This policy will protect important land based carbon sinks such as peatland and woodland projects whilst encouraging new development to promote biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
We recognise the importance of peatlands and woodland to carbon sequestration and agree that these should be protected where possible. It is important to note however that with respect to new development, there can often be many carbon sequestration benefits associated with the creation of multi-functional green infrastructure and onsite planting which should be recognised when considering the overall ‘carbon performance’ of new development.
Countryside therefore believe that the draft policy should contain text to support new development if it can be demonstrated that the green infrastructure and woodland it provides will sequester carbon. We believe this should be recognised as one of the many environmental benefits that new development can provide.