ENV6

Environment

Policy 6: The Department will seek to identify and designate such 'National Heritage Areas' in collaboration with other Government Departments and appropriate agencies in order that buildings, archaeological sites and areas of special ecological, landscape and/or scientific value within them are recognised for their national importance, are a focus for environmental enhancement and are given additional protection from unwarranted development.

7.8.8 The Department will seek to work in co-operation with other Government Departments, organisations and local communities to secure the conservation objectives of the various nature designations dependent on wider management, such as marine sites. It will also encourage the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild flora and fauna.

7.9 Watercourses and Wetlands

7.9.1 A watercourse or wetland, including ponds and dubs, can be affected by building or engineering operations (either during or after completion of works) or new uses of land which are carried out anywhere within the catchment area. New development in the vicinity of such areas can result in pollution, sedimentation or direct deterioration. Land infill and tipping, mineral exploitation, large scale developments and activities which disturb contaminated material are of particular concern. In all but the most minor proposals, consideration will be given to the protection of watercourses and wetland areas which may be affected by a proposed activity. In addition to requiring planning permission, any work on a watercourse, stream or designated Main River (and normally including the banks for a distance of 9m (30ft) either side) requires the permission of the Department of Transport's Land Drainage Engineer, in accordance with the Land Drainage Act 1934.