Planning Approach to Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest
Hatfield Forest, located to the East of Bishops’ Stortford, is a large forest run by the National Trust which is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is a very valuable and much loved open space.
These designations mean that local planning authorities must protect it and assess whether development will harm the Forest and take advice from Natural England on proposals which might damage it. The Council has legal requirements under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 regarding the conservation and enhancement of the special features of Hatfield Forest as an SSSI, including duties to consult with Natural England prior to permitting the carrying out of operations likely damage those features
Natural England wrote to the Council on 08 April 2025 explaining that the habitats and species which make the Forest special were being harmed by visitor usage and that this would be made worse by future developments nearby.
They have developed a programme of mitigation work to prevent the situation getting worse. New developments built in the area will need to pay towards implementing them. Larger developments (approximately 50+ residential units) will also need to provide or pay for sustainable alternative natural green space (SANG).
East Herts District Council will therefore expect all relevant developments to pay this tariff for mitigation works (£538.35 per net additional dwelling) within the area which is affecting Hatfield Forest. Other fees and charges will also apply. You can check if your site is within the area here (click on the small arrow top right and tick the box next to Hatfield Forest Zone of Influence).
For minor schemes (proposing 1-9 homes) a template legal agreement is provided the bottom of this page which will need to be submitted with land ownership information. For major schemes which already require a Section 106 Agreement this clause and requirements for SANG will be included in the wider legal agreement.