Mr C. Trembath Hales Farm Little Canfield Great Dunmow Essex CM6 1TQ

Roger Tym & Partners Landscape Planning Limited Cambridge Archaeological Unit

Land West of Great Dunmow A new urban extension to Great Dunmow for 1000 new homes, school and community facilties

Evidence summary to inform the Uttlesford District Council LDF Review on behalf of The Trembath Family and Barratt Strategic Volume II: Technical Appendices June 2009 Representations on behalf of the Trembath Family & Barratt Strategic Land West of Great Dunmow

Contents

Appendix 1: Extended phase 1 habitat survey Appendix 2: Archaeological desktop assessment Appendix 3: Transport and accessibility appraisal Appendix 4: Utility appraisal Representations on behalf of the Trembath Family & Barratt Strategic Land West of Great Dunmow

EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

Land West of Great Dunmow

Presented to

Mr C. Trembath Hales Farm Little Canfield Great Dunmow Essex CM6 1TQ

Landscape Planning Limited 4 The Courtyards Wyncolls Road Colchester CO4 9PE

March 2009

- 1 - Representations on behalf of the Trembath Family & Barratt Strategic Land West of Great Dunmow

Appendix 1: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (provided by Landscape Planning Partnership)

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EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

Land West of Great Dunmow

Presented to

Mr C. Trembath Hales Farm Little Canfield Great Dunmow Essex CM6 1TQ

Landscape Planning Limited 4 The Courtyards Wyncolls Road Colchester CO4 9PE

March 2009

- 3 - Representations on behalf of the Trembath Family & Barratt Strategic Land West of Great Dunmow

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Landscape Planning Limited was commissioned by Mr C. Trembath to undertake an ecological In order to minimise the effects of the development on the SSSI woodland, connectivity across the assessment in relation to land west of Great Dunmow. The report contains the findings of an landscape will be retained and enhanced by maintaining the strong hedgerows connecting local Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey in order to establish the ecological issues on site. The survey was woodlands across the proposed site; discouraging public use of the SSSI (which is a private undertaken on the 13th March 2009, the main habitats and the potential for protected species to be woodland) by maintaining the existing fencing; and incorporating a buffer zone of native planting present was assessed at the time of the site visit. This report presents the findings of the survey in between the development and the woodland. Private gardens and public areas will also be planted order to provide an ecological baseline. All survey work was completed in accordance with methods and designed in a way that maximises the available habitat across the development. outlined in the relevant guidance documents. In addition, a desktop study was conducted, this included a search for any statutory designated wildlife / nature conservation sites and a record search Further surveys are recommended for bats, great crested newts, harvest mouse, and brown hare. for known presence of protected species.

The survey area was divided into two parts: the ancient woodland High Wood (SSSI) to the west, and the development area of the five arable fields to the east. The habitats as recorded at the time of survey, along with their locations and extents are mapped on the supporting Extended Phase 1 Habitat plan, drawing No. C8192_001. The five arable fields are bounded by species rich hedgerows and trees and their associated ditches. To the west of the survey area is High Wood, listed as an ancient woodland and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The hedgerows provide connectivity across the landscape for bats, birds, badgers, and small mammals. Mature trees also provide roosting opportunities for bat species. The vegetation of hedgerows and trees, and bare ground habitats in the east of the site provide habitat for nesting birds during the breeding season. There are several water bodies within close proximity to the site and these habitats provide potential for amphibians including the Great Crested Newt. No badger setts were found on or within 30 metres of the development site, although it is likely that badgers move across the local landscape between setts.

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION (Brief & Proposals) 4 2 THE PLANNING POLICY 5 2.1 Planning Policy Statement 9 5 2.2 Biodiversity 6 3 METHODOLOGY 7 3.1 Habitat Survey 7 3.2 Desktop Study 7 4 RESULTS 8 4.1 Site Survey 8 4.2 Habitat Description and Assessment 8 4.3 Protected Species Potential 9 4.4 Designated Sites & Protected Species Records 10 5 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 12 5.1 Conclusions 12 5.2 Recommendations 13

APPENDICES TO REPORT

Appendix 1 Phase 1 Habitat Plan Appendix 2 Flora & Fauna Appendix 3 Desk Study Maps

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 THE PLANNING POLICY

1.1 Brief & Proposals 2.1 Planning Policy Statement 9

Landscape Planning Limited was commissioned by Mr C. Trembath of Hales Farm to conduct an Protected species are referred to in Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9), Paragraph 15 and 16, with a ecological assessment in relation to land west of Great Dunmow. The report contains the findings of general reference to certain plants, animals and wild birds all being protected under the Wildlife and an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey in order to establish the ecological issues on site. The potential Countryside Act 1981 (WCA, 1981). This emphasises that, regardless of any planning policy or for protected species and the main habitat types on site were identified. guideline, certain species are legally protected and any type of development that would injure, kill, ill-treat, intentionally damage or destroy any protected species or their place of shelter would be a criminal act. The brief is as follows:

Councils are also obliged to protect habitats and species of principal importance as stated in the x To undertake an assessment of the habitat and the potential likelihood of protected species Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. With legal responsibilities and planning implications it is that might materially impact on any future proposals. important that this ecological assessment of the prospective development site addresses the possibility of protected species being within the development area. x Carry out relevant desktop studies in order to ascertain the presence of any national / local designations or protected species with respect to this site. Without this assessment any potential developer would be unable to demonstrate due diligence in his responsibilities, with reference to both the legal protection and the possible information required in x Identify and make recommendations for any further surveys required to assess any protected support of the planning application. species potential or occurrence on site.

However, it would be unreasonable for an ecological assessment to have to survey for every protected floral / faunal species.

A protected species assessment must be based upon the results of the habitat assessment and the associated possibility / likelihood of that species being present. This survey seeks to establish the potential for protected species on the site and makes recommendations for further surveys to establish the presence or absence of any such protected species.

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2.2 BIODIVERSITY 3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Habitat Survey 2.2 Following the production of Publicly Available Specification, PAS 2010, by BSI, local governments now have clear guidelines by which to take action to ensure that they help halt the loss of biodiversity All habitats on site were recorded in accordance with methods outlined in the Handbook for Phase 1 and contribute to sustainable development. Habitat Survey, JNCC 19931. The survey methodology involves the recording and mapping of all habitat types and ecological features present on site, including the identification of the main species Under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, it is the duty of public authorities present and examination of the potential for any protected species. Habitats were mapped and target to have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. PAS 2010 aims to reduce the varied notes made for any interesting features. applications of this obligation, ensuring that all parties have a clearer understanding of information required at the planning stage. 3.2 Desktop Study – Biodiversity Information Search

Whilst the possible presence of a protected species is accompanied by legal obligations and will A desktop study was undertaken through review of readily available on-line material including remain the first consideration of planning departments the total biodiversity value of a site must now MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information System for Countryside). In addition, a biological be considered. record search was undertaken through consultation with County Recorders for Essex.

Planning authorities have a responsibility to consider the likely effect on biodiversity. This survey Designated Sites aims to establish the suitability of the site for local Biodiversity Action Plan species. It is an The desktop study looked to identify the presence of statutory designated sites (e.g. Special Areas of assessment of the habitat only, and is based upon one site visit. Conservation (SACs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR). Designated sites within a 2km radius from centre of site were The survey will also ascertain the ecological value of the site, with recommendations in the report for identified using MAGIC. features to retain or enhance in order to increase the overall biodiversity value of the site.

Protected Species

Information was requested from County Recorders in relation to the known presence of species with International or UK legal protection as well as UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and Local BAP (LBAP) species. In relation to this search information was requested from the mammal recorder for bat species and from the Amphibians and Reptile Group ARG.

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4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Site Survey 4.2 Habitat Survey (Continued)

An ecological assessment was undertaken in relation to land west of Great Dunmow (Grid Reference Hedgerows TL 610 220) incorporating a site visit by a trained Landscape Planning Limited ecologist on 13th March 2009 and a desktop study including a review of readily available information and consultation The hedgerows are formed by a number of species typical of this habitat type in Essex, including with County Recorders for Essex. mature oak trees, and hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, dogrose, bramble, and elder. The woodland planting along the ridgeline consists of oak, ash, cherry, and hornbeam. This results section should be read in conjunction with the information contained within the appendices to this report. The appendices include a Phase 1 Habitat plan, a photographic record and High Wood species list.

High Wood is a woodland of mixed deciduous species, primarily of ash, oak, hornbeam, and willow. 4.2 Habitat Description & Assessment Much of the woodland has been previously coppiced, particularly hazel, ash, hornbeam, and sweet chestnut. The woodland has a number of wet areas, including ponds and wet, boggy areas. Ground The survey area was divided into two parts: the ancient woodland High Wood to the west, and the flora recorded during the survey included primrose, tufted hair grass, pendulous sedge, and dog’s development area of the five arable fields to the east. The southern boundary of the survey area is mercury. bounded by Stortford Road, the eastern boundary by existing and planned developments, the northern boundary by arable land, and west by additional arable fields and the main route A120. 4.3 Protected Species Potential

The five arable fields are bounded by species rich hedgerows and trees and their associated ditches. The hedgerows provide connectivity across the landscape for bats, birds, badgers, and small In the centre of the survey area is a ridgeline running in an east-west direction, along which there is mammals. Mature trees also provide roosting opportunities for bat species. The vegetation of an access track and woodland planting of early mature ash, oak, cherry, and hornbeam. hedgerows and trees, and bare ground habitats in the east of the site provide habitat for nesting birds during the breeding season (March to August inclusive). To the west of the survey area is High Wood, listed as an ancient woodland and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The woodland is bisected by an avenue running North from Stortford Road to the There are several water bodies within close proximity to the site and these habitats provide potential now defunct estate of Easton Lodge. for amphibians including the Great Crested Newt. The Great Crested Newt is listed on the Essex Biodiversity Action Plan. The woodland and hedgerows on the site provide suitable terrestrial habitat An area of earthworks is located in the east of the site that has resulted in bare, sandy ground. for this species.

No badger setts were found on the development site, although it is likely that badgers move across the local landscape between setts. A badger sett is located off site, as indicated by Target 2 on the Plan.

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4.3 Protected Species Potential (Continued) 4.4 Designated Sites & Protected Species Records (Continued)

All species of bat and the Great Crested Newt are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Further surveys will establish exactly which hedgerows across the development area are important for 1981, as amended (Schedule 5). As they are also included in Schedule 2 of the Conservation flora and fauna (eg. bats) and further inform the development design and mitigation plan. Regulations 1994 (Habitat Regulations), they are considered European Protected Species and consequently receive stringent protection. Protected Species A number of bat records were provided based on a 2km search radius from the centre of the survey All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981, as amended. The level of area. The records related to the following species of bat; Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, protection varies between species but all wild birds (other than game birds) are protected from Daubenton’s, Brown Long-eared and Natterer’s. The results of the search related to known roosts, deliberate killing and injury. The nests of wild birds are also protected from damage or destruction field observations and injured bats found by members of the public. whilst in use or being built.

No records related specifically to the survey site, however, Common Pipistrelle, Leisler’s, Natterer’s 4.4 Designated Sites & Protected Species Records and Brown Long-eared bat have all been recorded roosting or foraging within 1km of the site. It is likely that the adjacent woodland and the hedgerows across the development area are important Designated Sites The desktop study identified that High Wood is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest features for bats. (SSSI) and a local nature reserve. High Wood is designated as a SSSI as a result of its botanical importance. As an ancient woodland this habitat provides a direct link to the flora of the area many Records were not received from the Essex Amphibian and Reptile Group, and a search using NBN hundreds of years ago, and as the soils are strongly gleyed, an unusual wet woodland flora has Gateway did not find records of Great Crested Newt in the local area. developed. There are records for the badger, the harvest mouse (UK BAP species) and the brown hare (Essex

The proposed development of the survey area is confined to the arable fields, and is not planned to Priority BAP species) within a 2 km radius of the site. Habitats present within the survey area for effect either woodland directly. Left unmitigated, the indirect effects of the development will be these species include hedgerows and field margins. increase in people walking through the woodland, increase in number of dogs and cats, artificial light spill into the woodland, and disruption of fauna movement across the landscape.

In order to minimise the effects of the development on the SSSI woodland, connectivity across the landscape will be retained and enhanced by maintaining the strong hedgerows connecting local woodlands across the proposed site; discouraging public use of the SSSI (which is a private woodland) by maintaining the existing fencing; and incorporating a buffer zone of native planting between the development and the woodland. Private gardens and public areas will also be planted and designed in a way that maximises the available habitat across the development.

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5.1 CONCLUSION 5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

This land west of Great Dunmow (Grid Reference TL 610 220) was subject to an ecological The following recommendations have been made in relation to any future development of the land walkover on 13th March 2009 which recorded habitats and assessed the site for the potential west of Great Dunmow: presence of protected species. In addition, a desktop study was undertaken to identify any designated sites that may be adversely impacted by any future development of the site and highlight any known x Emergence and activity surveys be undertaken during the months of May to September to records for protected species. identify areas of the site that are important for foraging and commuting bats.

The desktop study identified that High Wood, a site designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest x Great crested newt surveys should be undertaken at the water bodies within High Wood and at and Local Nature Reserve is located on the western boundary of the development area. It is the ditches across the development area. This should be undertaken during the months of considered that the impacts of the development on the SSSI can be mitigated to avoid any long-term March to May. adverse effects.

The hedgerows across the development area provide strong linkages across the landscape, x A survey for harvest mouse and brown hare should be undertaken across the site. Surveys for particularly connecting adjacent woodlands. The woodland and hedgerows along the ridgeline on the brown hare should be conducted during the breeding season between March and September, survey area are also particularly important connecting habitats. The hedgerows and woodland within and surveys for harvest mouse between August and December. the development area are also important habitats in their own right, and may provide foraging and roosting opportunities for bat species. x All trees that are likely to be implicated in any development proposals are surveyed to BS5837: 2005 – Trees in relation to construction, Recommendations, in order to provide the The desk study identified records of bat species, and also the BAP species brown hare and harvest required arboricultural information in support of an eventual planning application. mouse within the 2 kilometer search area around the site.

x Any vegetation works that are to be undertaken as part of any future development should be The trees, hedgerows and buildings on site also provide potential habitat for nesting birds. Any conducted outside of the main bird breeding season (March to August inclusive). If this is not works that may result in the destruction or disturbance of these features should be undertaken outside possible then a nest search should conducted immediately prior to works commencing. the main breeding bird season (March to August inclusive). If works must be carried out immediately prior to works to establish the presence of any nest. x The site should be enhanced post development for the benefit of local biodiversity via the implementation of a landscape scheme that incorporates native and wildlife friendly species. The landscape scheme should look to retain and enhance the existing features. Ideally gardens and other green areas should be designed in order to maximise the linkages of habitat across the development.

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APPENDIX 1

PHASE 1 HABITAT PLAN

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APPENDIX 2

FLORA & FAUNA

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FLORA & FUANA

The following species have been recorded or are known to occur at this site: Specific reference has been made to the following species within the main body of this report:

Common Names Latin Names Common Names Latin Names

Alder Alnus glutinosa Amphibian Apple Malus sp Ash Fraxinus excelsior Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Bindweed Calystegia sepium . Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Mammals Bracken Pteridium aquilinum Bramble Rubus fruticosus ag Brown Long-eared bat Plecotus auritus Buddleia Buddleia davidii Commnon Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Cherry Prunus avium Natterer’s Myotis nattereri Crack Willow Salix fragilis Soprano Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus Elder Sambucus nigra Brown Hare Lepus capensis Goat Willow Salix caprea Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Badger Meles Meles Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus Nettle Urtica dioica Oak Quercus robur Silver Birch Betule pendula Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa

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APPENDIX 3

DESK STUDY MAPS

Map showing statutory and non-statutory designated areas taken from MAGIC

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