Policy NH 5 - Habitats, Species or Features of Natural Heritage Importance

Planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal which is not likely to result in the unacceptable adverse impact on, or damage to known: • priority habitats; • priority species; • active peatland; • ancient and long-established woodland; • features of earth science conservation importance; • features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild flora and fauna; • rare or threatened native species; • wetlands (includes river corridors); or • other natural heritage features worthy of protection. A development proposal which is likely to result in an unacceptable adverse impact on, or damage to, habitats, species or features may only be permitted where the benefits of the proposed development outweigh the value of the habitat, species or feature. In such cases, appropriate mitigation and/or compensatory measures will be required.