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Trees, landscape and ecology
The Natural Environment Team provides specialist expertise on the natural environment for planning applications to safeguard the natural environment and to ensure statutory obligations and policy requirements are met.
Information about our role in managing Ash Dieback, also known as Chalara, can be found here.
The National Planning Policy Framework requires that a planning application should be submitted with sufficient information regarding the natural environment to enable the application to be determined. The Local List explains what information is required.
The National Planning Policy Framework expects that development should contribute to 'achieving net gains for nature'. Focus should be on the priority habitats and species in Norfolk as identified by the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership and applications should seek to contribute positively to identified Green Infrastructure corridors.
Local Landscape Character Assessments have been undertaken by individual district authorities. You need to contact the local planning authority to find these:
The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management maintains a searchable directory of professional-qualified consultants who hold professional indemnity insurance and can provide services to support planning applications.
The Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) holds validated environmental data for Norfolk on biodiversity, geodiversity and protected sites to support planning applications.
Action Plans for Norfolk’s priority biodiversity are coordinated by the Norfolk Biodiversity partnership.
A comprehensive Green Infrastructure Strategy identifying Primary and Secondary Green Infrastructure corridors in Norwich City Council, Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council is available.