Wandsworth Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document Consultation 2025

Results updated 9 Sep 2026

The Draft Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) consultation closed on 30 September 2025. We received 10 responses from residents and other interested parties. Following consideration of the consultation responses, the Biodiversity SPD was adopted on 1 December 2025.

What we heard

Most respondents supporting the Biodiversity SPD's aims while suggesting targeted improvements. Key issues raised included strengthening guidance on aquatic and riverine environments, better integrating biodiversity and heritage considerations, improving advice on swift and sparrow nesting features, addressing biodiversity opportunities and impacts associated with tall buildings, recognising the importance of front and rear gardens for nature recovery, and ensuring biodiversity measures are effectively delivered through the planning process.

How your feedback was used

Following the consultation, we considered all responses to the consultation in producing the final version of the SPD. The Council accepted a number of recommendations and amended the SPD accordingly, particularly in relation to river habitats, heritage assets, bird nesting provision and guidance for tall buildings.

Further information

The adopted Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (the SPD), the Adoption Statement and a Consultation Statement is available to inspect on the Council's website.

Closed 30 Sep 2025

Opened 2 Sep 2025

Contact

Any queries please contact:

020 8871 6000

Wandsworthplanningpolicy@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Overview

Wandsworth Council is consulting on its draft Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).  

The draft SPD will provide clear guidance as to how biodiversity can be considered and incorporated at each stage of the development process. It will include detailed information about how proposals can ensure biodiversity is considered and enhanced in the Borough. The SPD relates to the updated BNG requirements (2024) and will support the biodiversity policies set out in the Wandsworth Local Plan (July 2023). 

Picture of a pond surrounded by greenery

How to get involved

We are asking for feedback to make sure the draft SPD is as effective as possible. As part of responding to this consultation, you may wish to consider the following questions:  

  • Is the draft SPD accessible, easy to understand and use?  

  • Does the draft SPD contain all the guidance it needs to?  

  • Is the guidance in the draft SPD clear and appropriate?  

  • Do you have any other thoughts or ideas on the content of the draft SPD? 

  • Does the SPD meet all relevant laws, regulations and policies? 

Have your say

Please give us your feedback using the Online Survey link below. 

You can also provide feedback in the following ways:  

  • By post to Spatial Planning & Design, Wandsworth Council, Wandsworth High Street, London, SW18 2PU 

Where your feedback relates to a specific part of the document, please make sure it is clear which part, along with any changes you feel should be made.  

Please note that your response will not be treated as confidential and any anonymous responses will not be accepted.     

What happens next

Picture of a bird and an insect in a green backgroundA summary of the responses to the consultation will be made available following the consultation period. These responses will be fully considered and if appropriate, changes will be made to the final version of the document prior to its adoption by the Council, which is intended to be later in 2025 or early 2026.

Areas

  • Balham
  • Battersea Park
  • East Putney
  • Falconbrook
  • Furzedown
  • Lavender
  • Nine Elms
  • Northcote
  • Roehampton
  • Shaftesbury & Queenstown
  • South Balham
  • Southfields
  • St. Mary's
  • Thamesfield
  • Tooting Bec
  • Tooting Broadway
  • Trinity
  • Wandle
  • Wandsworth Common
  • Wandsworth Town
  • West Hill
  • West Putney

Audiences

  • Open to all

Interests

  • Wandsworth Borough