responding to consultations on national policy.
In August 2011 the Government consulted on the draft National Planning Policy Framework. Download a PDF copy of the NGP's response document by clicking the box icon at the bottom of this page.
Supplementary Planning Guidance
An SPG document 'Geodiversity in Planning' has been prepared for use by local planners to help them conserve and enhance geodiversity as part of their work.
Download the document by clicking the box icon at the bottom of this page.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Members of the NGP have been developing and testing a Sensitivity Assessment Methodology for use in EIA in Norfolk. A wide range of geodiversity assets are affected by development such as mineral extraction, flood prevention, road building, urban development, landfill, agriculture. Assets include geology, landforms and land-forming processes, soil and water resources; also the geosystem services which maintain the biosphere and human life in all its aspects.
'Environmental Impact Assessment – A guide to procedures' (ODPM 2000) sets out the ground rules for EIA in the UK. The preparation of an environmental statement is mandatory for a range of development projects that are classified as ‘EIA development’ in schedules 1 or 2 (Appendices 2 & 3). Elements of geodiversity listed for description and assessment (Appendix 5) include:
Geological, palaeontological and physiographic features,
Local topography,
Soil quality and stability,
Drainage pattern,
Hydrographic and hydrological features,
Archaeological features.
EIA is commissioned by developers or their agents. It is frequently requested by planners for ecological, hydrological, archaeological and landscape character assets, so some aspects of geodiversity are thus routinely included in EIA. However impact on the full range of Earth heritage and geosystem assets is not routinely carried out.
A copy of the Sensitivity Assessment Methodology can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking the box below. We would be pleased to hear from anyone with experience of carrying out EIA for geodiversity in their work, and anyone interested in discussing the way that EIA legislation is currently being applied.
A case study of a boatyard development in the Norfolk Broads has been carried out to demonstrate an integrated Geodiversity Impact Assessment in action. Please contact us for details.
Click PDF link below to download files.
1) Sensitivity Assessment Methodology 2) Supplementary Planning Guidance 3) NPPF Consultation response, 2011
Geological_Sensitivity_Assessment_Methodology_for_EIA_in_Norfolk_-_NGP_2023.pdfNGP - SPG Geodiversity in Planning v4c.pdfNGP response to Draft NPPF consultation.pdf