A DRAFT conservation guidance document for planning in areas populated by greater horseshoe bats is now open for consultation.

The document is aimed at those developing, determining or commenting on planning applications in the South Hams (SAC) Consultation Area – covering parts of Dartmoor National Park Authority, Teignbridge Council, South Hams

Council and Torbay Council.

This includes landowners, developers, planning agents, ecological consultants, council members and other organisations.

People are being asked for their comments during the consultation, which ends on May 30.

The document relates specifically to the population of greater horseshoe bats for which the site partly has its designation, to ensure there will be no adverse effects on the population of greater horseshoe bats in the South Hams Special Area of Conservation.

The supplementary planning document is being prepared to advise the implementation of policies in statutory development plans, including Local Plans, the Devon Waste Plan and the Devon Minerals Plan.

Cllr Jerry Brook, chairman of Devon County Council’s development management committee, said: ‘The guidance aims to provide clarity on planning requirements in order to reduce costs and delays to developers and local planning authorities.

‘We want people to take part in the consultation and provide us with their feedback to ensure that the guidance is clear and will meet the needs of everyone using it.’

Dan Janota, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s head of forward planning and economy, said: ‘This has been a great example of collaborative working between the local authorities.

‘It will lead to a clearer and more consistent approach to decision making in this area, protecting this important species whilst enabling appropriate development to take place.’

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge Council’s executive for planning and housing, added: ‘The draft SPD is a big step forward in protecting the environment and creating better habitat provision for bats when new development schemes are being considered.

‘We urge everyone to get involved with this consultation.’

This latest document will update and replace the South Hams Special Area of Conservation Greater Horseshoe Bat Consultation Zone Planning Guidance published by Natural England in 2010.

Devon County Council is leading the consultation process on behalf of the five local planning authorities.

The draft supplementary planning document can be viewed online at htps://new.devon.gov.uk /haveyoursay as well as at the relevant council offices during normal office hours.

Responses need to be submitted by 5pm on May 30.