Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area

Parts of Wokingham Borough lie within 5km of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area - SPA. This applies to some parts of the borough south of the M4 motorway.

The boundaries of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA can be seen on our interactive maps Local Development Framework consultation view.

You can also see a PDF of this area at the bottom of the page.

The Thames Basin Heaths

The Thames Basin Heaths support internationally important populations of 3 rare species of birds. This means we must undertake an appropriate assessment under The Conservation - Natural Habitats and C - Regulations 1994 for all proposals for residential development of at least 1 new dwelling - including reserved matters and renewal of full and outline planning permissions - within a linear distance of 5km from the SPA. Please note that the 5.2km car journey distance is no longer applicable.

Our approach - the precautionary principle

Because even 1 new house will have a negative impact based on the cumulative impact upon the SPA our general approach would be to issue a precautionary refusal on any application where there is an unmitigated impact.

English Nature assessments

English Nature have provided advice on how to undertake 'appropriate assessments' - see document at the bottom of this page.

We will follow 'Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation - Statutory Obligations and their impact within the Planning System' for determining planning applications.

Further information on the Thames Basin Heaths SPA is available on English Nature's website.

Planning application appeals

For help on submitting an appeal for a planning application read the advice on the Planning Inspectorate website.