Ecology and Nature Conservation
The proposed site contains no features of significant nature conservation interest.
Studies have indicated that buildings on the site may be used by a pair of barn owls. Construction would be managed to ensure that their breeding is unaffected.
The site is adjacent to a ditch which is populated by water voles. Impacts on water voles can be avoided provided that no works are required to ditch banks; particularly careful attention to treatment of surface water runoff from the site is recommended to avoid indirect impacts.
While the predicted impacts of the development will involve loss of a small amount of scrub and associated habitats, this would be compensated by new planting within the curtilage of the development site.
Based on currently available data (including several studies commissioned as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment), the development should be neutral with respect of its ecological impact. Ecological enhancement measures incorporated into site landscaping can produce a net positive impact, potentially benefitting a range of bird species, depending on detailed design and after-care.
Frequently Asked Questions
None.
Downloads
| Document | Published | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Statement Volume 1, Chapter 8 - Ecology | Mar 2009 | 138 kB |
| Figure 8.1 - Habitat Survey | Mar 2009 | 24,268 kB |
| Figure 8.2 - Silversides Survey | Mar 2009 | 24,268 kB |
| Appendix 8.1 - Habitat Target Notes | Mar 2009 | 32 kB |
| Appendix 8.2 - Vascular Plant Species | Mar 2009 | 205 kB |
| Appendix 8.3 - Birds Recorded on Site | May 2008 | 110 kB |
