Thames Basin Heaths special protection area SPD

Read the Thames Basin Heaths SPA Avoidance Strategy 2017 SPD (PDF) [9MB]

The Special Protection Area Strategy contains guidance for developers whose work could impact the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. It sets out restrictions for developments that could directly harm the SPA, and mitigation schemes for new residential development. These mitigation schemes are:

These mitigation schemes are:

• Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) - new open spaces that attract visitors away from the SPA, and;
• the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) project, which mitigates the impact of SPA visitors

SANG and SAMM are funded by tariffs that are based on the average number of people living in homes of different sizes.

The tariffs are updated every year at the end of March to take account of inflation. See the annual tariff update.

Special Protection Area Tariffs SPD

Read the Special Protection Area Tariffs 2024 Supplementary Planning Document (PDF) [465KB]
This document should be read alongside the SPA strategy. It changes the strategy by:

• updating the occupancy rates for new homes using data from the 2021 census
• changing the SANG and SAMM tariffs using the new occupancy rates
• changing how tariffs are applied to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• clarifying how tariffs are applied to residential caravans and temporary developments.

We carried out a four-week consultation on the draft SPD in May and June 2024. You can view the draft SPD together with the responses that we received. (opens new window) 

We made the the decision to adopt the SPD on 5 September 2024. (opens new window) 

You may also wish to read our  adoption statement (PDF) [125KB]  and  consultation statement (PDF) [113KB] consultation statement.

If you need a copy of the Special Protection Area Tariffs SPD 2024 SEA HRA Determination by email or post, you can reach us at

• planningpolicy@guildford.gov.uk
• Planning Policy, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Guildford GU2 4BB.
• 01483 505050

Posted copies will be charged at £5.00.

Read more documents relating to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area SPD:

• Natural England SANG guidelines August 2021 (PDF) [1MB]
• Equalities Impact Assessment for the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy 2017 SPD (PDF) [1MB]
• Consultation Statement for the strategy (PDF) [1MB]
• Adoption Statement for the strategy (PDF) [80KB]
• Natural England Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Project-tariff guidance (PDF) [115KB]
• Thames Basin Heaths SPA delivery framework (PDF) [436KB]
• TBH SPA Avoidance Strategy SPD 2017 SEA and HRA determination (PDF) [152KB]
• Natural England's standing advice on Appropriate Assessment (PDF) [305KB]
• SPA Tariffs SPD Equalities impact assessment (PDF) [192KB]
• Special Protection Area Tariffs SPD 2024 SEA HRA Determination (PDF) [1MB]