Special Protection Areas (SPA) were established by English Nature to protect internationally important wildlife habitats that are intended principally to protect rare birds, like the Dartford Warbler. English Nature believes that where development between 400m and 5km takes place – alternative areas of open space ‘avoidance sites’ or improved access to existing open space is provided by way of compensation. Much of Guildford, including Christchurch Ward, is affected by the SPA restrictions which has meant that residential planning applications have had to be refused. None of the enhancements to ‘avoidance sites’ will be paid for from public money.

Guildford Council’s Executive has approved a Strategy, following public consultation, to deal with this issue. It is a temporary measure which will prevent harm to the SPAs and resolve the current problem of all residential planning applications having to be refused within the protection zone to comply with the SPA regulations.