The Priory
Coming soon habitat bank · Suffolk · South Suffolk & North Essex Clayland
The Priory Habitat Bank
Creating richer grassland in the Stour Valley landscape, with plans for local BNG units to support your development.
Local planning authority: Babergh · National Character Area: South Suffolk & North Essex Clayland
The opportunity
Making more room for nature in the Stour Valley
The Priory sits near Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk, within the wider Stour Valley landscape. Farmland, grassland, hedgerows and mature woodland all shape this part of the countryside, with the River Stour running through the wider landscape.
We’re exploring how 20.89 hectares could support a richer mix of habitats, improving existing grassland and creating areas of scrub and trees.
It’s an opportunity to bring more variety to the land and create more space for nature within an already well-connected rural landscape.
If you’re planning a development in the area, The Priory could provide a source of local off-site BNG. Talk to us about what you need.
Location
Building in Babergh or the wider Suffolk and North Essex area?
Planning a development around Colchester, Suffolk or North Essex? We can help you understand whether The Priory could be suitable, based on where you’re building and the habitats your project needs.
Location detail
Plans for nature
What we’re planning
We’re looking at opportunities to create and improve grassland, scrub and trees. The habitat types and number of units will be confirmed as plans develop.
| Habitat opportunity | What we’re exploring |
|---|---|
| Other neutral grassland | Creating richer, more varied grassland |
| Scrub | Adding more variety and shelter for wildlife |
| Trees | Bringing more trees into the landscape |
Planning your project
Start the conversation early
The Priory is not yet registered, but you don’t need to wait to talk to us about your BNG needs.
Tell us where you’re building, the units you expect to need and when you need them. We can discuss whether we could bring the site forward in time to support your project.
A place with a long view
Part of the Stour Valley landscape
The Priory sits within a landscape of farmland, grassland, hedgerows and woodland, with the River Stour and its tributaries adding wetland habitats to the wider area.
The property itself has a long relationship with this landscape. Its established gardens include mature trees, woodland and lakes, with views stretching across the Stour Valley towards Stoke-by-Nayland.
Our plans are an opportunity to make the habitat bank land richer for nature too, improving grassland and creating more variety through scrub and trees.
Care that continues
We’ll create and care for the habitats over the long term, checking how they develop and reporting on progress. You’ll work directly with us throughout, with a team you can turn to as your project moves forward.
Your BNG needs
Planning BNG in Suffolk or North Essex?
Looking for local BNG for your development? Let’s talk about whether The Priory Habitat Bank could be the right fit.
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