Environment and ecology

South Staffordshire Council has a duty to ensure that planning application decisions comply with the Habitats Regulations. Local Plan policy EQ2 safeguards the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which has been designated for its unique heathland habitat.

Please note that applications which will be determined on or after 1st April 2022 for new housing which fall within a 15 kilometre radius Zone of Influence for the Cannock Chase SAC will need to provide mitigation. This mitigation will take the form of a monetary payment of £290.58 per dwelling and a single legal administration fee of £100 per agreement, but applicants should ensure they review the latest SAC guidance before submitting an application. A draft unilateral agreement must accompany all planning applications where required (see Appendix 2 of the Guidance).

SSDC Cannock Chase SAC Guidance 1st April 2022 

SAC Partnership MoU 2022 

Cannock Chase SAC FAQ

Draft Template - Unilateral Undertaking SAC

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If a site has been identified as falling within an Impact Risk Zone on Staffordshire wide Great Crested Newt habitat map, there is a high likelihood of great crested newts being present within the site.

To address this matter two routes are available, which need to be addressed prior to validation of a planning application. Either by using the Council's District Licence - delivered by NatureSpace. Please visit the NatureSpace website for more information, or contact them on info@naturespaceuk.com.. Or by a standard survey & licence route. You can commission a seasonal survey of ponds and suitable habitats on and around the development site to ascertain potential impacts on great crested newts. The survey work must be carried out by an appropriately experienced and licensed ecologist.