NEW planning guidance has been approved to give extra protection to the green spaces and wildlife habitats around the borough.

The Landscape, Biodiversity and Trees Supplementary Planning Document, adopted at a meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on Thursday, 13 December, will be used to advise planning applicants and to determine applications, identifying how developments should be designed to protect and enhance the natural environment.

Professional organisations and local groups, including volunteers, tree wardens, parish councils and Natural Basingstoke, all gave ideas as part of the consultation on its draft version.

The benefits of sustainable urban drainage systems and guidance regarding landscaping at historic sites are outlined in the document.

There is also a focus on the impact of biodiversity, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable habitats, such as ancient woodlands.

Among the suggested landscape measures that support wildlife are hedgehog-friendly rear garden fences and reduced lighting near bat flight routes.

The council’s cabinet member for planning and infrastructure Councillor Mark Ruffell said: “This guidance shows the importance that we as a council give to the natural environment, green spaces, landscape, biodiversity and trees.

“It will give the council greater control in shaping new development, identifying what information should be submitted with planning applications and detailing how developments should be designed to protect and enhance the natural environment.”

For more information, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/Landscape-and-biodiversity.