GNLP 2045 Regulation 20 Scoping Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 26304

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

Strengths: Internationally important wetlands and wildlife; Strong network of protected sites; Gateway to the Broads and Norfolk coast.

Weaknesses: Existing pressures on water quality and water availability; Habitat fragmentation and poor ecological condition in some areas; Recreational disturbance at sensitive sites.

Opportunities: Nature recovery and habitat restoration; Green infrastructure and SANGs; Sustainable wildlife tourism; Catchment-scale environmental improvements.

Threats: Climate change – sea level rise, high temperatures and changing rainfall patterns; Nutrient pollution; Unsustainable growth and infrastructure impacts; Increased pressure on protected sites and species.

Comment

Representation ID: 26305

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

The GNLP 2045 should prioritise the redevelopment of suitable brownfield land wherever possible. This can help to direct growth towards previously developed sites and reduce pressure on undeveloped land. However, brownfield sites can themselves support important habitats and species and should be assessed accordingly.

Comment

Representation ID: 26306

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

In terms of future growth, development should be directed towards locations where it can be accommodated without significant impacts on biodiversity, ecological connectivity or opportunities for nature recovery.

The Local Plan should seek to avoid the loss or fragmentation of important habitats and should safeguard opportunities for habitat restoration and landscape-scale nature recovery, contributing to the objectives of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 26307

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

The GNLP 2045 should support sustainable tourism that strengthens the local economy whilst protecting the natural assets that make Greater Norwich distinctive. Norwich is well placed to act as a gateway to the Broads and Norfolk coast, promoting nature-based tourism and helping more people experience the area's internationally important wildlife. However, tourism growth must be accompanied by investment in habitat restoration, visitor infrastructure and interpretation that maximises the visitor experience whilst minimising disturbance from unmanaged footfall. Educational and interpretation facilities within Norwich could help visitors understand the area's unique wildlife before exploring the wider landscape.

Comment

Representation ID: 26308

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

Infrastructure delivery should be planned and coordinated strategically to avoid unnecessary impacts on the natural environment. Where multiple developments require supporting infrastructure, opportunities should be taken to minimise habitat loss, fragmentation and landscape impacts through collaborative planning and delivery.

The provision of infrastructure should be aligned with nature recovery objectives wherever possible.

Comment

Representation ID: 26309

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

Water quality is fundamental to the ecological health of the Broads and wider catchments, which already face significant pressure from nutrient pollution. A strategic catchment-scale approach is required, combining infrastructure investment with nature-based solutions and measures that reduce nutrient inputs at source. Supporting clean power and net zero objectives should also be a priority, but the infrastructure needed to deliver the energy transition must be planned strategically to avoid harm to important habitats, species and designated sites. Climate action and nature recovery should be pursued together.

Comment

Representation ID: 26310

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

The GNLP 2045 should adopt the highest feasible water efficiency standards and ensure growth is planned within environmental limits, recognising the importance of internationally important wetlands and increasing climate pressures. The Plan should take a proactive approach to nature recovery, identifying opportunities for landscape-scale habitat restoration, particularly within the floodplains of the Yare, Bure, Wensum and Waveney, alongside urban examples such as Thorpe Marshes and Sweet Briar Marshes. Green infrastructure and SANGs should complement, not replace, larger habitat restoration projects, improving access to nature whilst delivering biodiversity benefits and reducing pressure on sensitive wildlife sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 26311

Received: 25/09/2026

Respondent: RSPB

The evidence base should identify all designated wildlife sites, including the Broadland SPA. It should take account of all other non-designated areas which could be important for habitat restoration, ecological connectivity and the recovery of priority species. This should be informed through engagement with nature conservation organisations and aligned with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

The evidence base should also include mapping of key watercourses, tributaries and catchment connections to improve understanding of how development may affect downstream habitats and protected sites through changes in water quality, water resources and hydrological processes.