Why planning matters for nature

Every planning decision can affect wildlife. Poorly planned development may fragment habitats or disturb protected species, while good planning can protect important habitats, restore nature and create better-connected landscapes. The decisions made today will shape Devon for decades, making it essential that nature is considered from the outset.

How Devon Wildlife Trust responds

We are consulted by local planning authorities on many planning applications and also monitor proposals ourselves to identify developments that could have significant impacts on wildlife.

As a charity, we do not have the resources to comment on every planning application. Instead, we focus our efforts where we can make the greatest difference for nature. This includes:

• Major developments with significant potential impacts on wildlife.
• Proposals affecting important habitats or protected species.
• Influencing Local Plans, which shape how and where development takes place across each local authority area.

Our responses are always based on evidence. We assess ecological reports, planning documents and relevant planning policies before providing comment. We use national and local planning policy alongside ecological evidence to advocate for the best possible outcomes for nature.

A key principle that guides our work is the mitigation hierarchy. This means encouraging developers to first avoid harm to wildlife wherever possible. Where impacts cannot be avoided, they should be minimised, habitats restored where appropriate and compensation considered only as a last resort.

The planning system has strengthened considerably in recent years, with greater recognition of nature in decision-making. Measures such as Biodiversity Net Gain have helped embed nature recovery into the planning process. Currently the law requires a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. Devon Wildlife Trust supports these changes and advocates for developments to deliver at least 20% Biodiversity Net Gain, ensuring new development leaves nature in a better state than before.

Looking beyond individual applications – Local Plans

While individual planning applications often attract the most attention, many of the most important decisions affecting wildlife are made much earlier through Local Plans.

Every local planning authority prepares a Local Plan, setting out where new homes, businesses and infrastructure will be built, which areas should be protected and the planning policies that will guide development over the coming years.

Influencing a Local Plan can have a greater impact than commenting on individual planning applications because it helps shape the planning policies that will guide future development across the district. Strong, nature-focused policies provide the framework for protecting and enhancing wildlife, helping to ensure that nature is considered consistently when planning decisions are made. The location and extent of development is also critical in protecting key wildlife sites.

This is why Devon Wildlife Trust invests significant time in and expertise in responding to Local Plan consultations and encourages local communities to do the same. Early engagement helps ensure that wildlife is considered before key decisions are made.

What local communities can do

Protecting Devon's wildlife is a shared responsibility. Devon Wildlife Trust will continue to focus our resources where we can make the greatest difference, but local communities are often best placed to identify emerging issues and provide detailed local knowledge. Residents often have valuable knowledge about local wildlife, habitats and how people use an area. By sharing this knowledge through well-informed comments, communities can help planning authorities better understand the environmental value of a site. We believe that individuals and communities can make a valuable contribution to protecting Devon's wildlife, and we want to support you in making a positive difference.

We know it can be upsetting when development is proposed in a place that you value, particularly if it supports wildlife or is an important green space. However, the most effective responses are those that focus on material planning considerations, supported by evidence and relevant planning policy. Comments that identify ecological impacts, refer to planning policies and legislation or highlight gaps in ecological information are always more influential than simply expressing strong opposition to a proposal.

If significant planning issues arise, we may ask our supporters to help amplify key messages by responding to consultations or submitting comments on planning applications. Together, our collective voice can help shape development that benefits both people and wildlife, ensuring Devon remains a place where nature can recover and communities can thrive.