15/11/2005 - Developers who want to build new houses, roads or other buildings around one of the UK’s most protected rivers, the River Avon in Hampshire, are being given in-depth advice on how to get permission while protecting the fragile environment. The River Avon SAC Planning Forum, which includes the Environment Agency, has produced a new booklet that aims to save developers time and money.

The River Avon, and its tributaries, is an internationally designated area that enjoys a high level of legal protection. With over 180 species of plants, a diverse fish population and a wide range of insects and other invertebrates, it is one of the most richly-populated chalk streams in the UK. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The lower reaches of the Avon Valley are also internationally designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for their bird life. Developers should read the booklet before applying for planning permission around the River Avon. It shows how applications for housing, industrial and retail development, road schemes, agricultural land use and any changes of use of land around the river will be considered in the light of the site’s legal protection. The booklet takes would-be developers through each stage of the process detailing what information may be needed.

The River Avon SAC Planning Forum brings together the large number of local bodies that may grant permission or consent for developments, or have a responsibility in protecting the river from the adverse effects of long-term development. Membership includes all local planning authorities in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset, English Nature, the Environment Agency, Water Companies, the Forestry Commission and the Highways Agency. Jenny Ford, County Ecologist, Wiltshire County Council, said: ‘Decision-makers have a legal responsibility to protect this river and the wildlife it supports, particularly when looking at development proposals. It’s not that we don’t want any development – indeed there are benefits for everyone provided that it is right. The key steps to getting it right are knowing what the planners need, applying early, giving clear and detailed information and being flexible about adopting measures that overcome any impact on the environment.

‘Development some distance from the river can result in serious impacts. The size of the development is not as important as the location and the existence of pathways to the river. For instance, car parks can increase flood risk from water run off. Badly-located sewage treatment facilities can be a pollution hazard. Earthworks near to the river can increase the amount of silt in the water via runoff, and changes to light and noise levels can disturb wildlife. All of this and much more needs to be taken into account. Planning is the key – anticipate the hazards and show you can address any problems.’

The leaflet is primarily concerned with development requiring planning permission, but could also be applied to work that requires building regulations or other permission such as a Land Drainage Consent from the Environment Agency, consent from English Nature or a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission. For further information please contact Jenny Ford on 01225 713 241 or email jennyford@wiltshire.gov.uk A pdf of the leaflet is available. Please contact the Environment Agency Press Office on 01392 442008. The full list of organisations in the partnership is: Wiltshire English Nature The Environment Agency Wiltshire County Council New Forest District Council East Dorset District Council Dorset English Nature Salisbury District Council West Wiltshire District Council Dorset County Council Wessex Water Hampshire English Nature Kennet District Council Hampshire County Council Christchurch Borough Council Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water Thames Water Defence Estates SSR - Environment Group, Highways Agency Forestry Commission (Wiltshire) South West England Conservancy Forestry Commission (Dorset).