You may remember that an application for outline planning permission for approximately 462 homes directly opposite Havannah Nature Reserve – just a short distance from Woolsington Woods – has been submitted by Banks Property. This poses a huge threat to the sensitive flora and fauna within the reserve and does not propose adequate mitigation. National planning policy states that planning must aim to provide net gains in biodiversity, while contributing to and enhancing the natural and local environment and recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services. The Banks application does not minimise impacts on biodiversity, offers no suitable mitigation and will have a detrimental impact on the protected species within the nature reserve. There are now less than 10 days to oppose these harmful plans. If you wish to save one of Newcastle’s most valuable wildlife habitats please email alison.scott@newcastle.gov.uk quoting application number 2015/1665/01/OUT. Please include your full name and address. You can use the below template but please add your own words to make it more powerful. ‘I object to the above application as the National Planning Policy Framework states that planning should contribute to and enhance the natural environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity. The proposals contravene Section 11, Paragraph 109 of the NPPF as they do not recognise the wider benefits of ecosystem services or minimise impacts on biodiversity.’ It only takes a few moments to send an email. Your actions today could preserve this vital wildlife habitat for a lifetime. https://publicaccessapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=NXLJWFBS0EQ00