Planning for biodiversity in Cumbria

Cumbria Biological Data Network (CBDN) has developed a biodiversity information resource for use within the planning system in Cumbria. This will assist Local Authority planners in producing Local Development Frameworks, help to inform the Development Control planning process and enable Local Authority planners to better fulfil their biodiversity duties. This information will also be of value for developers when considering biodiversity issues in relation to proposed developments.

CBDN has drawn up lists of Cumbria Key Species and Habitats as part of this Biodiversity Evidence Base for Cumbria. The lists contain nationally and internationally protected, UK Priority (UK Biodiversity Action Plan) and Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats. Individual statements have been prepared for Key Habitats and an initial selection of Key Species in the county.

Cumbria Key Habitats statements
Click here for information on Priority habitats in Cumbria

Cumbria Key Species statements
Click here for information on a selection of protected and Priority species in Cumbria

Click here for a full list of protected and Priority species in Cumbria

The Report of The Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base for Cumbria’s Planning Authorities can be seen here: [download report as pdf file]

Elements from the Evidence Base are presented separately below:

• The Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base Spreadsheet lists the information required in the evidence base and summarises the nature, availability and currency of each element. [Excel spreadsheet]

• A compilation of all the Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities from the species and habitats statements can be seen here. [PDF] Draft Habitat Targets for Cumbria are also presented.

• A Guide to Biodiversity Planning Policy and Guidance can be seen here [PDF]

• A Guide to Wildlife Legislation and Site Designations can be seen here [PDF]

• Information is presented for each Local Authority (LA) District and Joint Character Area (JCA) in the county in the spreadsheets below. A map of the JCAs and LA Districts in Cumbria can be seen here [jpeg/gif file]

• The Key Species Presence/Absence Spreadsheet shows the known occurrence of Key Species in LA Districts and JCAs in Cumbria. [Excel spreadsheet]

• The Priority Habitats in Cumbria spreadsheet indicates the extent of each UK Priority Habitat in each LA District and JCA in Cumbria. [Excel spreadsheet]

• A map of all Priority Habitat in Cumbria can be seen here. [jpeg/gif]

• A map of Key Species richness can be seen here. [jpeg/gif]

Additional documents: