Development which would have a detrimental effect on Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites, County Wildlife Sites and other sites of natureconservation significance, Local Nature Reserves and Ancient Woodlands will not be permitted unless:
6.12 In addition to SSSI’s, there are a number of other important geological and geomorphological sites in the Plan area. Designations of Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS), aim to maintain and enhance specific features of rock and landform and the dynamic natural processes which create them. They are worthy of protection for their educational, research, historical or aesthetic importance and have the backing of English Nature.
6.13 North Pennines Geodiversity sites are representative examples of particular geological features in the context of the North Pennines AONB. There is one site within the district at Forest Head Quarries, Hallbankgate, which is one of a range of sites contained within the North Pennines AONB Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan.
6.14 The importance of sites such as these has become significantly greater in recent years as opportunities to study the earth’s history through its rocks, fossils, minerals and landforms are rapidly disappearing because of changes in land use and the pressure of development.
6.15 In view of their importance, development or land use changes which would adversely affect these sites will not be permitted. Sensitive development may however be possible, providing that it preserves the value of the site. At some sites there may be benefits of further exposing the features which make them important. The City Council therefore supports the enhancement, access and interpretation of sites where appropriate.
6.16 The Plan area includes a number of RIGS as indicated on the Proposals Map, although more are likely to come forward within the Plan period. Sites can range from those influenced by man such as rock exposures in old quarries to the natural forces driving river erosion. The Cumbria RIGS Group hold information on these sites.
6.17 In addition to SSSIs, there are a large number of other important nature conservation sites in the Plan area, which do not meet the criteria used by English Nature to assess potential SSSIs. These sites have been designated by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust as wildlife sites. They are examples of important habitats with uncommon species of plants and animals. As with SSSIs, the sites vary considerably in size and character from large woodlands, areas of wetland, moorland and heath and small areas of roadside verge. Within the built up area of Carlisle such sites include the Caldew Valley, Cummersdale Holmes, Tarraby Lane and Engine Lonning areas, Kingmoor Sidings and Kingmoor Nature Reserve, which is the oldest reserve in the District, being designated in 1914. It consists of approximately 40 hectares of protected woodland and fields. The City Council manages the reserve and will continue to seek to enhance the habitats and nature trails of this valued recreational and educational asset, through the drawing up of a detailed management plan for the area.
6.18 The Cumbria Wildlife Trust provides updated information on Wildlife Sites on a variety of matters including location, flora and fauna, etc. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with the City Council, will seek to undertake further surveys of the area in order to designate additional sites under this Policy.
6.19 The importance of sites such as these has become significantly greater in recent years, as changing agricultural practices and the disappearance of traditional management in the countryside have resulted in the loss or alteration of many sites. Many species of plants and butterflies which were common fifty years ago are now found only rarely.
6.20 In view of their importance, it is considered that development or land use changes which would adversely affect the nature conservation importance of these sites should not be permitted unless there is an overriding need. Such changes could include moorland afforestation or lack of sensitive management of important woodlands, as well as development requiring planning permission. Where derelict land reclamation schemes are proposed, undisturbed areas which are significant from a nature conservation point of view should be respected. Where development is permitted which would result in the loss of an environmental feature such as woodland, there will be a requirement to replace this feature in an appropriate location.
6.21 Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and the associated regulations state that Local Plans should include Policies encouraging the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild flora and fauna. These features are those which,because of their linear and continuous nature or their function as stepping stones, are essential for migration, dispersal and genetic exchange. Such features could include rivers with their banks, hedgerows, ponds and small woods. Many of these within the Plan area are designated as Wildlife Sites. The City Council will consider the use of planning conditions and agreements when granting planning permission which may affect these features and will encourage landowners and developers to enter into management agreements where appropriate.
6.22 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) can be established by the City Council on land in which the Council has an interest either through ownership, lease or agreement (Section 21, National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949). They are habitats of local significance which make a useful contribution both to nature conservation and to the opportunities for the public to observe, learn about and enjoy wildlife. LNRs are predominantly ecological, but can also be established on geological sites. Linear sites such as abandoned canals and railway lines make good LNRs as they form links between wildlife habitats isolated by urban In declaring a LNR the City Council will make a commitment to conserve or enhance the features on which the special interest of the site depends.
6.23 Kingmoor Sidings LNR occupies the site of the old Carlisle railway marshalling yards and extends to approximately nine hectares. This site was abandoned and has been gradually colonised by a broad range of plants and wildlife. The site is owned by the City Council and was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1988. The Council is currently preparing a management plan for this important wildlife protection and interpretation area, the overall aim of which is to maintain the present semi-natural nature of the site. There is a footpath link through to the adjacent Kingmoor Nature Reserve.
6.24 Ancient, semi natural woodlands are those which have been in existence from at least 1600 AD and can be separated into two groups; ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNW) and planted ancient woodlands (PAWS). ANSW have since then only been cleared for underwood or timber production. Ancient woodlands consist of mature trees which have not obviously been planted and have had over 400 years in which to develop stable plant and animal communities. A survey by English Nature in March 1994 established the extent of ANSW in Cumbria. PAWS are sites that were formerly semi-natural but have been replanted, either with conifers, broadleaves or a mixture of the two. Even those PAWS planted with conifers often continue to support species characteristic of ancient woodlands, their soils remain relatively undisturbed and historical and archaeological features often still exist.
6.25 Ancient woodlands have their own communities of plants and animals which have developed over centuries in relatively undisturbed conditions. As a result, they contain many uncommon or rare species and comprise an asset of great importance to nature conservation. Many ancient woodlands are either Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Wildlife Sites. It is essential that remaining ancient woodlands are protected and sympathetically managed.
6.26 Proposals which would be detrimental to the character of ancient woodlands will be discouraged. Such proposals would include clearfelling and a change of land use, or substantial clear felling and replanting with alien species. Sensitive management involving selective felling will be encouraged.
6.27 In considering development and other proposals affecting ancient woodlands the Council will seek to retain tree cover as far as possible. This can be achieved through consultation procedures with the Forestry Authority on tree planting and felling. Alternatively, conditions may be imposed on planning consents to retain such features.
