Policy DM 39: Habitats, Species and Features of Natural Heritage - Importance (DM 39.1)

The Council will only permit development likely to result in an unacceptable adverse impact on, or damage to, the features listed below, where the benefits of the development outweigh the value of the habitat, species or feature. In such cases appropriate mitigation and/or compensatory measures will be required. • Priority Habitats; • Priority Species; • Active peatland; • Ancient and long-established woodland; • Features of earth science conservation value; • 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.