Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Land to Rear of 1 Pinfold lane Almington

Report no. P62.T87.15. Date of publication: 3rd June 2015 Ecological Services The Wolseley Centre Wolseley Bridge Stafford ST17 0WT

Tel: 01889 880124

Project Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Land Rear of 1 Pinfold Lane, Almington, Market Drayton Report No: P62.T87.15

Date: 3rd June 2015

Description: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal to consider potential impacts to habitats and protected species in relation to development proposal

Client Details Aspire Housing

Author Principal Ecologist: Dave Haslam MSc, MCIEEM

Disclosure The information which I have prepared and provided is true, and has been prepared and given in accordance with the guidance of my professional institution’s Code of Professional Conduct, and I confirm that the opinions expressed are my true and professional opinions.

Dave Haslam MSc MCIEEM Principal Ecologist Staffordshire Ecological Services Direct dial: 01889 880 124 Switchboard: 01889 880 100 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ses-gb.co.uk

Contents Non-Technical Summary ...... 2 1 Introduction ...... 3 2 Methodology ...... 4 3 Results ...... 7 4 Evaluation and Impacts ...... 9 5 Recommendations & Mitigation ...... 10 6 Bibliography ...... 12 Appendix A: Site Plans ...... 13 Appendix B: Survey Plan &Target Notes ...... 16 Appendix C: Results of Desk Study ...... 17 Appendix D: Photographs ...... 19

Figures

Figure A.1: Location Plan ...... 13 Figure A2: Aerial: Wider Landscape ...... 14 Figure A.4: Proposal Plan ...... 15 Figure B.1: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Plan ...... 16 Figure C.1: Designated Sites Plan ...... 18

Plates

Plate D.1 Arable Field ...... 19 Plate D.2 Garden Area (Location of Treatment Plant) ...... 19 Plate D.3 Access Track Southern End (Location of Existing Treatment Tank) ………………………………………………………………………..20 Plate D.4 Arable Field Location of Soak Away...... 20 Tables Table 1.1: Main legislation relevant to the site ...... 3 Table 2.1: Surveyor information ...... 4 Table 2.2: PEA Survey Methodology ...... 4 Table 3.1: Designated Sites within 1 km ...... 7 Table 3.2: Phase 1 habitat descriptions ...... 8 Table 4.1: Evaluation and Impacts ...... 9 Table 5.1: Further Survey & Licensing ...... 10 Table 5.2: Mitigation Hierarchy: Further Actions ...... 10 Table B1 Target notes ...... 16 Table C.1: Protected Species Records within 1km of site ...... 17

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal V.1 1 1 Pinfold Lane, Almington, Market Drayton

Non-Technical Summary

 On the 27th May 2015, SES Ltd. conducted a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) of land to the rear of 1 Pinfold Lane, Almington near Market Drayton, which is proposed for the installation of a sewage treatment plant with associated piping, soak away and electricity supply.  The site was fully accessible with good weather conditions (Section 2).  There was no evidence of protected or BAP Priority habitats or species within the site. There is a hedgerow along the northern boundary (Pinfold Lane) which will not be impacted upon, all works will take place within the arable field (Section 3).  The installation of the sewage plant and associated works will not have a negative impact on the existing ecological value of the site or the surrounding area (Section 4).  Table S1 below provides a brief summary of mitigation onsite subject to the mitigation hierarchy and whether further detailed survey is required. Table S2 provides a summary of net losses/gains with respect to bats & birds (nesting in buildings); for bats, this cannot be determined until further survey is completed.

Table S1: Mitigation Hierarchy Ecological Avoid Mitigate Compensate Further Mitigation measures Receptor survey Summary needed? (See section 5) Designated X No Pollution prevention measures sites Exclusion zone NERC X No Precautionary approach of a 3m habitat buffer zone between the soak (hedgerow) away and the hedgerow. Badger X No Included in advice on working methods Bats X No None required as potential foraging routes (boundaries) will be retained. Nesting X No Timed clearance Birds Habitat replacement

Table S2: Net Loss/Gain Ecological Predicted Legal Designing for Receptor net loss without Implications? net gain/enhancement compensation i.e. net gain Designated sites No No N/A NERC habitat None NERC Act Buffer zone to protect hedgerow during excavation works. Badger None Not if avoidance Precautionary measures approach during implemented excavation works. Bats None None N/A Nesting Birds None Not if avoidance N/A (individuals) measures implemented

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1 Introduction

1.1 Terms of Reference

Staffordshire Ecological Service (SES) Ltd. has been commissioned by Aspire Housing to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) in support of a planning application for the installation of a sewage treatment plant with associated piping, soak away and electricity supply at land to the rear of 1 Pinfold Lane in Almington near Market Drayton (hereafter referred to as the ‘site’).

This PEA report presents ecological information from the desk study, Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey, preliminary roost assessment and preliminary protected species surveys on 27th May 2015. The purpose of this report is to provide ecological information to support the planning proposal and thus survey objectives include: identifying ecological features onsite; subjecting them to evaluation and impact assessment; providing advice on the potential for contravention of legislation/policy; and providing recommendations on any further actions needed (licensing, mitigation, enhancement, etc.). A summary of main statutory provisions for biodiversity conservation relevant to this site is provided in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1: Main legislation relevant to the site Biodiversity Legislation Ecological Feature Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Bats, Nesting Birds, Schedule 1 Birds Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations Bats 2010 Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Wild Birds Regulations 2012 Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Badgers Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Hedgerow (NERC) Hedgerows Regulation 1997 Hedgerows

1.2 The Site

Site Name Land to rear of 1 Pinfold Lane Address: Pinfold Lane, Almington, Market Drayton TF9 2QR OS Grid Ref: SJ 703351 Location Plan (to scale): see Figure A.1 (Appendix A) ; Wider Landscape Aerial Photo Figure A.2 (Appendix A) Site Boundary: see Figure B1 (Appendix B). Brief Description of Site: Site is located to the east of the properties along Pinfold Lane which is a arable field with a narrow field margin (1-2m wide) of vegetation indicating nutrient enrichment. The site includes a small area of garden to the rear of 1 Pinfold Lane and a vehicle access area to the south of the site. There is a mature hedgerow forming the northern boundary along Pinfold Lane which is outside the operational area. Brief Description of Surroundings: The surrounding land is agricultural with large areas of improved grassland,

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arable, mature hedgerows and trees, small woodlands. There is a small residential area to the south (Almington Village) and scattered agricultural holdings.

1.3 Proposed Works

The client intends to undertake the replacement of the existing sewage services with a new treatment plant, soak away and associated piping and electricity cabling. The proposals are shown in Figure A.4 provided in Appendix A.

2 Methodology

2.1 Surveyor Information

Table 2.1: Surveyor information Ecologist Position Relevant Experience (in yrs) Dave Haslam MSc MCIEEM Principle Ecologist 30

2.2 Survey Methods & Design Criteria

The focus of the surveys was habitats, bats, badgers and breeding birds although evidence of other protected species and their habitats would also be noted, if applicable. A summary of the survey methodology is provided in Table 2.2 below. The following criteria were used to determine the type and extent of the surveys carried out:

 Habitats present both on and immediately around the site,  Semi-natural habitat connectivity between the site and the wider area (e.g. hedgerows, water courses, shelter belts etc.)  The proximity and nature of local protected / notable species records and designated sites compiled in the pre-survey desk study  The nature and extent of works.

2.2.1 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

Table 2.2: PEA Survey Methodology Survey details Appropriateness of Methods Geographical extent 26/5/15 In accordance with 1km radius search for Desk Study Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological protected & BAP species Appraisal (CIEEM, 2012) and designated sites Methods: Queried Staffordshire Ecological Record 27/5/15 Timing: Suitable (April to Sept) In Site and adjacent habitats, PEA - accordance with established guidance where accessible Extended [(CIEEM, 2012),(JNCC, 1990), (BSI, Phase 1 2013)] Habitat Survey Methods: Habitat types mapped & described, including representative species, invasive species and a record of habitat condition, where appropriate. Includes searches for field signs of, and/or habitat suitability for, protected and/or notable species.

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Preliminary Timing: Suitable (Anytime) In accordance Any buildings, trees or Roost with established guidance [(BCT, other structures onsite; Assessment 2012),(Mitchell-Jones et al, 2004)] habitat assessment of site (PRA) – & surrounding habitat Bats Methods: External daytime inspection of any structures for bat sign, and tree assessment, where applicable PEA – Timing: Suitable (Feb-Dec) Site & land within 30m Badgers In accordance with established guidance radius of site (Harris S. et al, 1989) Methods: Visual inspection for field sign PEA – Timing (Habitat): Suitable (Anytime)/ Site & adjacent habitats Breeding Timing (Field sign): Optimal (Mar-Aug) birds Methods: Habitat suitability assessment and/or casual check for nests

Average weather conditions (PEA): 2/8 Cloud Cover, 160C, No Wind, No Rain

PEA Standard Survey Equipment: Binoculars, torch, compass, field guide(s), lens, maps & plans, notepad

NB: Suitable and optimal survey timings are based on Templates for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Validation Checklists, Pilot draft, (ALGE, 2007)

2.3 Survey Limitations

The survey methodologies used were deemed to be the most effective possible for this site at this time of year. All areas of the site were accessible with good weather conditions.

2.4 Evaluation Criteria

In accordance with Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the (IEEM, 2006), the following geographical frame of reference is used when ascribing a value or potential value to an ecological resource:

 International importance – e.g. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Ramsar sites  National importance – e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR)  Regional importance – e.g. Environment Agency regional biodiversity indicators, important features in Natural Natural Areas  County importance – e.g. Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Site of Biological Interest (SBI), Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)  Local or parish importance – e.g. Biodiversity Alert Site (BAS), Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC), ecological features or resources such as hedge rows, woodlands, ponds  Within the zone of influence - e.g. Locally or regionally common habitats that provide ecological resources within the site and / or immediately surrounding area e.g. scrub, tall herbaceous vegetation  Secondary value – e.g. Features that are of little ecological interest in themselves but perform an ecological function such as areas of scrub that that may buffer more sensitive habitats from the effects of development or intensive farming.

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 Negligible importance – e.g. urban areas, hard standing, intensely farmed agricultural fields.

2.5 Impact Assessment Criteria

Negative and positive impacts on nature conservation features have been characterised based on predicted changes as a result of the proposed activities. In order to characterise the impacts on each feature, the following parameters are taken account of where appropriate:

 The magnitude of the impact  The spatial extent over which the impact would occur  The temporal duration of the impact  Whether the impact is reversible and over what timeframe  The timing and frequency of the impact.

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3 Results

3.1 Desk Study Results

3.1.1 Protected & NERC Species Records

Staffordshire Ecological Record was queried for records of protected species, invasive species and species identified as being of principal importance under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 located within 1km of the site.

Only records relevant to the site and the proposed works are discussed in the sections below. A summary of relevant records are listed in Table C.1 in Appendix C. A complete list of records returned is available on request.

There are 14 historical records of 7 protected species recorded between 1976 and 2009. Of these records, 5 are for 3 species of birds including a record for Barn owl (1993) recorded over 950m from the site; 5 records for mammal species including 2 records for Badger (1988-2002) over 1Km from the site; 1 record for Otter (1976) recorded over 1Km from the site and 2 records for Polecat (2005) 500m from the site.

The remaining records are for Bluebell (1979-2009) recorded at a distance between 600m and 1Km from the site.

3.1.2 Invasive Species Records

There are 4 records (Indian Balsam; Ruddy duck; American Mink and Rhododendron) dating between 2003 and 2009 with distances ranging between 600m and 1.4Km from the site.

3.1.3 Designated Sites

A designated sites plan is provided in Figure C.1 in Appendix C.

There are no statutory designated nature conservation sites within 1km of the site. There are four non-statutory locally-designated nature conservation sites within 1km of the site.

Table 3.1: Designated Sites within 1 km Site Name Desig- Distance from Info nation Site (in metres) Almington Hall Pool SBI 530m SW A large pool with emergent vegetation, particularly at eastern and northern margins. Alder carr colonises the north and south edges and there is also a marshy grassland to the south with a range of wetland plants. Shifford's Bridge (north) SBI 920m W The site comprises a steep-sided woodland (Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland, a United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat type), swamp and areas of alder and willow carr.

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Drayton Spinney (south of) SBI 920m NW An extensive neglected marshy area dominated by various tall herbs. Scattered alders and oaks occur sparsely over most of the area. The wooded margin on the north side is largely oak and hornbeam. Little Heath Green BAS 960m SW A small broadleaved coppice with a ground flora dominated by bramble in places and a large mound of bare ground. Ancient woodland indicator species are restricted to Bluebell, Pignut and Greater Stitchwort.

3.2 Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Results

The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Plan is provided in Figure B.1 in Appendix B. Photographs of the site and its habitats are provided in Appendix D.

Phase 1 habitats onsite are described in Table 3.2 below.

Table 3.2: Phase 1 habitat descriptions Phase 1 Habitats Hedgerow with trees (NERC habitat – see 4.2) The hedgerow with tree along the roadside forming the north boundary of the site is hawthorn-dominant, there is a single tree within the hedgerow of pedunculate oak. The ground flora is typical of nutrient enriched road verges and areable fields with cow parsley, hedge garlic, false oat-grass, nettle, bramble and cock’s- foot grass amongst others.

This hedgerow is outside the proposed working area. Arable with Margins The dominant habitat within the site. At the time of the survey the field has been recently cultivated and is currently bare ground.

The margins are narrow (ranging from 1-2m in width) and contain plants associated with nutrient enrichment. These include cow parsley, false oat-grass, nettle, bramble and cock’s-foot grass. Garden A small area of garden at the rear of 1 Pinfold Lane will be used for the sewage treatment plant. The area is lawn with an introduced shrub margin of rhododendron, hebe species and damson amongst others. Parking Area This is the southern access point where the existing buried sewage tank is located. It is dominated by bare ground from vehicle parking with typical plants of disturbed ground being present including dandelion, annual meadow grass and broad leaved plantain. Boundaries The site is bounded by garden fencing and barbed wire fence along the western boundary to the rear of the properties. The northern boundary is a mature hedgerow (see above) with the eastern and southern boundaries being the open arable field.

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3.3 Protected Species Scoping Survey Results

There was no on-site evidence of protected species usage.

The garden boundary has low potential as a bat foraging corridor.

There are no suitable habitats within the proposed construction areas to support nesting birds.

There was no evidence of badger activity within the site or within a 30m radius of the site.

4 Evaluation and Impacts

The following section provides an indication of the ecological value of features present, outlines nature conservation legislation relevant to the features and assesses the level of impact from the proposal on the features. The valuation is based on the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (IEEM, 2006) – see sections 2.4 and 2.5. Impacts relate to both construction and operational phases of the development unless stated otherwise.

Table 4.1: Evaluation and Impacts Ecological Relevant Evaluation Mitigation Impact Feature legislation Hierarchy Level Local Wildlife HR County A Null Sites SBI’s and Impacts: Biodiversity Alert Construction: Over 250m distant; none expected as long as Site pollution control measures in place (Section 5.0) Operational: None expected Hedgerow NERC Local or Parish A Null Impacts: Hedgerow outside the working area Construction: None as long as avoid loss/damage to feature (Section 5.0) Operational: None expected Onsite Habitats N/A Secondary M Null (excluding Impacts: Intensively managed arable field buildings) Construction: None expected as long as pollution control measures in place (Section 5.0) Operational: None expected, area to revert to arable. Bats (foraging & HR, WCA County A Null commuting) Impacts: Poor quality foraging habitat along garden boundaries Construction: None as long as work lighting is not used between dusk and dawn and hedgerows are retained (Section 5.0) Operational: None.

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Nesting Birds WCA National A Null Impacts: Habitats not suitable to support nesting birds. Construction: Risk of injury/damage to birds, nests, etc. Avoid through timing of works or mitigate as specified (Section 5.0) Operational: None Key to Legislation & Mitigation Hierarchy (& links to legislation) HR – Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/contents/made WCA – Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69 BA - Protection of Badgers Act 1992 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1992/51/contents NERC - Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/section/40

A – Avoid, M – Mitigate, C - Compensate

5 Recommendations & Mitigation

It should be noted that all recommendations are provided as information only and specialist legal advice may be required. The conclusions of this report are based on current information. Reassessment is likely to be required if:

 Works are delayed for more than one year  Proposal plans are amended subsequent to the publication of this report. SES Ltd. MUST be contacted if changes are made.

Table 5.1: Further Survey & Licensing Further Survey and Licensing Further Survey Required? No Licence required? No

Table 5.2: Mitigation Hierarchy: Further Actions Avoidance (A), Mitigation (M), Compensation (C) & Enhancement General All staff and workers on site, including sub-contractors, should be made aware of species and habitat protection issues at site induction talks. Work must stop immediately and Natural England contacted if any protected species are found onsite. (Tel: 0845 601 4523). Staffordshire Ecological Services (SES) can also be contacted at 01889 880125. If a bat is found and SES are not available, please phone the Batline on 0345 1300 228. Habitats/Sites SBI, NERC, All proposed work must strictly be in accordance with all relevant etc. Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG) published by the (A,) Environment Agency which may include but is not limited to PPG1 (general), PPG5 (works in, near, or liable to affect watercourses) and PPG6 (work at construction & demolition sites). Contingency plans should be drawn up to address chemical spillage, collision, etc.

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Hedgerows Along the northern boundary of the works. Maintain a buffer zone (A) of 3m in width between the hedgerow base and the proposed soak away area. Protected & NERC Species Bats When planning the locations and directions for lighting if (M) required during the excavation phase, avoid an increase in lighting levels or focusing lighting toward potential bat foraging routes (garden boundaries). Badger Any badger activity (fresh excavation of setts, dung pits etc.) (A) close to working areas should be immediately reported to consultants or the local badger group and their advice implemented. Any trenches or other excavations left open for more than 12 hours should be provided with an escape ramp (simply a plank of wood with no step at the base, reaching up to ground level or slightly above) for any wildlife to be able to escape. Nesting Demolition/site clearance of areas that could be potentially used Birds as nesting sites should be timed to avoid impact on nesting birds. (A) The nesting season generally runs from March to August, but is species-dependent. Autumn through to very early spring clearance is a well-established means of preventing this impact. If this is not possible, further advice from an ecologist should be sought.

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6 Bibliography

Association of Local Government Ecologists (2007) Templates for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Validation Checklists, Pilot Draft.

BSI (2013) BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity. Code of Practice for Planning and Development.

Department for Communities and Local Government (2005) Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geographical Conservation - Statutory Obligations and their impact within the planning system. HMSO, UK.

Department for Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework. HMSO, UK.

HMSO (1997) The Hedgerow Regulations. London.

H.M.S.O. (2006) The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act

H.M.S.O. (2010) The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. London.

H.M.S.O. (1981) The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). London.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (2012). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, London.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (2006). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom. London.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a Technique for Environmental Audit. Reprinted by JNCC, Peterborough.

Natural England (2011) Badgers and Development. (Interim document). Peterborough.

Staffordshire Ecological Record (SER) (2015) – Protected Species and Designated Site information. Stafford.

Stace, C.A. (1997) New flora of the British Isles. 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

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Appendix A: Site Plans

Figure A.1: Location Plan

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Figure A2: Aerial: Wider Landscape

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Figure A.4: Proposal Plan

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Appendix B: Survey Plan &Target Notes

Figure B.1: Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Plan

Table B1 Target notes Target Comments note no. 1 Garden boundary fences with narrow (1-2m) field margin of vegetation associated with nutrient enrichment. 2 Vehicle pull in area with existing sewage tank (buried) 3 Small area of garden comprising of lawn with introduced shrub border.

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Appendix C: Results of Desk Study

Table C.1: Protected Species Records within 1km of site Protected Species Informal Common Name Scientific name No of First Last Group Records bird Barn Owl Tyto alba 1 1993 1993 bird Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 2 2004 2004 bird Redwing Turdus iliacus 2 2004 2004 flowering Bluebell Hyacinthoides 4 1979 2009 plant non-scripta mammal Eurasian Badger Meles meles 2 1988 2002 mammal European Otter Lutra lutra 1 1976 1976 mammal Polecat Mustela putorius 2 2005 2005

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Figure C.1: Designated Sites Plan

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Appendix D: Photographs

Plate D.1 Arable Field

Plate D.2 Garden Area (Location of Treatment Plant)

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Plate D.3 Access Track Southern End (Location of Existing Treatment Tank)

Plate D.4 Arable Field Location of Soak Away.

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