Draft Natural Heritage Non-statutory Guidance

This document contains non-statutory guidance supporting the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2020. It focuses on Policy 4, which outlines how to incorporate and protect natural heritage interests within development proposals. The guidance emphasizes a mitigation hierarchy to avoid, minimize, and compensate for potential negative impacts on natural heritage, including habitats and wildlife. It also details when development affecting national and international designations, woodlands, and protected species may be permitted, requiring developers to demonstrate public benefits and a lack of alternative solutions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for ecological surveys and provides sources of advice and information for developers to ensure their proposals align with Policy 4.