Decision details

The Executive was informed that the provision of a financial contribution to Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) was a requirement for all planning applications involving new residential development to mitigate the adverse recreational impacts on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA).

Members were informed that SANG capacity in the borough was becoming limited, particularly in the west of the borough. Without further provision, in the next 6 to12 months applications for new residential development were at risk of being refused due to lack of SANG capacity.

A SANG allocation criteria had been produced to help ensure that remaining SANG capacity was used efficiently and made available for those developments that are best placed to deliver the spatial strategy for the Borough. A SANG Acquisition Strategy had also been produced, identifying the main areas in the borough with potential for SANG creation to mitigate the impact of future housing development in the west of the borough on the SPA.

Members considered the SANG Acquisition Strategy and, in respect of the potential sites, it was agreed to change the reference from Pine Ridge Golf Course to Frimley Fuel Allotments, as this more accurately reflected the area concerned.

The Executive considered proposals to investigate the acquisition of land for SANG through negotiations with relevant landowners. It was also proposed to contact neighbouring authorities to identify the immediate issue this Council had with a shortage of SANG in order to ascertain if they could provide any additional SANG capacity. 

RESOLVED that

(i)        the SANG allocation criteria, as set out in Annex 1 to the agenda report, be agreed;

(ii)      authority be delegated to the Executive Head of Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning & People, to investigate the acquisition of land for SANG through negotiations with relevant landowners and to prioritise investigating potential at suitable sites, as identified in the SANG Acquisition Strategy as set out at Annex 2 to the agenda report, as amended;

(iii)     neighbouring authorities (Bracknell, Hart and Rushmoor) be contacted to highlight the immediate issue Surrey Heath has in respect of the shortage of SANG and to ask again if they can provide any SANG capacity.

Note: In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Rodney Bates declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a Trustee of Frimley Fuel Allotments.