The continuous development in the village has raised significant concerns about the inadequate control over biodiversity. Despite numerous developments, the cumulative significance of these projects has not triggered a single full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This absence of comprehensive evaluation undermines the efforts to protect and enhance local biodiversity.
Biodiversity assessments provided by companies hired by the applicants are prone to bias. There is a conflict of interest, as these companies might downplay negative impacts to favour the development.
Independent experts, without any financial ties to the applicants, should conduct biodiversity assessments to ensure impartiality and reliability of the findings.
The residents disagree with the effectiveness of the alleged 10% net gain in biodiversity EHDC process. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed measures will result in a genuine net gain.
There is a lack of robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the biodiversity net gain is achieved and maintained over time.
The cumulative impact of multiple developments on local biodiversity has not been adequately assessed. Each individual project might not meet the threshold for a full EIA, but their combined effects could be significant. According to the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, projects that are likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of their nature, size, or location should undergo an EIA. The failure to conduct a comprehensive EIA for the cumulative impact of all developments is a regulatory oversight.
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