Inappropriate development
Developments that result in geological interest features being concealed or destroyed represent major threats to geological conservation.
Coastal protection schemes are a significant threat because a large proportion of geological SSSIs are situated on the coast. Hard coastal defences that permanently conceal rock outcrops, are directly damaging. Other forms of defence that alter the dynamics of the shoreline system can cause indirect damage by inhibiting erosion, which is essential for the maintenance of exposure in cliffs. Similarly, any developments that perturb natural processes can damage or destroy active geomorphological systems on the coast or elsewhere.
Quarrying is often a positive activity from a geological conservation perspective, because it creates geological exposures that would otherwise not exist. However, quarrying can be a negative activity in cases where the geological resource is finite, such as restricted mineral veins, or on geomorphological sites such as caves and other landforms that need to be conserved as a whole.
Many important geological sites are located in disused quarries. However, disused quarries are often prime candidate sites for landfill operations. Once geological exposures are concealed by landfill, they are effectively permanently lost.
Poorly-sited building developments can also be problematic if they conceal important rock exposures. Disused quarries are often considered for new building developments. In addition, building developments sited too close to eroding coastlines bring increased pressure for construction of coastal defences.
Deflection of threats from inappropriate development is a major part of the conservation of geological sites.
What is Natural England's role?
We are involved in the planning process as a statutory consultee on all planning applications that affect SSSIs and will always attempt to prevent damage to the interest of the site. As there is commonly a wide range of interests which need to be taken into account in a planned development, it may not always be possible to prevent a damaging development taking place. In such cases, we strive to mitigate against the effects of the damaging development through consultation with developers and local authority planners.
