Policy G9 — Geodiversity

Policy G9 Geodiversity A In Development Plans, boroughs should: 1) establish clear goals for the management of identified sites to promote public access, appreciation and interpretation of geodiversity 2) ensure geological sites of European, national or regional conservation importance are clearly identified. B Development proposals should: 1) make a positive contribution to the protection and enhancement of geodiversity 2) protect Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) 3) give Locally Important Geological Sites (LIGS) the level of protection commensurate with their importance. 8.9.1 Geodiversity is a fundamental cornerstone of our everyday lives. Geology affects where we build, how we construct buildings and how we deliver associated services. It influences the design and layout of infrastructure, filters our drinking water and underpins the landscape around us. Geodiversity cannot be replaced or recreated (other than on geological timescales). 8.9.2 London’s geodiversity sites are shown in Figure 8.3. Geodiversity sites with existing or proposed European or national designations are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and subject to statutory protection. Boroughs should protect and enhance RIGSs and LIGSs through their Development Plans. The Mayor will continue to work with the London Geodiversity Partnership to promote geodiversity and will prepare updated Supplementary Planning Guidance as necessary. 8.9.3 Geodiversity sites should be recognised for their importance in providing habitats for biodiversity and in allowing delivery of ecosystem services. 8.9.4 Where appropriate, access should be provided to geodiversity sites, although it is recognised that this is not always desirable. Geological sites will require appropriate maintenance regimes to ensure that these assets are properly protected and managed. Figure 8.3 - Geodiversity sites Figure 8.3 - Geodiversity sites Navigation [133] London’s waterways and their multifunctional role are specifically addressed in Policy SI 14 Waterways – strategic role to Policy SI 17 Protecting and enhancing London’s waterways . [134] Valuing London's Urban Forest - Results of the London i-Tree Eco Project, Treeconomics, 2015, https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/valuing-londons-urban-forest [135] Natural capital accounts for public green space in London, Vivid Economics, 2017, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/parks-green-spaces-and-biodiversity/green-infrastructure/natural-capital-account-london?source=vanityurl [136] Areas of Deficiency in Access to Public Open Space, GiGL, https://www.gigl.org.uk/open-spaces/areas-of-deficiency-in-access-to-public-open-space/?highlight=open%20space%20deficiency [137] Urban Greening Factor for London, The Ecology Consultancy, 2017, https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/urban_greening_factor_for_london_final_report.pdf [138] Tree and Woodland Strategy Guidance, Mayor of London, 2013, [ https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/sinc_selection_process_2019_update_.pdf ] [139] Forestry Commission/Natural England (2018): Ancient woodland and veteran trees; protecting them from development, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/planning-applications-affecting-trees-and-woodland [140] Category A, B and lesser category trees where these are considered by the local planning authority to be of importance to amenity and biodiversity, as defined by BS 5837:2012 [141] Tree and Woodland Strategy Guidance, Mayor of London, 2013, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/implementing-london-plan/london-plan-guidance-and-spgs/tree-and-woodland [142] The Right Trees for Changing Climate Database, http://www.righttrees4cc.org.uk/ [143] Trees and Design Action Group guidance, http://www.tdag.org.uk/guides--resources.html [144] Valuing London's Urban Forest - Results of the London i-Tree Eco Project, Treeconomics, 2015, https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/valuing-londons-urban-forest [145] CAVAT, https://www.ltoa.org.uk/resources/cavat [146] i-Tree Eco, https://www.itreetools.org/ Contents < Chapter 7 Chapter 9 > Back to table of contents Share this page Share via email Useful links Who we are Jobs Venue hire Contact us Talk London Search for funding City Hall blog Keep up to date Media centre Accessibility Privacy policies Terms and conditions Freedom of Information RSS feeds Translate Translate Translation disclaimer Connect with us X Facebook YouTube We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. View cookie settings. © Copyright Greater London Authority 2026 https://www.london.gov.ukLondon Plan Policy G9 · official source →