E3.2Strengthen ecosystem protections on development sites

The development application process is a critical opportunity to reduce environmental impacts and enhance ecosystems on development sites. Endorsed by Surrey City Council in 2014, the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy outlines recommendations for improving biodiversity through development, including:

• establishing an Environmental Development Permit Area to protect the Green Infrastructure Network;
• offering incentives for habitat restoration during redevelopment; and
• encouraging developers to integrate natural biodiversity features into projects.

This action focuses on strengthening existing policies and fostering collaboration with developers to implement these recommendations, ensuring ecosystems are better protected, restored, and enhanced through the development process.