A public consultation on the updated strategy for protecting the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) will launch in January 2025.
The consultation will run from 15 January to 12 February 2025, inviting feedback from residents, developers, and other stakeholders.
The strategy aims to balance the need for new homes with protecting local wildlife and green spaces. Making sure that growth for our borough is sustainable.
The updated plan outlines measures to protect the rare birds and unique habitats of the SPA, while providing new recreational green spaces for local communities.
Key measures in the plan include:
- creating suitable alternative natural green spaces (SANGs) to attract visitors away from the protected heathlands
- supporting the strategic access management and monitoring (SAMM) project, which helps manage visitor impacts and protect wildlife on the SPA
Cllr Guy Gillbe, cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside, said:
“We are so lucky to have such beautiful green spaces with rare wildlife like Dartford Warblers, Nightjars and Woodlarks.
“We must continue to protect these areas and the birds and wildlife that live there while allowing our borough to grow and thrive. This consultation is your chance to shape how we do that.”
For more information, visit our Thames Basin Heaths SPA page.