Policy Intent:

A Special Area of Conservation is a designated protected area under UK law.  The Chilterns Beechwoods SAC represents the most extensive area of native beech woodland in England and extends for 1,276.5ha. It is designated for its:

Beech forests on neutral to rich soils, dry grasslands and scrublands on chalk or limestone and for the Stag Beetle.

This policy responds to the Mitigation Strategy (2023) formulated by CBC in respect of managing the recreational pressure effects of future housing development within the 12.6 km ‘zone of influence’ of the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area for Conservation (SAC). Part of the LLNP area lies within that zone. Through the strategy CBC have provided a number of Sites of Alternative Natural Green Spaces (SANG) which can be used for recreational purposes, including dog walking to reduce the impact on the SAC. 

As a result of the SAC, a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) is required for the LLNP. It may require this policy to be in place to evidence that the potential for adverse effects on the integrity of the SAC arising from any development provisions within the LLNP can be satisfactorily mitigated through the SANG and SAMM provisions in place. If the HRA concludes that the CBC mitigation strategy sufficiently covers this, the policy will not be required. The Habitats Regulations Assessment will be prepared shortly, funded by the Government’s Locality Neighbourhood Plan Technical Support Programme.