REPORT

ON

BIODIVERSITY

AT

2 MERIDEN CLOSE CANFORD CLIFFS POOLE DORSET BH13 7JT

TO ACCOMPANY A PLANNING APPLICATION TO SEVERE THE NORTHERN GARDEN, DEMOLISH THE POOL HOUSE AND BUILD THREE TOWN HOUSES.

Job Ref: Canford Cliffs House, 2 Meriden Close_28012020

Prepared by:

Philip Smith Conservation Consultant 45 Normanhurst Avenue Queens Park Bournemouth Dorset BH8 9NN

Date Action Version 25/03/2020 Initial Phase 1 appraisal 1 06/08/2020 Updated plans 2

Prepared by………Phil Smith………………..……….

Page 1 of 35 Prepared by Phil Smith 06/08/2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Instructions were received from Bayview Developments to inspect and advise on biodiversity 2 Meriden Close, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset BH13 7JT to accompany a full planning application (not known) to severe the side garden and erect three new dwellings and associate parking and driveway on site. Grid Reference SZ 0577 8918. The survey of the site comprised a quick walk over Phase 1 habitat survey is provided.

Standard techniques were used to search for the presence of biodiversity interests in the form of direct physical evidence, evidence of use in the form of faecal droppings, potential habitats and flora on site. Some trees on site are dead, and we believe no other trees will be removed. We believe that some previous work has been conducted to clear dead trees.

A rapid Phase 1 habitat survey has been conducted of the garden. No protected or notable species were noted on site, biodiversity is considered to be low due to the amount of maintained ornamental garden on site and dominance of maintained amenity lawn. Flowers within the grounds are widespread and common, locally and nationally.

The building is considered to hold negligible potential for bats. Enhancements in the new builds are recommended.

Shrubbery is on site in the form of ornamental borders with some indigenous species. Recommendations have been made.

The site has very limited potential for foraging bats during the spring and summer months. Bats are known to commute and forage in the nearby area. Recommendations are made.

The site has potential for birds to nest during the spring and summer months in the small areas of shrubbery which will be removed. A number of birds that could this site are shown in the Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search to commute and forage in the nearby area. Recommendations are made.

No evidence was noted of hedgehogs using the site. Hedgehogs are noted to be present within one kilometre of the site. Recommendations are made.

No evidence was noted of badgers using the site. Badgers are noted to be present within one kilometre of the site. Recommendations are made.

Reptiles have the potential to use the site in a wood pile. Recommendations are made.

A small old damaged pond is located in the front of the site. Recommendations are made.

The site falls within 5 kilometres of RAMSAR and SPA sites.

The new BCP Authority is not party to the Dorset Biodiversity Appraisal Protocol. We will however, follow those guidelines and a Biodiversity Mitigation and

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Enhancement Plan is offered within this report to ensure biodiversity interests are protected and enhanced.

This report is valid for a maximum of three years. Should plans change we must be afforded the opportunity to update this report and associated Biodiversity Mitigation Plan.

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Introduction

INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions were received from Bayview Developments to inspect and advise on biodiversity 2 Meriden Close, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset BH13 7JT to accompany a full planning application (not known) to severe the side garden and erect three new dwellings and associate parking and driveway on site. Grid Reference SZ 0577 8918. The survey of the site comprised a quick walk over Phase 1 habitat survey is provided.

Location

INSPECTION

A Phase 1 site inspection took place on 24th January 2020 with an update inspection on 4th August 2020.

THE CONTRACTOR

Phil Smith is a licensed bat warden and I have been conducting surveys for Natural England for some 15 years. He holds Class 15, 17 and 18 licences to survey for bats and licences to survey for Barn owl, Great crested newts, Smooth snake, Sand lizard and White clawed Cray fish. He holds a number of European Protected Species licences for bats where Natural England have granted them with Phil being the named ecologist. He has assisted a PhD student from Bristol University as a volunteer helper conduct research into Bats in the Landscape on the Isle of Purbecks.

EXISTING USE OF SITE

A swimming pool house exists on site. The landscaped and manicured garden has an area of amenity lawn, poor ornamental borders and hardstanding.

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PROPOSED USE OF THE SITE

It is proposed to erect three new dwellings and associate parking and driveway on site, - full planning application to be advised. See Appendix III.

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Legislation and policy

The BERN Convention (The Convention on the conservation of European Wildlife and natural Habitats) was adopted in 1979 and came into force in 1982. As a result the European Community adopted the EC Habitats Directive. All British bats are listed under Appendix III of the Bern Convention, and Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive. Bats and their habitat are listed under Appendix II of the Bonn Convention obligating the UK to protect their habitat.

All bat species are specially protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and as a result it is illegal to:

 Intentionally kill, injure or take bats;

 Deliberately disturb bats;

 Damage, destroy or obstruct access to bat roosts.

Additionally, the Conservation (and Habitats and c.) Regulations, 1994 (as amended in 2007) protects bats under Schedule 2. In 2000 the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 was enacted to increase the legislative powers so that reckless acts were included.

The Government’s objectives for planning are:

• to promote sustainable development by ensuring that biological and geological diversity are conserved and enhanced as an integral part of social, environmental and economic development, so that policies and decisions about the development and use of land integrate biodiversity and geological diversity with other considerations. • to conserve, enhance and restore the diversity of England’s wildlife and geology by sustaining, and where possible improving, the quality and extent of natural habitat and geological and geomorphological sites; the natural physical processes on which they depend; and the populations of naturally occurring species which they support. • to contribute to rural renewal and urban renaissance by: – enhancing biodiversity in green spaces and among developments so that they are used by wildlife and valued by people, recognising that healthy functional ecosystems can contribute to a better quality of life and to people’s sense of well-being; and – ensuring that developments take account of the role and value of biodiversity in supporting economic diversification and contributing to a high quality environment.

The planning system has a significant part to play in meeting the Government’s international commitments and domestic policies for habitats, species and ecosystems.

Planning Policy Statements (PPS) set out the Government’s national policies on different aspects of planning in England. PPS9 sets out planning policies on protection of biodiversity and geological conservation through the planning system. This has now been replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework, issued in March 2012.

The Government’s objectives for planning with regard to bio-diversity and conservation are set out in Section 11 and extracts are shown below. We can only Page 6 of 35 Prepared by Phil Smith 06/08/2020 show extracts relevant to Conservation and Bio-diversity. Please see www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2116950.pdf for the full framework.

Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.

The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

 Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils;

 Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services;

 Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures;

 In preparing plans to meet development needs, the aim should be to minimise pollution and other adverse effects on the local and natural environment. Plans should allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in this Framework.

 Local planning authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged. Distinctions should be made between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, so that protection is commensurate with their status and gives appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution that they make to wider ecological networks.

 Set out a strategic approach in their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure

To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should:

 plan for biodiversity at a landscape-scale across local authority boundaries;

 identify and map components of the local ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation;

 promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets, and identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity in the plan;

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OBSERVATIONS MADE ON THE PLANNING PROCESS

The report is produced to assist in the planning process and changes to the dwelling/property as advised by the client. It advises only on the biodiversity at the site. In this particular case it is regarding bats. It is assumed that the land/building owner will be submitting this report through the correct planning procedure and has sought or will seek professional planning advice.

It is the landowner’s responsibility to ensure all aspects of law are complied with. This includes matters regarding, but not exclusively, tree preservation orders, heritage matters and any other matter requiring planning approval before any works are undertaken.

Any advice given does not infer a legal right to carry out any actions that may be subject to, but have not been processed and approved by, any local planning authority and conditions or constraints that they would impose. This report does not override any legal process that is required to be obtained to carry out the proposed works.

Currently BCP Authority is not part of the Dorset Biodiversity Appraisal Protocol. We will however follow this for guidance as it applies to much of the county of Dorset.

Data Protection Policy

We are registered with the ICO for Data Protection. We do not send emails or paperwork advertising our services.

Names, email addresses and property addresses are maintained purely for accounting and report writing purposes. Data is only retained for as long as the report is valid, usually three years. Invoices are retained for seven years for tax purposes. We do not sell clients information to third parties for any purposes.

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Methodology

Field study

Phase 1 bat survey

Standard methods of identifying if bats use a buildings or trees include observation of staining by urine or faeces on walls, observation of faeces on ledges or flat surfaces, direct observation of bats perching or roosting, observation of prey items and emergence observations. The Bat Conservation Trust has issued Good Practice Guidelines which require that if there is a likelihood that bats could use a property or tree, emergence surveys are conducted proportionate to the likelihood that bats may be or have used the property. Potential access points, droppings around the building or droppings inside the roof all contribute to the likelihood that bats are using or have used the property. It is deemed suitable to survey buildings throughout the year for signs of bats or the likelihood that they may have or are using the property. Emergence and dawn swarm surveys are considered suitable subject to warm weather from the start of May to September.

Should it be found that there are potential access holes, droppings around the outside of the property or in the roof space, one or more emergence surveys may have to be undertaken. Additionally, the surrounding habitat may be conducive to bats being in the area and therefore using properties in the area. It should be noted that absence is near impossible to prove, as there is always a chance of finding a bat. Their high mobility means that it is virtually impossible to rule out bats using any type of structure for roosting or habitat for foraging or as a flight path. When there is no conclusive evidence of bats, a potential for bat presence could still be presumed.

It should therefore be noted that whilst a negative report implies bats are not using the property, this would be at the time of the inspection. There is always the chance that a single bat is using the property and this would be extremely difficult to locate. Bats could always start to use the property after the inspection. Therefore if while the works are in progress bats or evidence are noted work should stop immediately and Natural England or ourselves be contacted for advice. Results

Desk Study

Data searches are required for small development (1-10 units) covering designated sites and a species check within 1 kilometre from the site. Information is taken from a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search.

There is potential for nesting birds within the site boundary in the garden shrubbery and possibly rock piles. Bird nests are protected in law from destruction whilst birds are nesting. A number of birds of concern that could use the site are recorded in the Dorset Environmental Records database search within one kilometres of the site. This does not mean these birds use the site and are listed only for information if they are considered to have the potential to use the site. Other bird species have been

Page 9 of 35 Prepared by Phil Smith 06/08/2020 ignored due to the fact we consider it extremely unlikely they would use the site. Some birds listed would only use the site during winter and migration times:

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), a species of Principle Importance in England, NERC Act (2006), Section 41 list and shown as a Red List species – birds of high conservation concern in Europe;

Redwing (Turdus iliacus), species included in the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Schedules 1(birds), and shown as a Red List species – birds of high conservation concern in Europe;

No evidence exists for Barn owls on site but Barn owls are recorded within one kilometre of the site.

No evidence of Badger(s) was noted on site. Badgers are recorded on the Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within one kilometres of the site.

No evidence of Hedgehog(s) was noted on site. Hedgehogs are shown on the Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within one kilometres of the site. This species is listed as a Species of Principle Importance in England, NERC Act (2006), Section 41 list, and is listed by the UK Steering Group with a UK action plan or species statement (list downloaded from JNCC website October 2007).

No Dormice are shown in a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within 1 km of the site. The habitat is not considered suitable for Dormice due to the lack of habitat and potential and isolation from the wider habitat where these mammals occur.

Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus), Common Frog (Rana temporaria) are recorded within one kilometre of the site to the east but no ponds or waterbodies are noted from an arial search of online maps any closer. Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara), and Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) are shown in a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within one kilometres of the site. It is not believed these species use the site due to ongoing high level maintenance of the garden site and local cats. Sand Lizard ((Lacerta agilis) are recorded but not considered likely due to the specialised nature of this animal and historic ongoing maintenance and disturbance of the site.

Bats shown in a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search foraging and roosting within a two kilometre radius are:

Lesser Noctule (Nyctalus leisleri), Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctula), Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), Long-eared Bat sp (Plecotus sp).

All bat species and their roosts are protected under European Protected Species legislation.

Local sites of conservation interest

A search of the Governments MAGIC web site shows the following sites within 5 kilometres of the site:

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RAMSAR sites

Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, a very high proportion of its area comprising intertidal marshes and mudflats. These, together with the permanent channels, support large numbers of non-breeding water birds, for which Poole Harbour has national and international significance. Fringing habitats of heathland, grassland and the islands provide additional interests, in turn supporting further scarce and restricted flora and fauna. Several rare marine invertebrates also occur within the harbour.

Dorset Heathlands – Various

Studland and Godlingston Heath SSSI

Although but a part of the previously more extensive Poole Heathlands, Studland remains one of the largest continuous tracts of heathland in Dorset. Its heathland communities have developed on acid soils derived from Bagshot Beds overlain locally with plateau gravels. The site supports many of the rare plants and animals typically associated with this internationally important habitat.

National Nature Reserves

Studland and Godlingston Heath SSSI

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (England) including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas

Poole Harbour SSSI

See above

Studland and Godlingston Heath SSSI

See above

Luscombe Valley SSSI

Luscombe Valley SSSI is part of the complex of heathland sites which together comprise the Dorset Heathlands. This is one of the major lowland heathland areas in Britain, with the sites showing a high degree of ecological cohesion and clear ecological trends and patterns. The heathlands are important in a European and international context for their plant and animal communities.

Bourne Valley SSSI

Bourne Valley SSSI is part of a complex of heathland sites which together comprise the Dorset Heathlands. This is one of the major lowland heathland areas in Britain, with the sites showing a high degree of ecological cohesion and clear ecological trends and patterns. The heathlands are important in a European and international context for their plant and animal communities.

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Poole Bay Cliffs SSSI – various locations

The western cliffs present sections in the Bournemouth Freshwater Beds which provide an unparalleled opportunity for the sedimentologist to study the point-bar and channel-plug deposits of large meandering river systems. The beds are of early to mid-Eocene age and have yielded a diverse fossil flora. Eastwards they pass laterally into the very different shallow marine and offshore sediments of the Isle of Wight, and are therefore important in the palaeographic reconstruction of the Hampshire Basin.

Lytchett Bay DWT/ARC. An area of Poole Harbour with a transition from terrestrial habitats of heathland and woodland through reedbeds and saltmarsh to intertidal mudflats

Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI)

Branksome Cliffs an area of heathland and grassland habitats on sandy cliffs at Branksome;

Flaghead Chine an area of heathy cliffs with scrub containing reptile populations

Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

 Hatch Pond LNR

 Bourne Valley LNR

 Alder Hills LNR

 Pugs Hole LNR

 Branksome Dene Chine LNR

 Luscombe Valley LNR

Poole Harbour is identified as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zones 2017 Designations (England).

Field Study

Bat survey

Phase 1 bat survey

A series of photographs have been provided as Appendix I and descriptions of the Site are given below.

No buildings exist on site for the area designated for the planning application. The landscaped and manicured garden has an area of amenity lawn, poor ornamental borders and hardstanding. The area to be severed will not be adjacent to the Poole Bay SSSI.

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A DERC database search was obtained in January 2020 and no adjoining property is registered as a bat roost.

Phase 1 habitat survey

A series of photographs have been provided as Appendix I and descriptions of areas are given below in Appendix II which shows a habitat map.

The site marked for a planning application consists of no buildings. The landscaped and manicured garden has an area of amenity lawn, poor ornamental borders and hardstanding.

The site lies to the southern edge of Canford Cliffs on the edge of Poole. It is surrounded by urban housing and a tarmac road provided access to the site and adjoins the Poole Bay SSSI cliffs and Flaghead Chine.

Species list for flora.

The site consists of a well maintained garden consisting close cropped amenity grass lawns dominated by a mix of amenity grassland seeds. The lawn has been managed and maintained along with areas of hedging at the rear of the garden to keep the garden neat.

Shrubbery formed from ornamental rhododendron species edges the site to the south and a stone wall to the east. On the north is a low stone wall with metal railings above, bordered by ornamental species and the west is open to Flaghead Chine. The ornamental hedge on the northern side is to be removed and is dominated by ornamental species. Floral biodiversity on site is low.

Other species on site classified as site locally abundant, frequent and rare and are listed below:

Some small ornamental fruit trees are present on site.

Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Buck's-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus), Butterfly-bush (Buddleja davidii), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera), Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris), Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Herb-robert (Geranium robertianum), Ivy (Hedera helix), Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum), Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne), Petty Spurge (Euphorbia peplus), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Rhoddodendron (Rhoddodendron ponticum), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Springy turf moss,Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus).

Trees

A number of dead trees are believed to be felled on the western edge of the lawn area. These are believed to be dead Ash trees and have no potential batt roosting features.

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Fauna

No evidence of Badger(s) was noted on site. Badgers are shown on the Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within one kilometres of the site.

No evidence of Hedgehog(s) was noted on site. Hedgehogs are shown on the Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within two kilometres of the site. This species is listed as a Species of Principle Importance in England, NERC Act (2006), Section 41 list, and is listed by the UK Steering Group with a UK action plan or species statement (list downloaded from JNCC website October 2007).

No Dormice are shown in a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within one km of the site. The habitat is not considered suitable for Dormice due to the lack of habitat and isolation of the site for a good number of years from the wider habitat.

Amphibians and reptiles are listed within one kilometre of the site. Three species of reptile are likely to exist on the southern cliff faces. There are features in the garden that can offer hibernacula features.

A small damaged pond filled with wood is located to the front of the site and has potential for amphibians.

Bats shown in a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search foraging and roosting within a one kilometre radius are:

Lesser Noctule (Nyctalus leisleri), Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctula), Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), Long-eared Bat sp (Plecotus sp).

All bat species and their roosts are protected under European Protected Species legislation. The area has very little commuting and foraging opportunities in the form of woodland and good hedgerows and is heavily lit by street lighting.

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LIMITATIONS OF INSPECTION

A visual inspection of the site was conducted to identify potential biodiversity concerns that are considered suitable for any bat roosting activity. Where necessary binoculars (8x magnification) was used to see areas where it was too dangerous to get close to, such as the tree holes. This survey is a snap shot at the time of the visit.

It cannot be guaranteed that any fauna of biodiversity concern will be found due to nature of their life style and times of year of the survey. If planning is successful and should the builders find one or more fauna of concern work must stop immediately and Natural England contacted for advice. The penalties for disturbing or destroying bats or their roosts or places of shelter are severe.

The Phase 1 survey was conducted in the winter in good weather. Clearance of some of the site vegetation may limit the number of species present, but it is believed a good representative list is formed for this area and urban garden.

A Phase 1 habitat survey is a walk over survey to identify flora and fauna of interest. Times of year can depress the opportunities to identify certain species of flora. Weather conditions such as drought can mean plants die and cannot easily be identified. The survey was conducted in January in daylight and good weather with temperatures about 12oC.

Unless the physical properties of the site change, this report is considered to be valid for three years.

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Discussion

Enhancements

Dorset Council Natural Environment Team provide ecological advice to the local planning authorities in Dorset. It is our responsibility to ensure you as the client follow these guidelines. They have issued advice as follows:

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) states that a public authority must ‘in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity; Conserving biodiversity includes, in relation to a living organism or type of habitat, restoring or enhancing a population or habitat’.

Paragraph 174b) of the NPPF (2018) states ‘Plans should ...identify and pursue opportunities for securing measurable net gains for biodiversity’ and Paragraph 175 states that ‘…opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity’.

Enhancements must be site and species / habitat specific to ensure planning conditions relating to biodiversity are clear and enforceable (see Biodiversity Mitigation and Enhancement Plan form completion in Section A).

On-site enhancements and measureable biodiversity net gain appropriate to the site and wider area must be provided. This is provided in the table below and in the recommendations section below.

Enhancements must be clearly over and above the required mitigation and compensation and Dorset Council require.

1.6 Biodiversity net gain must seek to accord with County wildlife projects such as the SNCI Grassland Project, (Dorset Wildlife Trust) (https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/snci.html ) to bolster or create ecological networks and meet relevant sustainable development objectives such as informing the design of Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SUDs) or contributing to the enhancement of a bordering Local Nature Reserve.

Enhancements required in Dorset

All new residential developments must include bird nesting and bat roosting provisions built-into the fabric of new buildings in appropriate locations as follows:

• 50% of all new houses on residential developments must have built-in provision for bats such as tiles, tubes, bricks and boxes mounted within lofts. See recommendations for this requirement.

• 50% of all new houses on residential developments must have built-in boxes for birds reliant upon buildings such as swift, swallow and house martin. See recommendations for this requirement.

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All new houses / buildings on the edge of developments backing onto open countryside must have built-in bat roosting tubes. No houses on this development meet this requirement.

All householder applications for alterations and extensions must provide a minimum of one nest box for birds or one built-in tube for bats. No houses on this development meet this requirement.

Residential developments must also include:

• Suitable lighting schemes and regimes in accordance with Guidance Note 08/18 Bats and Artifcial Lighting in the UK. Bats and the built environment series, Bat Conservation Trust (London) & Institution of Lighting Professionals (Rubgy) (2018). (file:///E:/Users/Phil/Downloads/ilp-guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificial- lighting-oct-18-compressed%20(1).pdf ). See recommendations for this requirement.

• Hedgehog friendly gravel boards / holes (10cm x 10cm) in garden fencing between houses. See recommendations for this requirement.

• Bee bricks – for developments of a single new dwelling upward; a minimum of two bee bricks per dwelling. See recommendations for this requirement.

• Fruit trees. See recommendations for this requirement.

Enhancements must be designed into all developments and buildings and wherever possible and include a range of the following measures:

• Dedicated bat lofts. The site does not lend itself to dedicated bat lofts being installed. Bat access tiles are being installed.

• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS); linking to adjacent wetland / riparian habitat if possible • New ponds / seasonal ponds. SUDS plan is shown in Appendix IV showing links to road drains. Drainage cannot be linked to adjacent wetland / riparian habitat.

• Native standard tree planting which must be within public open space and must not be within gardens. This development is not considered to fall within this requirement due to the small nature and location.

• New native hedgerow planting incorporating standard native trees which must be within public open space and must not be within gardens. This development is not considered to fall within this requirement due to the small nature and location.

• Green / living roofs and green walls. This development will have a green roof over the garage.

• Habitats incorporating wildlife friendly trees, shrubs and flower rich meadows establishing and maximising ecological networks and wildlife corridors wherever possible. This development is not considered to fall within this requirement due to the small nature and location.

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• Restoration and management of habitats and ecological features. This development is not considered to fall within this requirement due to the small nature and location.

• Low maintenance verges managed for biodiversity (Dorset Council Conservation Verge Trials). This development is not considered to fall within this requirement due to the small nature and location.

Suitable locations for these enhancements must be indicated on a location plan within Biodiversity Mitigation and Enhancement Plans (see Section A (6.0)). This development is not considered to fall within this requirement due to the small nature and location.

Outbuildings and barns conversions must include built-in Barn owl nest spaces or Barn owl boxes in accordance with the advice of the Barn Owl Trust whenever possible. Other birds reliant upon buildings such as swallows and house martins must be accommodated within suitable open-fronted / accessible buildings. No such buildings are affected by this development.

The BMEP must state definitively and clearly how the enhancements will be maintained, managed and if appropriate, monitored.

All submissions must be supported by adequate survey data in accordance with relevant best practice guidelines. Surveys must be carried out at the optimum time of year. Submissions received without the appropriate level of survey will be rejected. Whilst this survey was undertaken during the winter months, the nature of the garden site leads us to assess the site as poor for biodiversity. Only several dead trees are on site which. Some have been removed for safety.

Site assessments must take account of any changes which may have occurred in preparation for the proposed development. No changes have occurred in preparing the site for works.

Trees

No tree report has been produced as no living trees are affected by the works.

Required Mitigation

For the purposes of the Dorset Biodiversity Appraisal Protocol and Dorset Biodiversity Compensation Framework (Section C), the term ‘mitigation’ typically refers to measures that reduce and / or minimise impacts within the red line planning application boundary.

Mitigation proposals must be based on the mitigation hierarchy (as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), (2018) to:

AVOID impacts where possible MITIGATION against impacts if they cannot be avoided and provide COMPENSATION if mitigation is not possible.

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There are also circumstances where mitigation must be offered to ensure wildlife is not harmed before or during construction works.

In this particular project the following mitigation must be conditioned to ensure harm does not befall the species referred to in this report:

Bats

No buildings are being demolished on this site. The garden habitat offers limited commuting and foraging potential.

Birds

The site has potential for nesting birds. Shrubbery exists on site and offers potential for nesting birds. Recommendations are made.

Hedgehogs

No evidence of hedgehogs was noted on site. The garden has no habitat suitable for Hedgehogs. Where appropriate new closed board fences must be erected. Recommendations are made.

Badgers

No evidence of badgers was noted on site.

Reptiles

Reptiles have the potential to use the garden due to the proximity of habitat on the cliff bordering the site. Recommendations are made.

Amphibians

Amphibians have potential to use the garden due to the presence of a damaged pond and hibernacula features. However, the supressing influence of neighbouring cats, rats and foxes will have a negative influence.

Construction Method Statement

Due the proximity of the SSSI cliffs at Canford Cliffs a Construction Method Statement must be employed to ensure no harm or damage affects the SSSI. This particularly applies to reptiles and pollution by fuels etc.

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Conclusions

A Biodiversity Mitigation Plan

Dorset Local Planning Authorities routinely ask for a Biodiversity Appraisal accompanied by an approved Biodiversity Mitigation and Enhancement Plan (BMEP) to be submitted with a planning application. A BMEP has been prepared to mitigate for any loss of habitat and enhancements made to create a habitat beneficial to wildlife and any impacts on local biodiversity features within 5 kilometres.

Any works on the property must follow the recommendations made below.

Bats

In conclusion the pond house at 2 Meriden Close, Canford Cliffs holds negligible potential for roosting bats. However, enhancements in the new properties must be made as shown in the recommendations.

Birds

A number of different birds species have the potential to nest on site. Site clearance must take place outside the bird breeding season, considered to be March to end of August. Weather conditions can mean certain bird species can nest all year round. If clearance is not possible outside the bird breeding season site clearance must take place under ecological watching brief and if birds are found to be nesting, worked stopped until the checks have fledged. Enhancements are recommended.

Sites within 5 kilometres that can be impacted

A number of sites (SSSI, SPA, SAC, Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Nature Conservation Interest) are located within 5 kilometres of the development site. Agreement through a CIL contribution must be agreed with the council.

Other species

Hedgehogs have been recorded on the Dorset Environmental Records database within 1 kilometres. Recommendations are made.

Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara), Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) and Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) are shown in a Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search within one kilometres of the site. Slowworm in particular has potential to use the site. Recommendations are made.

Plantings

A landscape planting scheme must be agreed with the Local Planning Authority as part of the planning conditions.

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Recommendations

Bats

Mitigation and Enhancements

•Enhancements must be made in the properties by the installation of bat access tubes in the new dwelling using a Schwegler 1WI Summer & Winter Bat Box (https://www.wildcare.co.uk/schwegler-1wi-summer-and-winter-bat-box.html ). See Appendix IV for details.

• No lighting will be erected within 3 metres of the replacement bat access points. The lighting within the driveway will be motion triggered and directional. The light levels will be low (preferably between 1 and 3 lux). Lighting must follow the Suitable lighting schemes and regimes in accordance with Guidance Note 08/18 Bats and Artifcial Lighting in the UK. Bats and the built environment series, Bat Conservation Trust (London) & Institution of Lighting Professionals (Rubgy) (2018).

Birds

One Schwegler 11 House Martin Nest (https://www.wildcare.co.uk/house-martin- sheltered-nest-no-11.html ) will be erected on the eaves of one of the properties. A Schwegler Dropping Board For No. 11 House Martin Terrace will be installed beneath the nest. See Appendix IV for details.

Hedgehogs

Planks must be laid in the foundations and drains kept covered overnight to prevent animals becoming trapped.

Enhancements

Any gardening fencing must have gaps created as shown below in any gravel board or fence to allow free passage between gardens.

Bees

By way of enhancements 2 new Concrete Bee Bricks will be added to the new dwelling on a southerly aspect. These can be obtained from

Page 21 of 35 Prepared by Phil Smith 06/08/2020 https://www.wildcare.co.uk/concrete-planter-bee-hotel-beepot-35818.html . See Appendix IV for design of brick.

Plantings

A landscape planting scheme must be agreed with the Local Planning Authority as part of the planning conditions. This must include trees and grass species along the cliff edges to benefit wildlife.

The development will benefit from a green roof over the garage.

Lighting

The effects of street lighting in the garden is low to negligible. Security lighting will be cowled and aimed downwards and on a short timer.

Suitable lighting schemes and regimes in accordance with Guidance Note 08/18 Bats and Artifcial Lighting in the UK. Bats and the built environment series, Bat Conservation Trust (London) & Institution of Lighting Professionals (Rubgy) (2018). (file:///E:/Users/Phil/Downloads/ilp-guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificial-lighting-oct- 18-compressed%20(1).pdf ) can be supplied and must be used or can be obtained from the Bat Conservation Trust (https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/buildings- planning-and-development/lighting).

Reptiles and amphibians

Any habitat that can offer shelter must be dismantled by hand under the supervision of the writer of this report and if any reptiles are found they will be re-located to the cliff top area.

Construction Method Statement

As the site is close to the Poole Bay SSSIs a Construction Method Statement must be designed and followed to ensure no harm or damage results to the sensitive areas named previously. See Appendix V.

Proof of Concept

Photographic evidence must be provided at the end of the build that these enhancements have been installed.

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References

Bat Conservation Trust 3rd edition (2016). Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Mitchell-Jones A.J. & McLeish A.P. (2004) The Bat Workers’ Manual (3rd Edition) Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2005). Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2012). National Planning Policy Framework

Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey – A technique for environmental audit. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/_speciespages/2253.pdf accessed 11th November 2019. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5170 accessed 8th October 2017.

Dorset Environmental Records Centre database search supplied January 2020. http://www.magic.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx accessed October 2019. https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/article/401489/Biodiversity-Appraisal-in-Dorset accessed May 2018.

The European Commission’s Guidance on Articles 12 and 16 of the Habitats Directive (2007) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance_e n.pdf. Accessed 10/06/2019.

Plans from ARC Architects Ltd dated December 2019

Data Protection Policy

We are registered with the ICO for Data Protection. We do not send emails or paperwork advertising our services.

Names, email addresses and property addresses are maintained purely for accounting and report writing purposes. We do not sell clients information to third parties for any purposes.

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Appendix I Photographs

Photo 1: General view of pool house

Photo 2: Internal pool house roof

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Photo 3. Rear of pool house

Photo 4. Example of eaves on pool house

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Photo 5. Lawn approaching pool house

Photo 6. Potential reptile area

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Photo 7. Rear lawn area

Photo 8. Rear lawn area

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Photo 9. Example of potential bird nesting area

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Appendix II Site location and Phase 1 habitat map (not to scale)

Site location

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Phase 1 habitat map

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Appendix III – Proposed site plan

Proposed site plan (final plans may change)

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Appendix IV

Mitigation and Enhancements

Location of bird and bat brick mitigation to be erected in the new houses.

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Enhancement features

Examples of bat access tubes - Schwegler 1WI Summer & Winter Bat Box https://www.wildcare.co.uk/schwegler-1wi-summer-and-winter-bat-box.html

Concrete Bee Brick https://www.wildcare.co.uk/concrete-planter-bee-hotel-beepot-35988.html

Schwegler 11 House Martin Nest (https://www.wildcare.co.uk/house-martin- sheltered-nest-no-11.html.

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A Schwegler Dropping Board For No. 11 House Martin Terrace (https://www.wildcare.co.uk/schwegler-dropping-board-for-10643.html)

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Appendix V Construction Method Statement

Fuelling of any machinery must take place outside the building work area to prevent any spills of fuel or oil that can seep into the ground and cause damage.

Drip trays must be used under machinery when stored overnight.

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