9.9.4 to 9.9.5 Explanation

The word 'opportunity' does not suggest the Harborough Borough Council is really committed to improving biodiversity and geodiversity. 9.9.2. States that Harborough is relatively poor in biodiversity, so this policy should aim for net gains in biodiversity and improving the District for biodiversity, not just 'retains wherever possible'. Paragraph 117 of the NPPF states 'To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should: promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets, and identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity in the plan'. We would like to see more proactive wording used here, key issue 5 of this plan has aims of -'addressing the biodiversity deficit in the District'. Therefore there should be a proactive approach to aim for a net gain of biodiversity area of good quality, connected habitats.

THIS COMMENT IS FOR 9.9.5
As stated before mapping of existing corridors should be done and this would help to inform the provision of / enhancement of blue or green corridors. See paragraph 117 of the NPPF regarding mapping.