Wild Frontier Ecology

WILD FRONTIER ECOLOGY

Broadland Gate Police Station

Ecology Report w

June 2019

Broadland Gate Police Station

Report produced by Submitted to

Produced by: Adam Stickler BSc MSc Checked by: Robert Yaxley BSc CEcol CEnv MCIEEM Approved by:

Updated by: Adam Stickler BSc MSc Checked by: Robert Yaxley BSc CEcol CEnv Chaplin Farrant MCIEEM Approved by: 51 Yarmouth Road Norwich Norfolk NR7 0ET

Contact: Stuart Deacon Tel: 01603 700000 [email protected] Wild Frontier Ecology Ltd. Unit 2, Cold Blow Farm Great Snoring, Fakenham Norfolk NR21 0HF

Tel: 01328 864633 [email protected]

Company Registered in England and Wales No 4942219. VAT Reg No. 887 4692 54

Registered Office - Saxon House, Hellesdon Park Road, Drayton High Road, Norwich NR6 5DR

Director Robert Yaxley BSc (Hons) CEcol CEnv MCIEEM.

The data which we have prepared and provided are accurate, and have been prepared and provided in accordance with the CIEEM’s Code of Professional Conduct. We confirm that any opinions expressed are our best and professional bona fide opinions.

This report conforms to the British Standard 42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development.

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Contents

1. Non Technical Summary ...... 4 2. Background ...... 5 3. Relevant Legislation and Policy ...... 7 4. Methods ...... 11 5. Results ...... 14 6. Impact Assessment ...... 22 7. Mitigation ...... 27 8. Enhancements ...... 30 9. Conclusion ...... 31 10. Photographs ...... 32

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1. Non Technical Summary

Wild Frontier Ecology Ltd. (WFE) was commissioned to undertake a protected species survey of land at Broadland Gate, Norfolk. The proposal is for a new police station.

A site survey was undertaken on 15th January 2019 by Adam Stickler BSc MSc and Robert Yaxley BSc CEcol CEnv MCIEEM. The site is an arable field, with a mix of species poor and species rich hedgerow margins with standard trees to the east and west.

The site lies approximately 815 metres from the Whitlingham Marsh, Whitlingham Local Nature Reserve and there are three County Wildlife Sites between 815 metres and 1.8 kilometres from the site. Given the distance these sites are away from the project area and the main A47 Yarmouth Road runs between them and the site, no likely significant effect to these sites is identified.

Species rich hedgerows on the proposed development site are of moderate ecological value. Without mitigation, there is expected to be a short-term, minor negative impact to the local resource. Mitigation is advised to address this impact in the medium and long term.

Great crested newts and reptiles are considered unlikely to occur on site based on previous surveys conducted on and near the site and the lack of any route for dispersal onto the site.

There are no buildings on site. Three trees have some potential bat roost features and these are classified as being of moderate potential for roosting bats. One of the trees onsite, which would be lost to the scheme, holds moderate roost potential. Two bat roost activity surveys of this tree (23/05/19 and 13/06/19) observed no bats emergences. The trees and hedgerows also provide good habitat for breeding birds.

Any impact to bird and bat species would be expected to have no more than minor negative effects, but nevertheless will be avoided to prevent a legal offence. Mitigation is proposed.

Minor negative impacts to other terrestrial species are conceivable. Best practice mitigation measures are proposed.

Enhancements have been advised to ensure biodiversity net gain in line with the National Planning Policy Framework.

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2. Background

Wild Frontier Ecology Ltd. (WFE) was commissioned by Chapin Farrant to undertake a protected species survey of an area of land at Broadland Gate, Postwick, Norfolk (TG 2889, 0876) as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The proposal is to build a new police station. Access will be via the existing unnamed road (not shown on current OS mapping) which runs between Poppy Way (also not shown on current OS mapping) and the A1042 and A1194 roundabout to the south-west. Backup site access will be directly from Broadland Way to the west. Figure 1. Site Location

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Figure 2. Proposed site plan (as supplied by Chaplin Farrant), the road to the south-east of the site and the balancing pond to the north already exists

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3. Relevant Legislation and Policy

3.1 Statutory and Non-statutory Site Designations 3.1.1 International (European) Site Designations

The European Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EEC) as amended directs the designation of important wildlife sites through the European Community as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and gives statutory protection to habitats and species listed in the Directive as being threatened or of community interest. Sites identified as candidate SAC (cSAC) are provided with the same level of protection as SAC.

Annex I of 92/43/EEC as amended lists habitat types which are regarded as being of European importance. Included within these are a number of ‘priority habitat types’ which are habitats regarded as being in danger of disappearance and whose natural range falls broadly within the European Union. This European law had been transposed into UK legislation by The Conservation (Natural Habitats) &c Regulations 1994, now replaced by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Habitats of European-wide importance for birds are listed under the EC Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) as amended. Habitats designated under this Directive are notified as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and are identified for holding populations > 1% of the reference population as defined in Appendix 4 of the SPA review of bird species listed in Annex 1 of the same Council Directive. Sites identified as potential SPA (pSPA) are provided with the same level of protection as SPA.

Wetlands of International Importance are designated under the Ramsar Convention. 3.1.2 National (UK) Site Designations

National ecological designations, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are also afforded statutory protection. SSSIs are notified and protected under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) as amended. SSSIs are notified based on specific criteria, including the general condition and rarity of the site and of the species or habitats supported by it. 3.1.3 Non-Statutory County Site Designations

Local authorities may designate certain areas as being of local conservation interest. The criteria for inclusion may vary between areas. Most individual counties have a similar scheme, within Norfolk such sites are designated as County Wildlife Sites (CWS). Designation of such sites does not itself confer statutory protection, but they are a material consideration when planning applications are being determined. 3.2 Species Designation and Protection 3.2.1 Bats

All bat species are listed under Annex IV (and certain species also under Annex II) of the European Union’s Council Directive 92/43/EEC (The Habitats Directive), and are given UK protected status by Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Bats and their roosts also receive protection from disturbance from by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000). This protection extends to both the species and roost sites. It is an offence to kill, injure, capture, possess or otherwise disturb bats. Bat roosts are

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Broadland Gate Police Station protected at all times of the year (making it an offence to damage, destroy or obstruct access to bat roosts), regardless of whether bats are present at the time. 3.2.2 Badgers

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it unlawful to knowingly kill, capture, disturb or injure an individual badger Meles meles, or to intentionally damage, destroy or obstruct an area used for breeding, resting or sheltering by badgers (i.e. a sett). 3.2.3 Riparian Mammals

The water vole Arvicola amphibius is protected in accordance with Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981. It is an offence to intentionally damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection, or to disturb water voles whilst they are using such a place. It is also an offence to kill, injure, capture or possess water voles.

Otters Lutra lutra are protected in accordance with Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981. The otter is also a protected species included in Annex II of 92/43/EEC, and is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take an otter from the wild, or to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any habitat used by otters or to disturb the otters which make use of those habitats. 3.2.4 Birds

All bird species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended. This prevents killing or injuring any bird or damaging or destroying nests and eggs. Certain species (including barn owl Tyto alba) are also listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits intentionally or recklessly disturbing the species at, on or near an ‘active’ nest.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) lists Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC), which fall into three categories: Red-listed - species of high concern; Amber-listed - species of medium concern; and Green-listed - species of lower concern1. Species are placed on these lists based, among other criteria, on the percentage decline of breeding or wintering populations in recent years. These lists do not indicate rarity for the species concerned, and many listed species are currently common and widespread. 3.2.5 Reptiles

All native reptiles are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and are afforded protection under Sections 9(1) and 9(5). For the reptile species occurring in Norfolk, adder Vipera berus, grass snake Natrix helvetica, slow-worm Anguis fragilis and common lizard Zootoca vivipara, this protection prohibits deliberate or reckless killing and injury but does not include habitat protection.

1 Eaton, M. Et al (2015). Birds of Conservation Concern 4. The Population Status of Birds in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108: 708-746.

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3.2.6 Great Crested Newts

The great crested newt Triturus cristatus is fully protected in accordance with both national and international legislation. The species is listed under Annexes IV and II of European Directive 92/43/EEC, and Schedule 2 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The species is also protected by Sections 9(4) and 9(5) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly kill, injure, disturb, handle or sell the animal, and this protection is afforded to all life stages. It is unlawful to deliberately or recklessly damage, destroy, or obstruct the access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection; this includes both the terrestrial and aquatic components of its habitat. 3.2.7 Plants

Schedule 8 of the WCA 1981 lists plant species which are afforded special protection. It is an offence to pick, uproot or destroy any species listed on Schedule 8 without prior authorisation, and all plants are protected from unauthorised uprooting (i.e. without the landowner’s permission) under Schedule 13 of the WCA 1981.

A Vascular Plant Red List for England2 provides a measure of the current state of England’s flora measured against standardised IUCN criteria. Any taxon that is threatened – Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) – or Near Threatened (NT) does not have statutory protection but should be regarded as a priority for conservation in England. It should be noted that ‘threat’ is not synonymous with ‘rarity’, some of the species concerned are still relatively common and widespread. 3.3 Priority Species and Habitats

Other priority species and habitats which are a consideration under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2018, placing responsibility on Local Planning Authorities to aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity and to encourage biodiversity in and around developments. There is a general biodiversity duty in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (Section 40) which requires every public body in the exercising of its functions to ‘have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity’. Biodiversity, as covered by the Section 40 duty, includes all biodiversity, not just the Habitats and Species of Principal Importance.

Section 41 of the NERC Act lists a number of species and habitats as being Species/Habitats of Principal Importance. These are species/habitats in England (also known as Priority Habitats/ Species) which had been identified as requiring action under the UK BAP, and which continue to be regarded as conservation priorities under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. The protection of either Priority Species or Habitats is not statutory, but “specific consideration”3 should be afforded by Local Planning Authorities when dealing with them in relation to planning and development

2 Stroh, P.A., Leach, S.J., August, T.A., Walker, K.J., Pearman, D.A., Rumsey, F.J., Harrower, C.A., Fay, M.F., Martin, J.P., Pankhurst, T., Preston, C.D. & Taylor, I. 2014. A Vascular Plant Red List for England. Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, Bristol.

3 JNCC (2015) UK BAP priority species and habitats http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/protectandmanage/habsandspeciesimportance .aspx

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Broadland Gate Police Station control. Also, there is an expectation that public bodies would refer to the Section 41 list when complying with the Section 40 duty.

Widespread Priority Habitats in East Anglia include:

Arable field margins Traditional orchards Hedgerows Eutrophic standing waters Ponds Rivers Lowland calcareous grassland Lowland fen Lowland dry acid grassland Lowland meadows Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh Reedbeds Lowland mixed deciduous woodland Wet woodland Wood-pasture and parkland

Widespread Priority Species in East Anglia (which have no specific legal protection) include:

Common toad Bufo bufo Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Brown hare Lepus europaeus Harvest mouse Micromys minutus Small heath butterfly Coenonympha pamphilus Wall butterfly Lasiommata megera Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae

Many red-listed bird species are also Priority Species.

3.3 Policy

The overarching policy guidance for biodiversity is included within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF4). Section 15 of this document (Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment) outlines the approach that Local Authorities should adopt when considering ecological issues within the planning framework, including the principles of the Mitigation Hierarchy. This espouses that in addressing impacts on valued features, avoidance should be the first option considered, followed by mitigation (minimising negative impacts). Where avoidance and mitigation are not possible, compensation for loss of features can be used as a last resort. Paragraph 170 of the NPPF gives policy support to the provision of measurable net gains in biodiversity.

4 MHCLG (2018). National Planning Policy Framework. UK Government.

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4. Methods

4.1 Report Objectives

The purpose of this ecological appraisal is to describe the habitats, protected species potential, any designated nature conservation sites, and any other ecological issues within the potential zone of influence of the proposed development. This will allow for an ecological appraisal of the site and proposed development plans to be completed. It will also inform the need for any appropriate further surveys, or avoidance, mitigation, or compensatory measures to be advised with the intention of achieving net biodiversity gain as specified in the NPPF. 4.2 Desk Study

A data search was carried out with Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) to obtain biological records and details of County Wildlife Sites within a 2 kilometre radius of the proposed development footprint.

The MAGIC website5, managed by Natural England, was used to identify nearby designated areas for nature conservation and locations of granted European Protected Species mitigation licenses.

Google Earth and/or Bing Maps aerial photographs, along with Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps were used to examine the local landscape (e.g., identify nearby ponds, woodland, hedgerows, etc.). 4.3 Site Survey

The site visit was undertaken on 15th January 2019 by Adam Stickler BSc MSc and Robert Yaxley BSc CEcol CEnv MCIEEM. The survey was undertaken on a cool but cloudy day.

A site walkover was undertaken with a general evaluation of potential habitats for any protected or valued species. Habitats present were noted and classified according to the Phase 1 habitat survey guidelines6. Photographs were taken to record key features/views.

Only habitats on the landholding were available to survey. Habitats outside of the landholding were appraised as far as possible by viewing from the landholding, public footpaths and roads, as well as by using publicly accessible aerial photographs. 4.5 Bat Activity Surveys

4.5.1 Dusk Emergence Survey 23/05/19

The dusk emergence survey was completed by Adam Stickler BSc MSc, positioned on site as shown in Figure 3.

The surveyors monitored the exterior of the building, assisted by a Pulsar Helion thermal imaging camera with recording devices (2x AnaBat SD1). The monitoring positions were effective from 15 minutes before sunset and held for 70 minutes post- sunset.

5 http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

6 JNCC (2010). Guidelines for Phase 1 Habitat Survey

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Sunset was at 20:57 and the conditions were good: cloud cover was estimated at 10%, precipitation was absent, there was a light breeze and the temperature started at 15˚C at the beginning of the survey and fell to 12˚C. 4.5.2 Dusk Emergence Survey 13/06/19

The dusk emergence survey was completed by William Riddett BA ACIEEM positioned on site as shown in Figure 3.

The surveyor monitored the exterior of the tree, assisted by a Pulsar Helion thermal imaging camera with recording devices (AnaBat SD1 and SMZC detectors). The monitoring positions were effective from 15 minutes before sunset and held for 70 minutes post-sunset.

Sunset was at 21:19 and the conditions were good: cloud cover was estimated at 100%, precipitation was absent, there was a light breeze and the temperature was at a constant 13˚C throughout the survey. 4.5.3 Recording Analysis

Data analysis of the recordings was carried out using AnaLookW. The sonograms were analysed by Adam Stickler using species filters for sorting, and checking identifications by comparing shapes and measurements (peak call frequency, call frequency range, mode pulse interval, and slope) to reference measurements and/or sonograms provided by Russ7, Sowler8 and WFE’s in-house call reference library. The thermal imager footage was watched back and any bats were noted and cross referenced with the sonogram recordings for species identification.

7 Russ, J. (2012); British Bat Calls: A Guide to Species Identification, Pelagic Press, Exeter. 8 Sowler, S. (2010); Difficult Sonograms and Social Calls – Advanced AnaBat Analysis, Alana Ecology Workshop, Bury St. Edmunds.

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Figure 3: Dusk emergence surveys – surveyor position

Surveyor Thermal imager

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5. Results

5.1 Desk Study 5.1.1 Local Landscape Description

The site is located to the east of Norwich in the Central North Norfolk Character Area9, a gently undulating rural landscape. The site surroundings are rural but have seen recent substantial alteration through the creation of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR) to the east. The site is situated in the south-west of an arable field system with farmhouses at the centre which is now bounded by roads; the A47 Yarmouth Road runs to the south.

The immediate surroundings are rural. There is a business park and light industrial land to the west. Beyond the NDR to the east are arable fields. To the north of the site beyond Poppy Way are further arable fields. The nearest pond, immediately to the north of the site, is a balancing pond associated with a nearby highway scheme which was constructed less than two years ago. Two further ponds are situated between 70 and 85 metres to the north-east, in the farm house gardens. Two further ponds are found within 250 metres of the site and both are separated from the site by main roads. 5.1.2 Pre-existing Information on Designated Sites

The only statutory designated site within 2km of the proposed development site is the Whitlingham Marsh, Whitlingham Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This designated site is located approximately 815 metres to the south-west of the project site, on the southern bank of the River Yare. No other statutory designated conservation sites are present within 2km.

The data search with NBIS (Figure 4) returned information of the following three County Wildlife Sites (CWS) within 2km of the project site:

 Whitlingham Marsh CWS 2212 is located approximately 815 metres to the south west of the project site. The site is an area of inundated swamp, consisting mostly of sedge beds, in a spur of land between the River Yare which forms runs parallel to the site to the north, and the A47 trunk road to the south.

 Whitlingham Fen CWS 279 is located approximately one kilometre to the south- west of the site. It is a linear site, running along the eastern side of the Whitlingham sewerage treatment works. It consists largely of fen and wet scrub woodland but also includes a series of open ponds.

 Approximately 1.8km to the north-west of the project site is the Belmont and Brown’s Plantations CWS 2042. The woodland is broadly divided into conifer plantations, open, mature broad-leaved woodland, and dense, regenerating scrub dominated by birches. 5.1.3 Pre-existing Information on Protected Species

A data search with NBIS returned 1,296 records of 212 protected or notable species some of which are legally protected. The majority of records, 906, are of bird species,

9 Natural England (2014) National Character Area 78: Central North Norfolk

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Key protected bird species records (of relevance to the site and the proposal) from within four kilometre grid squares surrounding the site (TG2808-2909) include: Grey Partridge Perdix perdix (1), Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (12), Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur (12), Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (12), Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret (2), hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (1) Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus (4), Skylark Alauda arvensis (3), Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia (22), and Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella (1).

Various moth (23) and butterfly (3) species have been recorded in the area include; Ghost Moth Hepialus humuli (1 record), wall butterfly Lasiommata megera (2), cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae (11), amongst others. Other invertebrates found in the data search include the hymenopterans; Cerceris quinquefasciata and Bombus ruderarius.

There are also 255 records of bats within the 2km search radius, including common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle and Nathusius' pipistrelle P. nathusii, barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus, noctule Nyctalus noctula, lesser noctule Nyctalus leisleri, serotine Eptesicus serotinus, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus and Myotis species. Six of these relate to records within the same one kilometre grid square of the site (TG2808).

There were additional records of common lizard Zootoca vivipara (4) and grass snake Natrix helvetica (5) and slow worm Anguis fragilis (1). One of these records (for two common lizard adults) is from within 100 metres of the site (2006) in the location of the Broadland Way Road to the west. A summary is provided in Table 1. Table 1. Reptiles records from within 2km of the survey site Species (#) Grid Reference Date Source Common Lizard TG291082 01/07/2008 Common Lizard (1) TG284084 01/10/2002 Common Lizard (2) TG287089 23/08/2006 Common Lizard (1) TG2608 30/09/2014 Slow-worm TG273094 05/09/2008 NBIS Grass Snake (1) TG286076 08/04/2011 Grass Snake (1) TG286076 01/09/2011 Grass Snake (1) TG282073 20/03/2011 Grass Snake TG291082 01/07/2008 Grass Snake TG289072 01/07/2006 Common Lizard (1) 04/06/2008 Common Lizard (4) 20/05/2008 Common Lizard (4) 27/05/2008 Postwick Park and Common Lizard (6) 05/6/2008 TG 290 082 Ride Scheme Grass Snake (1) 04/05/2008 Reptile Survey10 Grass Snake (1) 20/05/2008 Grass Snake (1) 27/05/2008 Grass Snake (1) 05/6/2008

No records of great crested newt were returned.

10 Postwick Growth Point: Park and Ride Extension and Access, Environmental Statement. Produced by Mott Macdonald for Norfolk County Council, 28/08/2009

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There were records of water vole (5) and otter (5). Records were also found of badger (3) and harvest mouse Micromys minutus (1).

Further Species of Principal Importance included in the records are hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus (12) and Brown Hare Lepus europaeus (1). These are wide-ranging species and are therefore likely to occur in the vicinity of the site.

A search of the MAGIC database showed three European Protected Species licences within 2km of the site:

 Licence No. 2015-15870-EPS-MIT. Species include brown long-eared bat, Nathusius' pipistrelle, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle, TG28800849, Licence Start Date 16/12/2015, Licence End Date 15/12/2030. 100 meters to the south of the site. The licence allows for damage and destruction of a breeding site and resting place.

 Licence No. 2015-15870-EPS-MIT-1. Species include brown long-eared bat, Nathusius' pipistrelle, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle, TG28800849, Licence Start Date 22/04/2016, Licence End Date 15/12/2030. 100 meters to the south of the site. The licence allows for damage and destruction of a breeding site and resting place.

 Licence No. 2015-15870-EPS-MIT-2. Species include brown long-eared bat, Nathusius' pipistrelle, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle, TG28800849, Licence Start Date 10/11/2016, Licence End Date 10/11/2016. 100 meters to the south of the site. The licence allows for damage and destruction of a breeding site and resting place.

 Licence No. EPSM2012-5347. Species include common and soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat, TG28000930, Licence Start Date 10/01/2013, Licence End Date 01/01/2015. 950m to the south east of the site. The licence allows destruction of a resting place.

 Licence No. EPSM2013-5673. Species include common and soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat, TG28000930, Licence Start Date 08/03/2013, Licence End Date 01/09/2015. 950m to the south east of the site. The licence allows destruction of a resting place. 5.1.4 Neighbouring sites

Various reports have been completed on development sites neighbouring the proposed site. Most recently, results of a survey of the land immediately to the north of the site on 01/06/2018 has been published by Lockhart Garratt11. Survey results show that eDNA samples were taken from pond 1 on the 26/06/2018 (ref. pond 3) and a pond to the north of Poppy Way on the 04/06/2018 (ref. pond 2) returned negative results.

A reptile survey was conducted between June and July 2018; during the survey no reptiles or signs of reptiles were found on this site. Toads Bufo bufo and common frogs Rana temporaria, along with large numbers of juveniles were found on the survey.

11 Reptile Survey and GCN eDNA Report, produced by Lockhart Garratt, Northamptonshire, for Larkfleet Homes, 01/06/2018. Amended on 13/10/2018.

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Additionally a report from 2009 from the Postwick Park and Ride development site12 which is 220 metres to the south, beyond the A47 Yarmouth Road, of the project site found two species of reptiles (see Table 1) using the site. The report also details species of bat and bird Species of Conservation Concern using the site. 5.1.5 Previous reporting

A previous Environmental Statement (ES) was completed in 2011 for the entire Broadland Gate site (Planning reference 20081773, encompassing the area inside the NDR, Poppy Way, Broadland Way and the A47 Yarmouth Road)13. A Phase 1 Habitat, Bat and GCN surveys were carried out in 2007/2008 and 2011. Breeding bird, reptile, deer, brown hare and badger surveys were undertaken in 2007/2008.

A tree 35 metres to the south of the site was a confirmed roost for one or two Noctule bats. Other surveys in 2008 and 2011 recorded seven species to be present: Common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, serotine, noctule and brown long eared, Nathusius’ pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii. Minor commuting routes were found around the periphery of the site.

Reptile surveys recorded no evidence of reptiles using the site. There were no signs of badger on site. GCN surveys for all ponds onsite were negative. No signs of brown hare or deer were found.

Wintering bird surveys recorded onsite are listed below. However, species were recorded in low numbers.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula UK BAP / Red List Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Schedule 1/ UK & local BAP/ Red List Grey Partridge Perdix perdix UK & local BAP/ Red List House Sparrow Passer domesticus UK BAP / Red List Linnet Carduelis cannabina UK BAP / Red List Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus UK BAP / Red List Skylark Alauda arvensis UK & local BAP/ Red List Song Thrush Turdus philomelos UK & local BAP/ Red List Starling Sturnus vulgaris UK BAP / Red List Tree Sparrow Passer montanus UK & local BAP/ Red List Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella UK BAP / Red List Dunnock Prunella modularis UK BAP / Amber List Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Schedule 1 Amber List Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Schedule 1 Amber List Goldcrest Regulus regulus Amber List Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Amber List Lapwing Vanellus vanellus UK BAP / Amber List Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret UK BAP / Amber List Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Amber List Redwing Turdus iliacus Schedule 1 / Amber List Stock Dove Columba oenas Amber List Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Schedule 1

12 Postwick Growth Point: Park and Ride Extension and Access, Environmental Statement. Produced by Mott Macdonald for Norfolk County Council, 28/08/2009

13 Broadland Gate Environmental Statement – Revised June 2011, Produced By Mott Macdonald for Norfolk County Council, PLANNING REFERENCE 20081773

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5.2 Site survey 5.2.1 Phase 1 Habitats

The site of the proposed development is currently an arable field. The majority of the site is now fallow land bordered by hedgerows to the east and west, arable field to the north and a new unnamed road to the south. (See Figure 5 for a Phase 1 habitat map, and Section 10. Photos 1-20).

The main area of the site (a fallow field) has been colonised by ruderal vegetation with species including: fumitory Fumaria Sp., common mallow Malva sylvestris, annual nettle Urtica urens, annual meadowgrass Poa annua, common field speedwell Veronica persica, weld Reseda luteola, common cudweed Filago vulgaris (RDB near-threatened), shepherds purse Capsella bursa-pastoris, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum, bristly ox tongue Helminthotheca echioides, chickweed Stellaria media, doves-foot cranesbill Geranium molle, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, annual mercury Mercurialis annua. There is a western field margin which is less disturbed a contains species such as Canadian fleabane Conyza canadensis, red dead nettle Lamium purpureum, cuckoo pint Arum maculatum, groundsel Senecio vulgaris, cleavers Galium aparine and alexanders Smyrnium olusatrum.

The small field to the east (Photo 14) of the site consists of a semi improved grassland with common nettle Urtica dioica, Cocksfoot, Dock Rumex obtusifolius, False oat Arrhenatherum elatius, with some rank areas of Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, Buddleia Buddleja davidii, rosebay willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium and Wood small reed Calamagrostis epigejos. The hedgerow bordering this field consists of a defunct hawthorn and ivy Hedera helix hedge to the east with some apple Malus sp. to the north.

Bordering field to the west and outside the project boundary is a rank, improved grassland with a cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata dominated sward (Photo 7).

The western border of the site is bound by a planted border of predominantly lime Tilia sp. and oak Quercus robur trees to the south (photo 3 and 4). To the north of this is a planted, species rich hedge with two oak standard trees (Photo 5 and 8), blackthorn Prunus spinosa, hazel Corylus avellana, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, elder Sambucus nigra, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, dog rose Rosa canina wild cherry Prunus avium, Spindle Euonymus europaeus, wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana, wild plum Prunus domestica, ash Fraxinus excelsior and field maple Acer campestre.

To the west of the south-western border of trees there is a closed road and a mixed species planted screening area of blackthorn, hazel, hawthorn, sycamore, ash, sallow Salix cinerea, lime, alder Alnus gultinosa and scots pine Pinus sylvestris (Photo 3).

At the eastern boundary of the site is a species poor defunct hedge with oak and common lime Tilia x europaea standards (Photo 11). Species present include sycamore, dog rose, elder, blackthorn and field maple. The hedge is intact to the north where it borders a garden with standard cherry Prunus sp. (Photo 12). 5.2.2 Protected and valued species potential

There is potential habitat for roosting bats within three of the mature oak trees on site; the first two are in the western hedge both are large, one is stag headed (Photo 5, 6 and 8) and the second, a stag headed ivy covered tree is in the eastern hedge (Photo 12 and 13) these are shown as TN3 TN4 and TN6 in the Phase 1 Habitat map in Figure 5.

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Bat roost boxes were recorded on trees in both the eastern and western borders of the site (Photo 16 and 17, also TN1 and TN5 in Figure 5). Bats may be using the site for foraging on the eastern and western boundaries where there is suitable linear habitat.

The trees and shrubs around the site offer suitable nesting habitat for local breeding bird populations of a range of species, including red and amber listed Birds of Conservation Concern. Birds species which were recorded on site include the following species: Fieldfare Turdus pilaris (red-listed), stock dove Columba oenas (amber-listed), blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus, great tit Parus major, blackbird Turdus merula, redwing Turdus iliacus (red-listed), magpie Pica pica, and song thrush Turdus philomelos (red- listed). A bird box was seen on a tree in the western hedge boundary (TN4 in Figure 5).

There are no ponds within the development boundary and three ponds are within the area enclosed by the roads around the site. Pond 1 (Photo 20), 85 metres to the north- east of the site, is a semicircular garden pond containing reeds with lawn to the south and a stand of crack willow Salix fragilis to the north. Pond 1 has moderate suitability for GCN. Pond 2 (Photo 20) was a dry depression; very close to pond 1 shaded by crack willow and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Pond 3 (Photo 10) is adjacent to the site and is a balancing pond which was dry at the time of survey; it has been built within the last two years.

There is potentially suitable habitat for reptiles in the tussocky field margin to the west of the site. The roads that have been built around the site will be effective barriers to reptile dispersal from and to the wider environment.

Although no signs specifically attributable to Priority Species were recorded on site, there is suitable foraging and refuge habitat for species such as hedgehog (which are known to occur in the locality) and common toad.

5.3 Bat Activity Surveys

5.4.1 Dusk Emergence Survey 23/05/19

No bats were seen to emerge from the tree during the first emergence survey. The first bat was recorded at 21:38, which was recorded on the thermal imager. This bat was later identified (from sonograms) as a soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus. Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus Pipistrellus and noctule Nyctalus noctula were also observed and recorded.

5.4.2 Dusk Emergence Survey 13/06/19

No bats were seen to emerge from the tree during the second emergence survey. Several bats were recorded foraging around the site during the course of the survey, including noctule Nyctalus noctule and common pipistrelle. Two faint bat calls were identified from sonograms as possibly being Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii. 5.4 Constraints and Limitations of the Survey

The survey was undertaken at a sub-optimal time of year for recording flowering plant species. 5.4 Further Survey Requirements

No surveys for other protected species are anticipated to be necessary.

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Figure 4. Map of nearest Designated Sites (provided by NBIS)

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Figure 5. Phase 1 Habitat Map Target Description Note

TN1 Bat boxes x2

TN2 Fence with planted blackthorn

TN3 Oak with bat potential

TN4 Oak with bird box and bat potential

TN5 Oak with bat box

TN6 Ivy clad oak with bat potential

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6. Impact Assessment

6.1. Potential impacts on ecological receptors

This impact assessment is made with reference to the CIEEM EcIA Guidelines14.

Throughout, italicised words are used in the technical sense defined within the CIEEM guidance. This refers to the geographical context of the impact or effect. Hence, the following geographical frame of reference will be used to describe the ecological impacts and effects, or adapted to suit local circumstances:

 International and European  National  Regional  County (or metropolitan, vice-county or other local authority-wide area where relevant)  District*  Local

*District level is not listed in the EcIA guidance, but is included within WFE reports as it is a useful and readily identifiable geographic unit.

The local/parish geographical context for the proposal site is defined here as the civil parish of Thorpe End. The district context is Broadland. The county is Norfolk and the region is East Anglia.

The EcIA guidelines espouse a quantification of impact/effect magnitude where possible. Where this is not available or uncertain, impact magnitude categories and criteria are defined based on Byron (2000)15. These categories are often also used as shorthand to summarise magnitude.

 Major negative – that which has a harmful effect on the integrity of a conservation site or the conservation status of a population of a species within a defined geographical area; e.g., fundamentally reduces the capacity to support wildlife for the entirety of a conservation site, or compromises the persistence of a species’ population at a defined locality.

 Intermediate negative – that which has no adverse effect on the integrity of a conservation site or the conservation status of a species’ population, but does have an important adverse effect in terms of achieving certain ecological objectives; e.g., sustaining target habitat conditions and levels of wildlife for a conservation site, or maintaining population growth for a species.

 Minor negative – some minor detrimental effect is evident, but not to the extent of the above.

 Neutral – that which has no predictable effect.

14 CIEEM (2016) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal, 2nd edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester

15 Byron H. (2000) Biodiversity Impact - Biodiversity and environmental impact assessment: a good practice guide for road schemes. The RSPB, WWF-UK, English Nature and the Wildlife Trusts, Sandy

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6.1.1 Positive or Negative Impacts/ Effects

The nature of a predicted impact is as per CIEEM definition:

“Positive impact – a change that improves the quality of the environment e.g. by increasing species diversity, extending habitat or improving water quality. Positive impacts may also include halting or slowing an existing decline in the quality of the environment.

Negative impact – a change which reduces the quality of the environment e.g. destruction of habitat, removal of species foraging habitat, habitat fragmentation, pollution.” 6.1.2 Duration of Impact/ Effect

Impacts/ effects are described as short, medium or long-term, and as either permanent or temporary. 6.1.3 Impact/ Effect Reversibility

Reversibility is judged per the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment description: “An irreversible effect is one from which recovery is not possible within a reasonable timescale or there is no reasonable chance of action being taken to reverse it. A reversible effect is one from which spontaneous recovery is possible or which may be counteracted by mitigation.” 6.1.4 Impact/ Effect Significance

The CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment provide a working definition of ‘significant effects’ which includes the statements:

“For the purpose of EcIA, ‘significant effect’ is an effect that either supports or undermines biodiversity conservation objectives for ‘important ecological features’ or for biodiversity in general.” and “In broad terms, significant effects encompass impacts on structure and function of defined sites, habitats or ecosystems and the conservation status of habitats and species (including extent, abundance and distribution).”

In this assessment, a significant impact is not attributed to any effect on a receptor which is predicted to occur at no greater than minor negative magnitude. Similarly any impact, regardless of magnitude, is not regarded as significant if its geographic scale of importance is lower than a local/ parish level. 6.2 Description of Impacts/Effects

A number of impacts/effects on ecological receptors may result from the proposed development. 6.2.1. Change of land use

The development is for the construction of a new police station. The site will therefore become built development on what is currently arable land. Most of the boundary features will be retained, but the hedge and large oak to the east of the site will be removed. Vehicle access to the site will be via a site entrance from the existing new unnamed road to the south of the site.

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6.2.2. Construction activities

The activity, noise and other general disturbance from, movements of construction machinery and personnel could disturb animal species using the site or immediately adjacent areas. Some site clearance and construction activities could directly harm or kill animals on the site.

Impacts need to be viewed in the context of this area of Thorpe End. There will already be a high level of human disturbance from the NDR, the A47 Yarmaouth Road, the new unnamed road as well as adjacent projects. 6.2.3. Operational activities

Once constructed, there is potential for disturbance impacts from increased human presence on the site. Traffic will increase on the roads surrounding the site and there would be increased occurrence of noise and light pollution at night due to typical operations associated with a police station. These impacts need to be viewed in the context of an ecologically isolated site, there is a high background level of noise from existing local main roads and construction works adjacent to the site.

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6.3 Potential Impacts/Effects on Ecological Receptors

6.3.3 Designated Sites

The proposed development would have no direct impact on constituent habitats of CWS 2212, CWS 279 or CWS 2042. The nearest statutory designated site is Whitlingham Local Nature Reserve (LNR). There is no realistic potential for any impacts to this or any other designated sites as they are clearly outside the development footprint. The works will be almost entirely limited to existing footprint and separated from the designated sites by roads. There will be a large increase in the number of people using the site above baseline levels; however, it is unlikely that site users will affect population numbers on and around the LWS/CWSs. Neutral impacts on designated sites are predicted. 6.4 Habitats

The species rich hedgerows on the proposed development site are of moderate ecological value. Approximately 25 metres of species rich hedgerow will be lost to the temporary access road. Without mitigation, there is expected to be a permanent, minor negative impact to the local resource. Mitigation is advised (below) to address this impact. Advice on ecological enhancement of the developed site is also provided (below).

All other habitats within the proposed development footprint are of low ecological value, so no negative impacts from land-take are predicted. 6.5 Bats

The bat roost activity surveys identified no bats emerging from the tree which is planned to be removed. Therefore the removal of the tree is predicted to have neutral effects on roosting bats. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that bats are very small and highly mobile mammals which could conceivably occupy any tree or structure with some roosting potential, if only for a very short while. Precautionary advice is provided in section 7.3.

Two additional trees with potential to support bat roosts have been identified. Alongside this, bat roost boxes have been identified in the trees surrounding the site (see Figure 5). The local habitat is somewhat suboptimal for bats, being located in close proximity to a lit road and fragmented from the wider landscape by existing structures. However, it is assumed that low numbers of bats will be using the roosting boxes and suitable trees.

The site provides a small area of foraging and commuting habitat, however given the close proximity of the illuminated road increased human activity and lighting are unlikely to create significant additional disturbance. Minor negative impacts on foraging bats are near certain. 6.6 Birds

Common bird species such may make use of the hedgerows on and surrounding the site for nesting. Impacts to bird species would be expected to be no more than minor negative to local populations and would be temporary, as there are abundant alternative nesting opportunities in the surrounding area. Nevertheless mitigation is proposed and destruction/removal of any active birds’ nests will be avoided to prevent an offence (see mitigation section).

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6.7 Great crested newt

There are no ponds in the immediate vicinity of the site. The nearest waterbody is a balancing pond (Pond 3) for nearby highway schemes, directly to the north of the site boundary. The pond is seasonally dry with low surrounding vegetation and was built within the last two years. The pond therefore is unsuitable for GCN. Pond 1 is 85 meters to the north east of the site boundary. It is a garden pond and has moderate suitability for GCN with suitable terrestrial habitat nearby. Pond 2 is a dry depression with heavy bramble and crack willow scrub it is therefore seen as being unsuitable for GCN.

Although suitable habitat has been found on site, surveys in 2008, 2011 and 2018 have all concluded that there are no GCN in ponds 1 and 2. No records for GCN were found in the NBIS search. The roads around the site are seen as sufficient barriers for any population of GCN to migrate into the site in the future. A neutral impact to great crested newts is considered certain. 6.8 Reptiles

Reptile species are known to occur in the area surrounding the project site, especially to the south near the marshy areas close to the River Yare to the south. The majority of the habitats on site are considered suboptimal for reptile species however there is some suitable habitat along the western field margin. Previous reporting from 2008 surveys along this field margin and from 2018 surveys on fields to the north of Poppy Way found no evidence of reptiles. It is considered extremely unlikely that transient individuals have moved onto the site given that the site is very ecologically isolated from the surrounding countryside. Neutral impacts to reptiles are considered near- certain. 6.9 Water voles and otters

There are no waterbodies on site. Water voles in the UK do not travel far from water bodies so would not be expected to occur on site. Otters are wider ranging and therefore the presence of transient individuals is conceivable, but extremely unlikely given the local roads and heavily disturbed nature of the locality. A neutral impact on local water vole and otter populations are near-certain. 6.10 Badgers

There were no signs of badgers found on site. Nevertheless badgers are a widespread species and it is considered possible that badgers may occasionally occur on site. Minor negative impacts to individual animals (injury/entrapment) during construction are extremely unlikely. Best practice measures/mitigation for terrestrial mammals is proposed below. 6.11 Species and Habitats of Principle Importance

The application affects no Habitats of Principle Importance. Hedgehogs, harvest mice and common toads are Species of Principal Importance which could pass through the area, but given isolated habitat minor negative impacts to local populations are unlikely. Common cudweed is a Red Data Book plant species which occurs on site; however, it is widespread and common in Norfolk, and likely to appear wherever there is disturbed sandy ground, and local populations are not likely to affected by the development.

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7. Mitigation

7.1 General Principles

The Mitigation Hierarchy is a key principle, with the sequential strategies given in order. This is interpreted by WFE, as it applies to built development, in table 2 below. Table 2. Mitigation Hierarchy

Action and Description sequential number

Avoidance Seek options that avoid impacts/ effects on ecological features, for example through design of development or seasonal timing of works.

Mitigation Adverse impacts/ effects should be minimised through mitigation measures, either through the design of the project or subsequent measures that can be guaranteed – for example, through a condition or planning obligation.

Compensation Where there are significant residual adverse ecological effects despite the mitigation proposed, these should be offset by appropriate compensatory measures. A common example is the replanting of a removed section of hedge elsewhere on the site.

Enhancement Seek to provide net benefits for biodiversity over and above requirements for avoidance, mitigation or compensation.

7.2 Habitats

If any of the small trees on site are removed an equal number will be replanted within the grounds of the site. This should include at least two fruit trees.

Where species rich hedgerows are removed at least an equal length plus 25% (approximately 32 metres) of new species rich hedgerow should be planted within the development boundary. A suitable location would be along each side of the new backup access road, connecting the new hedges with the retained hedge ends either side of the road. Where species poor hedgerows are removed new sections of more ecological valuable shrub planting will be incorporated in to the design. Species selected will be native species or fruit bearing species with wildlife value, and at least 6 native or berry bearing shrub species will be selected.

Suitable native and fruit bearing tree and shrub species include:

Apple Malus domestica Beech Fagus sylvatica Bird cherry Prunus padus Crab apple Malus sylvestris Dog rose Rosa canina Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Elder Sambucus nigra

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Field maple Acer campestre Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hazel Corylus avellana Holly Ilex aquifolium Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Pedunculate oak Quercus robur Pear Pyrus communis Plum Prunus domestica Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Spindle Euonymus europaeus Silver birch Betula pendula Small-leaved lime Tilia cordata Whitebeam Sorbus aria

7.3 Bats

Works should be kept to daylight hours and any lighting should be kept to a minimum, especially at night. Where the lighting must be placed near woodland, trees, hedgerows or surrounding grassland then lights must be faced inwards, towards the site with guarding to prevent light spilling over onto the habitat.

One tree will be removed to make way for the development, this will be done in a sympathetic manner with soft-felling. Cuts through branches will avoid any cavities (in which bats might roost) and severed limbs will be gently lowered to the ground rather than dropped from a height where they will be left for 24 hours before removal. If any bats are encountered during these works, works will cease immediately and a licensed bat worker will be contacted.

If any additional mature trees on site are likely to require removal, they must first be appraised for bat roost potential. Any trees identified as holding moderate or higher roost potential will oblige further surveys to ascertain the presence or absence of roosts. The removal of any tree supporting a bat roost will require an EPS licence from Natural England.

7.4 Birds

Tree removal and trimming or removal of hedgerows will commence outside of the nesting bird season (which runs from 1st March to 1st September). If this is not possible a check will be undertaken to ensure no active nests are present. If any active nests are discovered they will be allowed to reach a natural conclusion without disturbance, interference or destruction. 7.5 Best Practice Measures

Best practice measures are advised for effects which, although often not predicted to be of great magnitude, may affect valued ecological receptors in a way that would be preventable and/or a legal offence. The measures that will be applied to compensate for potential ecological impacts are as follows:

Vegetation on site will be kept regularly cut prior to any work occurring on site. This is to maintain sub-optimal habitats for terrestrial species. Arisings will be removed from

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Any loose material such as rubble or vegetation will be cleared by hand to ensure that any terrestrial species sheltering there are not harmed.

All building materials and waste materials will be stored above ground, such as on pallets or in skips respectively. This measure will ensure that such materials do not provide a sheltering opportunity, attractive to invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals.

Preferably all excavations will be closed or covered overnight to prevent animals from falling in. If this is not possible they will be fitted with egress boards sloped at a shallow angle.

Works will preferably be restricted to daylight hours only to prevent disturbance or accidental harm to nocturnal animals such as hedgehogs.

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8. Enhancements

To maximize potential for use of the site by species of conservation concern, five bird boxes will be installed on the new buildings or trees nearby. Ideally these will be built into the fabric of a suitable building onsite.

Nest boxes will be selected to target a species of conservation concern – in this case terrace style boxes for house sparrow are suitable. Bird boxes are best situated on the eastern or western face of any building. Boxes should ideally be situated as high as possible on the new buildings.

Planting of species rich native hedgerow around the perimeter of the site shown in Figure 2 is advised. Planting should be of suitable native and fruit bearing tree and shrub species described in section 7.2.

If any boundary fences or walls are to be used then small gaps (around 12cm wide x 10cm tall) will be left in the fence panels/walls at ground level to allow amphibians and small mammals such as hedgehogs to move across the site. These would be best located in the corners of the boundaries. Any gates will also be situated 10cm above the ground.

In order to benefit pollinator species such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies, any lawns will be turfed or seeded with a diverse mixture of species to include at least four species of grass and eight species of herbs, such as a flowering lawn seed mixture. The unused triangular area to the south west of the site shown in Figure 2 would be ideal for this treatment.

The addition of further planting of shrubs and flowering plants would enhance the overall ecological value of this area. A list of pollinator friendly plants is available from the RHS, and any good garden centre will also mark pollinator friendly plants with a bee symbol.

Installation of the suggested bird boxes and new planting will provide increased nesting and foraging habitat for local wildlife, in line with the NPPF policy supporting net gain in biodiversity where possible.

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9. Conclusion

The site at Broadland Gate was the subject of a Phase 1 Habitat Survey. The assessment concludes that:

 There is no credible potential for impacts on designated nature conservation sites.

 A minor negative impact to species rich hedgerows is predicted. Mitigation is advised to address this impact in the medium and long term.

 There is no concern for meaningful impacts on other habitats.

 A neutral impact to roosting bats and negligible impact to foraging bats are predicted. Mitigation is advised should works to on-site trees with low potential be required.

 Minor but potentially illegal impacts on nesting birds (small numbers of common species) can be avoided by appropriate timing of works.

 Great crested newts and reptiles are considered unlikely to occur on site based on previous surveys done on and near the site and the lack of any route for dispersal onto the site.

 A neutral impact on local water vole and otter populations are near-certain as the site is well away from local populations.

 Minor negative impacts to individual badgers during construction are extremely unlikely. Best practice measures/mitigation for terrestrial mammals is proposed.

 Minor negative impacts to small terrestrial animals and Species of Principal Importance including toads, harvest mice and hedgehogs are considered possible, however the risks can be minimised by following the best practice measures advised.

Advice for mitigation and enhancements has been given. If enhancements are implemented then positive impacts for some species might be anticipated in the medium to long term.

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10. Photographs

Photo 1. View north east from new unnamed road at south of the site

Photo 2. Pioneer flora to the south of the site, close to the new unnamed road

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Photo 3. Closed road to the west of the site with planted mixed species planted screening and oak/lime dominated tree belt to the south west of the site.

Photo 4. View north along the eastern boundary from the new unnamed road

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Photo 5. Eastern hedgerow with trees viewed from the centre looking south

Photo 6. Hedgerow oak with peeling bark and wounds.

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Photo 7. Bordering field to the west with rank improved grassland

Photo 8. View south along the eastern hedgerow and field margin as viewed from the north of the site showing two oaks with bat roost potential

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Photo 9. View east across the project site

Photo 10. New balancing pond to the north of the site (pond 3)

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Photo 11. Eastern hedgerow close to existing buildings

Photo 12. Eastern hedgerow with ivy clad oak

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Photo 13. Oak with moderate bat roost potential

Photo 14. Rank semi improved grassland in the small eastern field

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Photo 15. View across the southern half of the site from the eastern boundary

Photo 16. Bat roost box on tree in the south western boundary (shown by red circle)

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Photo 17. Bat box on tree in the eastern boundary hedge

Photo 18. Bird box on tree in the western boundary hedge

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Photo 19. Pond 1

Photo 20. Pond 2 (indicated by arrow)

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