This ‘private’ SANG proposal [16/P/02134], reclassified as a “nature reserve” by GBC officers, is pivotal in GBC’s draft Local Plan to offset loss of Green Belt land for 1,300 new homes [Draft Local Plan - Infrastructure Delivery Plan] in the 400m-5km mitigation zone of Thames Basin Heaths SPA. As a large site of 34.5 ha, its sphere of influence is up to 5km, covering in particular 900 proposed new dwellings in the Tongham/Ash Green area.

In July 2016, GBC Planning Committee refused the SANG application 13/P/01453 for this land. The decision letter indicated no “very special circumstances” were proved to permit the change of use in the Green Belt, plus an inadequate maintenance/management plan. 

The evidence for an inadequate management plan arises from Natural England’s letter, submitted against 13/P/01453, that identifies the issue. A new Natural England letter indicating the same concerns is submitted against 16/P/02134.

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