ADVICE FOR BUSINESS ON DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Recent changes in environmental legislation and national policy can have implications for rural businesses. A case in point is the legal protection now afforded to certain animal groups including bats, badgers, water voles and great crested newts. The killing of a protected species or the disturbance of a place that it uses for shelter could, on prosecution, lead to a very substantial fine, or to imprisonment.
Staffordshire County Council’s Environmental Planning Unit holds or has access to information on protected species and habitats, on structures or areas of historical or archaeological importance, and on landscape character and sensitivity within the county. Its staff can also advise on other sources of environmental information that may be of help to you.
For more information on policy issues and the work of the Environmental Planning Unit contact Steve Potter on 01785 277260, email steve.potter@staffordshire.gov.uk
GOT A QUERY AND WANT TO KNOW WHO TO RING?
See below for work area contacts.
Natural Environment and Landscape
Provision of environmental information to developers and consultants:
Ecological records: Andy Leak - tel: 01785 277257
Nature conservation; biodiversity; protected species: Roger Hill - tel: 01785 277254
Cannock Chase Heathland Restoration: Sue Sheppard - tel: 01785 277256
Woodland protection and conservation; tree health and safety: Paul Kennedy - tel: 01785 277269
Landscape assessment; landscape design: Andy Goode - tel: 01785 277262
Preparation of Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan: Judith Moore - tel: 01889 882613
Follow the link below for the Cannock Chase AONB website.
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/cannockchaseaonb/index.htm
Also, see below for the Staffordshire Biodiversity website
http://www.sbap.org.uk/html/contents.htm
The MAGIC website developed by DEFRA is a “one-stop shop for rural and countryside information”. Interactive maps online allow users to see and interrogate a variety of information against Ordnance Survey mapping.
http://www.magic.gov.uk/
Launched in December 2003, English Nature’s Nature on the Map website also provides interactive maps giving details of protected sites, nature reserves and other types of natural habitat.
http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/
Historic Environment
Head of Historic Environment Team. Scheduled ancient monuments and other archaeology: Ian Wykes - tel: 01785 277295
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas advice: Julian Bagg - tel: 01785 277282
Enquiries relating to developments that might have archaeological implications: Chris Wardle - tel: 01785 277290
Maintains Historic Environment Record: Suzy Blake - tel: 01785 277281
Historic Landscape Characterisation Project: John Robinson - tel: 01785 277285
There is a wealth of information on Staffordshire's history and cultural environment available on the web. Follow the link below to have a look at just one of the resources available to all.
http://www.staffspasttrack.org.uk/
Follow the link to see what Sustainability means in Staffordshire
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/sustainablestaffordshire/
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