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Policy and Planning

SBIS data underpins biodiversity decision-making across Suffolk. From biodiversity duty obligations and local plan evidence to Biodiversity Net Gain and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, our datasets help public bodies, planners, and decision-makers ground their work in the ecological reality of the county. This section brings together guidance, frameworks, and resources to support evidence-led environmental policy and planning.

Biodiversity duty for public bodies: Public bodies have a statutory duty under the Environment Act 2021 to conserve and enhance biodiversity. This page explains what the duty means in practice and how SBIS data can help organisations meet their reporting and planning obligations.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS): The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy identifies priorities and opportunities for nature recovery across the two counties. SBIS species and habitat data contributed to its evidence base and continues to inform delivery.

Local Policies and Strategies: An overview of the local policy frameworks and strategies that shape biodiversity and environmental decision-making in Suffolk, including local plans, district biodiversity strategies, and supplementary planning documents.

Planning, Infrastructure and Development: Guidance on how biodiversity considerations apply to major infrastructure and development projects, including the role of SBIS data in pre-application assessment, environmental impact assessment, and Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Suffolk’s Protected Sites: Suffolk has over 1,100 designated sites covering more than 42,700 ha. This page provides an overview of the county's statutory and non-statutory protected sites, including SSSIs, County Wildlife Sites, and European designations, with maps.

Glossary of site designations: A plain-language guide to the different site designation types found in Suffolk, from SSSIs and Ramsar sites to County Wildlife Sites, County GeoSites, and Roadside Nature Reserves, with links to further information.

Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan and Planning: Archived Suffolk BAP documents and planning guidance, retained for reference. The BAP framework has been superseded by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and the Environment Act 2021.

Planning archive: Archived SBIS planning seminars, workshops, and newsletters, retained for reference.

Resources

Publications and websites


Organisations that can advise and provide practical help