NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
FIRE TRAINING FACILITY, FORMER CHELVESTON RAF BASE
Ecological Assessment
July 2011 2529.EcoAs.vf1
Fire Training Facility, Former RAF Base Chelveston 2529.EcoAs.dv1 Ecological Assessment DRAFT
COPYRIGHT
The copyright of this document remains with Aspect Ecology. The contents of this document therefore must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any purpose without the written consent of Aspect Ecology.
PROTECTED SPECIES
This report contains sensitive information relating to protected species. The information contained herein should not be disseminated without the prior consent of Aspect Ecology.
LEGAL GUIDANCE
The information set out within this report in no way constitutes a legal opinion on the relevant legislation. The opinion of a legal professional should be sought if further advice is required.
Aspect Ecology Ltd Hardwick Business Park Noral Way Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 2AF
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APRIL 2011/ ASPECT ECOLOGY 1
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION...... 2
2. SURVEY METHODOLOGY...... 2
3. ECOLOGICAL DESIGNATIONS ...... 5
4. HABITATS & ECOLOGICAL FEATURES...... 6
5. FAUNAL USE OF THE SITE ...... 9
6. ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSALS...... 13
7. POLICY REVIEW ...... 24
8. SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS...... 27
PLANS
PLAN 2529/ECO1 Site Location
PLAN 2529/ECO2 Ecological Designations
PLAN 2529/ECO3 Habitats & Ecological Features
PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPH 1 Buildings B1 – B4
PHOTOGRAPH 2 Building B8 (example structure of buildings B5 – B8)
PHOTOGRAPH 3 Grass-covered hard-standing
PHOTOGRAPH 4 Off-site planted woodland
PHOTOGRAPH 5 Off-site pasture field
PHOTOGRAPH 6 Off-site pond
PHOTOGRAPH 7 Rubble piles adjacent to building B1
PHOTOGRAPH 8 Dead tree T1
PHOTOGRAPH 9 Mature pollarded Ash tree T2
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Information obtained from Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) and Nature on the Map (Natural England) online databases
APPENDIX 2 Information obtained from the National Biodiversity Network database
APPENDIX 3 Summary tables of Great Crested Newt surveys
Fire Training Facility, Former RAF Base Chelveston 2529.EcoAs.vf1 Ecological Assessment
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background & Proposals
1.1.1. Aspect Ecology was commissioned in March 2011 by Northamptonshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service to undertake an ecological assessment in respect of land in the north-western corner of the former RAF Base Chelveston (see Plan 2529/ECO1). As stated in paragraph 2.2.1 below, numerous previous ecological studies have been conducted by Aspect Ecology at the site and wider study area in relation to other planning applications.
1.1.2. The proposals are for the re-use of the existing former military buildings and areas of hard-standing to create a new fire training facility.
1.2. Site Characteristics
1.2.1. The site is located in the north-western corner of the former RAF Base in Chelveston. The site itself is composed of an area of hard-standing colonised by grassland and a partially colonised tarmac road, which leads to five disused Nissan hut-style structures. Other habitats adjacent to the site and within the wider survey area include plantation woodland, pasture, a hedgerow, a pond and a further 3 disused Nissan hut-style structures.
1.3. Ecological Assessment
1.3.1. This document assesses the ecological interest of the site as a whole. The importance of the habitats and species present is evaluated. Where necessary, mitigation measures are recommended so as to safeguard any significant existing ecological interest within the site and where appropriate, opportunities for ecological enhancement are proposed with reference to national and local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs).
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2. SURVEY METHODOLOGY
2.1. The methodology utilised for the survey work can be split into 3 main areas: a desktop study, habitat survey, and faunal survey. These are discussed in more detail below.
2.2. Desktop Study
2.2.1. The following documents, which relate to proposed developments of a larger scale, in the wider study area of the RAF base were reviewed due to the detailed background information which had been collated and the extensive survey work which had been undertaken.
Biomass Application: • Ecological Assessment (April 2008) ECO-1026.EcoAs(Biomass).vf
Wind Farm Application: • Chapter 13 of Environmental Statement (2009) • Chapter 12 of Environmental Statement (2010) • Updated ES Addendum (October 2010) ECO-1026.ES Addendum.vf
2.2.2. In order to update the background information on the site and its immediate surroundings information on statutory designated sites was obtained from the online Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) database, which utilises data provided by Natural England, and Natural England’s website (www.natureonthemap.org.uk). This information is reproduced at Appendix 1, and where appropriate on Plan ECO2.
2.2.3. The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) database was also searched for any relevant biological records of nature conservation interest within the locality. Relevant information is reproduced at Appendix 2.
2.3. Habitat Survey
2.3.1. The site and immediately adjacent habitats were surveyed in March 2011 in order to ascertain the general ecological value of the land contained within the boundaries of the site and to identify the main habitats associated with the site.
2.3.2. The survey work was based on extended Phase 1 survey methodology (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 20101), as recommended by Natural England, whereby the habitat types present are identified and mapped, together with an assessment of the species composition of each habitat. This technique provides an inventory of the basic habitat types present and allows identification of areas of greater potential which require further survey. Any such areas identified can then be examined in more detail.
2.3.3. Using the above method, the site and adjacent land was classified into areas of similar botanical community types, with a representative species list compiled for each habitat identified.
1 Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey: A technique for environmental audit. JNCC, 2010.
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2.3.4. All of the species that occur in each habitat would not necessarily be detectable during survey work carried out at any given time of the year, since different species are apparent at different seasons. The survey was undertaken within the seasonal period for botanical work; accordingly, it is considered that a robust assessment of the intrinsic ecological interest of the site was made.
2.4. Faunal Surveys
2.4.1. General faunal activity, such as mammals or birds observed visually or by call during the course of the surveys was recorded. Specific attention was also paid to the potential presence of any protected, rare or notable species, and specific survey work was undertaken for bats and Badger Meles meles.
Bats2
2.4.2. Buildings. The buildings within the site (B1 – B5) are to be renovated/refurbished and re-used under the proposals and were therefore subject to internal, where possible, and external inspection surveys using ladders, torches, mirrors and binoculars where necessary to check for potential bat use.
2.4.3. Evidence of the presence of bats was searched for with particular attention paid to any roof spaces and gaps between rafters and beams. Specific searches were made for bat droppings that can indicate present or past use and the extent of use, whilst other signs that can indicate the possible presence of bats were also searched for, e.g. presence of stained areas or feeding remains.
2.4.4. The opportunity was also taken to conduct inspections, based on the methodology above, of the three buildings (B6-B8) located on the north- western edge of the plantation woodland.
2.4.5. Trees. An examination of the trees within the plantation woodland and immediately adjacent to the site was undertaken to search for the presence of features which could be of potential value to roosting bats such as splits, cracks, rot holes, coverings of Ivy, peeling bark or similar. The potential for the trees to support roosting bats has been ranked in accordance with the criteria set out in the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines: • Category 1 – confirmed bat roost tree with field evidence of the presence of bats (e.g. droppings, scratch marks, grease marks or urine staining). • Category 2a – trees that have a high potential to support bat roosts. This includes trees displaying extensive splits, cavities, rot/woodpecker holes, large areas of peeling bark, dense Ivy cover and or a combination of those features listed above which may also be uncommon in the local area. • Category 2b – trees with a moderate/low potential to support bat roosts. This includes trees with a small number of features offering shelter for roosting bats, such as splits, cavities, rot/woodpecker holes, Ivy cover or peeling bark. Such features may be less substantial or extensive than on high potential trees, and more exposed to the elements.
2 Surveys based on: English Nature (2004) “Bat Mitigation Guidelines” & Bat Conservation Trust (2007) “Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines”
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• Category 3 – trees with negligible potential to support bat roosts, often immature trees, displaying no suitable features.
2.4.6. Where appropriate, a schedule is then produced documenting the presence of any such features.
Badgers3
2.4.7. The Badger survey comprised two main elements. Firstly, searching thoroughly for evidence of Badger setts. For any setts that were encountered, each sett entrance was noted and plotted even if the entrance appeared disused. The following information was recorded:
• The number and location of well used or very active entrances; these are clear from any debris or vegetation and are obviously in regular use and may, or may not, have been excavated recently. • The number and location of inactive entrances; these are not in regular use and have debris such as leaves and twigs in the entrance or have plants growing in or around the edge of the entrance. • The number of disused entrances; these have not been in use for some time, are partly or completely blocked and cannot be used without considerable clearance. If the entrance has been disused for some time all that may be visible is a depression in the ground where the hole used to be and the remains of the spoil heap.
2.4.8. Secondly, Badger activity such as well-worn paths and push-throughs, snagged hair, footprints, latrines and foraging signs were recorded so as to build up a picture of the use of the site by Badgers.
2.5. Survey Constraints/Limitations
2.5.1. Buildings B2 and B4 could not be inspected internally, as the new doors which have been installed as part of a recent renovation/refurbishment were locked. However, based on the design and construction of these buildings, in combination of the findings of the external inspection surveys, these buildings are considered to be of negligible potential for roosting bats and any internal inspection of these buildings would be very unlikely to indicate otherwise and are therefore not considered to be a significant constraint.
3 Based on: Mammal Society (1989) “Occasional Publication No. 9 – Surveying Badgers”
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3. ECOLOGICAL DESIGNATIONS
3.1. Statutory Designations
3.1.1. The statutory designations of nature conservation interest that occur within the local area are shown on Plan 2529/ECO2 and summarised below in Table 1. The nearest statutory designation is Yeldon Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located approximately 2.1km to the south- west of the site. The next nearest statutory designation is Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI located approximately 4.5km to the north-west of the site.
3.2. Non-statutory Designations
3.2.1. The non-statutory designations of nature conservation interest that occur within the local area are shown on Plan 2529/ECO2 and summarised below in Table 1. The nearest non-statutory designation is Stanwick Pasture County Wildlife Site (CWS) located approximately 0.8km to the north-west of the site. The next nearest non-statutory designation is Beggars Lane CWS located approximately 1.9km to the north-west of the site.
Approximate Distance and Name Designation Brief Description Direction from site Statutory Designations Yelden Botanically rich unimproved neutral SSSI 2.1km SW Meadows grassland, with old species-rich hedgerows. Active and exhausted sand and gravel pits supporting habitats including open water, Upper Nene marsh, rush pasture, rough grassland, Valley Gravel SSSI 4.5km NW scattered scrub and rare wet floodplain Pits woodland. This is a nationally important site for its breeding water bird assemblage. Non-statutory Designations Stanwick A mosaic of scrub, woodland and rough CWS 0.8km NW Pasture grassland. Beggars Lane CWS A species-rich road verge. 1.9km NW Caldecott CWS A species-rich road verge. 2.1km SW Verge Yeldon Field CWS Grassland and hedgerows. 2.5km SW
Table 1: Table of nature conservation designations in the vicinity of the site.
3.2.2. Ancient Woodland. There are no areas of ancient woodland situated within or adjacent to the site. The nearest ancient woodland is Wimsells Wood, which is located approximately 4.7km south-east of the site.
JULY 2011/ ASPECT ECOLOGY 5 Fire Training Facility, Former RAF Base Chelveston 2529.EcoAs.vf1 Ecological Assessment
4. HABITATS & ECOLOGICAL FEATURES
4.1. The following habitats/ecological features were identified within/adjacent to the site:
• Buildings • Hard-standing / Recolonising Ground • Plantation Woodland / Scrub • Hedgerow • Pasture • Pond
4.2. The locations of these habitat types and features are represented on Plan 2529/ECO3 and described in detail below.
4.3. Buildings
4.3.1. The buildings are labelled B1 – B8, as shown on Plan 2529/ECO3, and are described below:
4.3.2. Buildings B1 – B4 are Nissan hut-style structures located in the north of the application site, and on the eastern edge of the off-site plantation woodland (see Photograph 1). Two of the structures (B2 and B4) appear to have been relatively recently refurbished/renovated, with new brickwork and doors located at the ends of the structures. The other two structures (B1 and B3) have fallen into disrepair, with cracked, damaged brickwork, missing doors and partially collapsing roofs.
4.3.3. Buildings B5 is located within the plantation woodland and is of the same design and construction as buildings B1-B4, although is in the same dilapidated state as buildings B1 and B3.
4.3.4. Buildings B6 – B8 are also Nissan hut-style structures of a similar design and construction to buildings B1-B5, but lie on the north-western edge of the off-site plantation woodland (see Photograph 2). All three buildings appear to be in a similar poor state of disrepair, with crumbling walls and to some extent collapsing roofs. These buildings appear to have been used previously for storage or as workshops.
4.4. Hard-standing / Recolonising Ground
4.4.1. Hard-standing dominates the south-western section of the site and also forms the concrete and tarmac tracks to the on-site and off-site buildings in and around the off-site woodland. The tracks remain relatively free from encroaching vegetation and have likely been recently cleared, albeit small areas of re-colonising hard-standing remain in places (see Plan 2529/ECO3). Species present in these areas include Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys, Cranesbill Geranium sp., Plantain Plantago sp., Chickweed Stellaria media, Willowherb Epilobium sp. and Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare. The on-site tracks are noted to connect within existing concrete farm tracks.
4.4.2. In contrast, a further section of hard-standing in the south-west of the site features earth mounds with grassland (see Photograph 3). The grassland
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has the same species composition as the nearby off-site pasture (see section 4.7), and also has a short-sward height.
4.4.3. Rubble and soil piles, measuring approximately 1m2 are present in the north of the site, adjacent to buildings B1 and B4.
4.5. Plantation Woodland / Scrub
4.5.1. An off-site plantation woodland partially bounds the site to the north and west. The woodland is relatively young plantation containing few semi- mature trees (see Photograph 4). The canopy is dominated by Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Oak Quercus sp. and Willow Salix sp., with Field Maple Acer campestre and Poplar Populus sp. present to a lesser extent. The understorey is limited to sparse occurrences of Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Dog-rose Rosa canina and Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., whilst the ground flora is relatively species-poor with Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum almost overshadowed by local patches of Willowherbs and tall ruderal vegetation composed of Common Nettle Urtica dioica, Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata and Docks Rumex sp..
4.5.2. A small area of Bramble and Hawthorn scrub is also present on site, located adjacent to the grass-covered earth mounds described in section 4.4.
4.6. Hedgerow
4.6.1. A hedgerow lies approximately 5m to the west of the site, demarcating a boundary between pasture and an arable field. The hedgerow is planted as a single row, dominated by Hawthorn and appears to be relatively gappy and unmanaged, and associated with which is a partly wet ditch largely encroached by Bramble scrub.
4.7. Pasture
4.7.1. Pasture lies adjacent to the eastern boundary of the application site (see Photograph 5). The pasture has a short-sward height and is grazed by sheep, although none were present within the field at the time of survey. The pasture has a species composition typical of this habitat type, comprising Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne, Cock’s-foot Dactylis sp., Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus, fine-leaved fescues Festucas spp., and occasional Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa. Occasional scrapes and other disturbed areas have become colonised by tall ruderal species dominated by Common Nettle.
4.8. Pond
4.8.1. A pond lies off-site, approximately 200m east of the application site (see Photograph 6). The pond is relatively large but generally forms a thin rectangular-shaped lagoon with steep-sided grassed banks situated adjacent to a farm track. The lagoon appears to be fed by a culvert located at its southern end but at the time of survey in March 2011 it contained very little water. Vegetation recorded within and around the pond includes abundant Greater Reedmace Typha latifolia with frequent Brooklime Veronica beccabunga and more occasional Water-plantain Alisma plantago- aquatica, and Water Mint Mentha aquatica.
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4.9. Invasive species
4.9.1. During the course of the survey work undertaken at the site, no evidence for the presence of any exotic invasive plant species was recorded. Species specifically searched for included those listed on Schedule 9 Part II of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, such as Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica and Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum. The survey work was undertaken in March when species, such as Japanese Knotweed may still be in their dormant phase, having died back to below ground level. However, Japanese Knotweed in particular is often evident during the winter by the presence of dead stems. None were recorded during the survey work undertaken and as such, it appears no extensive stands of Japanese Knotweed are present within the site.
4.9.2. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned a number of records of plant Species of Principal Importance within the local area (see Appendix 2), however more detailed information was not provided, and therefore the exact locations of the records in relation to the site cannot be determined. No evidence for the presence of any of these species within the site was recorded during the survey work undertaken.
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5. FAUNAL USE OF THE SITE
5.1. During the survey work, general observations were made of any faunal use of the site with specific attention paid to the potential presence of protected or notable species, and specific surveys were undertaken for Badger and bats.
5.2. Mammals
Bats
Roosts
5.2.1. Buildings. All five buildings (B1-B5) within the site, as well as the off-site structures (B6-B8) are constructed from prefabricated materials, with a corrugated sheet metal outer shell curved around an internal metal framework. These buildings appear to previously have been used for storage or as workshops.
5.2.2. Buildings B1, B3 and B5-B8 are in a dilapidated condition, with crumbling walls and concrete rendering creating potential roosting opportunities for crevice dwelling bats. Small gaps are also infrequently present between the prefabricated roofing materials and the brickwork. However, no evidence of use by bats in the form of droppings, staining or scratches, etc., was recorded during the detailed inspection of these features and the remaining external fabric of the building.
5.2.3. Air vents within the brickwork, as well as sections of crumbling brickwalls and sections of collapsing roofing materials provide potential access for bats into these buildings. However, no evidence to indicate use by bats was recorded from the internal inspection surveys of these buildings.
5.2.4. Two buildings (B2 and B4) appear to have been recently renovated, as the ends of these buildings are bricked up and fitted with new doors, such that they are well sealed. Any gaps associated with the external fabric of the building are superficial and are of an insufficient depth to support roosting bats. Air vent within the brickwork, have potential to provide access for bats into the structure, however no evidence of use by bats in the form of droppings, staining or scratches, etc., was recorded during the detailed inspection of these features and in-any-event, the building has been refurbished/renovated and are therefore likely to have received significant disturbance.
5.2.5. Trees. There are no trees within the site, although a dead tree (identified as T1 on Plan 2529/ECO3) located relatively centrally within the plantation woodland features woodpecker holes and cracks extending the length of the tree, that offer some potential for roosting bats. A second tree; a mature previously pollarded Ash; located off-site adjacent approximately 20m south-west of the site (see T2 on Plan 2529/ECO3) was also found to exhibit features that offer some limited potential for roosting bats, namely a large central cavity that may extend into some branches. Accordingly, under BCT guidelines, these trees are considered to have a moderate/low potential to support bat roosts, and therefore falls within Category 2b.
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5.2.6. Overall, it is therefore considered unlikely that any bat roosts will be adversely affected by the proposals.
Foraging / Commuting Features
5.2.7. The application site is comprised of buildings, hard-standing and intensively managed grassland; habitats which offer poor foraging potential for bats and likely are of little use as navigation aides for commuting bats. Greater foraging potential is afforded by the off-site woodland and hedgerows, which also connect with other navigational features and habitats of foraging value in the wider landscape. Indeed Common Pipistrelle (45kHz) was recorded at varying levels along the wooded belt which stretches between the plantation and the pond, during manual walked transect surveys and remote detector survey work undertaken in 2009 and 2010.
5.2.8. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned no records of bats within the site, but did return a single record of Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus within the same 10x10km grid square as the site, and records of an unspecified Long-eared bat species Plecotus sp., and an unspecified Pipistrelle species Pipistrellus sp. within the 10x10km grid square north of the site (see Appendix 2). However, more detailed information was not provided, and therefore the exact locations of the records in relation to the site cannot be determined.
Badger
5.2.9. No Badger setts were found within the site, nor were any latrines or dung pits recorded. However, there are several known Badger setts in the wider area and given that a small number of foraging scrapes were recorded in the off-site plantation, it is possible that Badgers may pass through the site on occasion.
5.2.10. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned no records of Badger within or adjacent to the site, and indeed, the nearest record of Badger to the site is located approximately 4km to the east of the site, and is dated from 1982 (see Appendix 2).
Other Mammals
5.2.11. No evidence of any other protected, rare or notable mammal species was recorded within the site.
5.2.12. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned no records of protected, rare or notable mammal species within or adjacent to the site, albeit there are several records of Brown Hare Lepus europaeus within the local area, and this species has been recorded during previous surveys in the locality of the site. However, this species is considered unlikely to utilise the site due to the intensive management of the grassland and the extent to which unsuitable habitats, namely hardstanding and buildings, dominate the site. Further records include Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus; the nearest of which is located approximately 2.1km north-east of the site; and Otter Lutra lutra; the nearest of which is located approximately 2.6km south-east of the site; along with Hedgehog, Red Squirrel and Water Vole, which were recorded within 10x10km grid squares adjacent to the site (see Appendix 2). However, further details were not
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provided for these records, and therefore their exact locations in relation to the site cannot be determined.
5.3. Amphibians
5.3.1. No aquatic habitats are present within the site, although a pond lies approximately 200m east of the application site. Previous survey work undertaken at the pond between 2007 and 2010 recorded a medium sized population of Great Crested Newts, which forms part of a metapopulation for the entire former RAF base (see summary of survey data at Appendix 3). The terrestrial habitats within the site are largely sub-optimal for Great Crested Newts, offering little, if any, value as a foraging resource. The rubble piles located adjacent to buildings B1 and B4 (see Photograph 7) have some, albeit very low, potential to act as refugia, which is further limited by the rubble piles’ recent construction evidenced by low patchy levels of vegetative growth, and the partial enclosure of the site by unsuitable habitat in the form of sheep grazed pasture.
5.3.2. No evidence of any other protected, rare or notable amphibian species was recorded within the site.
5.3.3. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned no records of protected, rare or notable amphibian species within 5km of the site. The nearest record returned for Great Crested Newt is located approximately 5.7km south-east of the site, and is dated 1973 (see Appendix 2).
5.4. Reptiles
5.4.1. The application site is dominated by buildings, hard-standing and intensively managed grassland, habitats and ecological features which do not provide favourable habitat for reptiles. The rubble piles, however, have some limited potential to provide shelter for common reptiles.
5.4.2. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned no reptile records within 5km of the site. Indeed no reptiles were recorded during the surveys of the airfield conducted in 2006.
5.5. Birds
5.5.1. Only Woodpigeon Columba palumbus was recorded within the site, one being perched within building B3 in the north of the site, whilst another was flushed from building B1. A number of common birds including Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, Robin Erithacus rubecula, Wren Troglodytes troglodytes, Blackbird Turdus merula, Great Tit Parus major, Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, Magpie Pica pica, Carrion Crow Corvus corone and Woodpigeon were recorded within the woodland. A Buzzard Buteo buteo was also observed flying the woodland.
5.5.2. Birds which have been recorded nesting within, or immediately adjacent to the site, during a breeding bird survey of the airfield in 2010 include Blackbird, Dunnock Prunella modularis and Chaffinch. Birds recorded nesting in the adjacent plantation and other surrounding habitats during the same survey include Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove Columba oenas, Dunnock and Blue Tit.
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5.5.3. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned records of several bird Species of Principal Importance within the local area, including the Schedule 1 species: Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (see Appendix 2). However, further details were not provided, and therefore the exact location of the records in relation to the site cannot be determined.
5.6. Invertebrates
5.6.1. The areas of grassland are expected to support a limited range of common invertebrate species. However, given the nature of the habitats present, it is unlikely that any protected, rare or notable invertebrate species inhabit the site.
5.6.2. Background Records. Data obtained from the NBN database returned records of a number of invertebrate Species of Principal Importance within the local area (see Appendix 2), however further details were not provided, and therefore the exact location of the records in relation to the site cannot be determined.
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6. ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION & ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSALS
6.1. Principles of Ecological Evaluation
6.1.1. The evaluation of ecological features and resources should be based on sound professional judgement whilst also drawing on the latest available industry guidance and research. The approach taken in this chapter is based on that described in ‘Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom’ published by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), 2006. In evaluating ecological features and resources the following key factors are taken into account:
Geographic Frame of Reference
6.1.2. The value of an ecological feature or resource is determined within a defined geographical context using the following frame of reference:
• International • National • Regional • County (or Metropolitan) • District (or Unitary Authority, City or Borough) • Local (or Parish) • At the Site level only
6.1.3. Within this frame of reference, certain sites may carry a statutory ecological designation, e.g. Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for internationally important sites or Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for sites of national importance.
6.1.4. Sites of more localised nature conservation importance do not receive statutory protection but may be designated by Local Planning Authorities or other bodies, e.g. Wildlife Trusts. Such non-statutory designations or “Local Sites”4 include County Wildlife Sites (CWSs) and Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCIs), for example.
Biodiversity Value
Habitats
6.1.5. In certain cases, the value of a habitat can be measured against known selection criteria, e.g. SAC selection criteria, “Guidelines for the selection of biological SSSIs” and the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. However, for the majority of commonly encountered sites, the most relevant habitat evaluation will be at a more localised level and based on relevant factors such as antiquity, size, species-diversity, potential, naturalness, rarity, fragility and typicalness (Ratcliffe, 1977). The ability to restore or re-create the habitat can also be an important consideration, for example in the case of ancient woodland.
6.1.6. Regard should also be given to habitats listed as priorities for conservation under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in accordance with Section 41
4 DEFRA (2006) “Local Sites – Guidance on their Identification, Selection and Management”
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of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006, so called “Habitats of Principal Importance”, as the likely effect of a development on such habitats is a potential material consideration within the planning process. Certain habitats may also be listed within more regionally or locally specific BAPs, albeit the listing of a particular habitat under a BAP does not in itself imply any specific level of importance.
Species
6.1.7. The assessment of the value of a species is based on factors including distribution, status, historical trends, population size and rarity. With respect to rarity, this can apply across the geographic frame of reference and particular regard is given to populations where the UK holds a large or significant proportion of the international population of a species.
6.1.8. For certain species groups, e.g. waterfowl, there are established criteria that can be used for defining nationally and internationally important populations.
6.1.9. Regard should also be given to species listed as priorities for conservation under the UK BAP in accordance with Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006, so called “Species of Principal Importance”. Certain species may also be listed within more regionally or locally specific BAPs, albeit as with habitats the listing of a particular species under a BAP does not in itself imply any specific level of importance.
Secondary or Supporting Value
6.1.10. Some habitats or features that are of no intrinsic biodiversity value may nonetheless perform an ecological function, e.g. as a buffer. In addition, certain features of the landscape which by virtue of their linear or continuous nature (e.g. rivers) or their function as “stepping stones” (e.g. small woods) may be of value for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species.
Other Value
6.1.11. Other tertiary factors may also be relevant in evaluating the value of a particular ecological receptor including social and economic factors.
6.2. The Five Point Approach
6.2.1. Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9)5 describes the Government’s national policies on the protection of biodiversity [and geological] conservation through the planning system. PPS9 emphasises the need for planning authorities to ensure that the potential effects of planning decisions on biodiversity conservation are fully considered. A five-point best practice approach6,7,8 to the assessment of such effects within the development control process is recommended:
5 ODPM (2005) “Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation” 6 Royal Town Planning Institute (1999) “Planning for Biodiversity – Good Practice Guide” 7 ODPM (2006) “Planning for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – A Guide to Good Practice” 8 PAS 2010 “Planning to Halt the Loss of Biodiversity, Biodiversity Conservation Standards for Planning in the United Kingdom – Code of Practice.”
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1. Information – gathering a sufficient evidence base on which to make sound planning decisions 2. Avoidance – adverse effects on habitats and species should be avoided where possible 3. Mitigation – where it is unavoidable, mitigation measures should be employed to minimise adverse effects 4. Compensation – where residual effects remain after mitigation it may be necessary to provide compensation to offset any harm 5. New benefits – many planning decisions present the opportunity to deliver enhancements for habitats or species
6.2.2. The assessment of ecological effects set out within this chapter are based on the above five-point approach, where appropriate.
6.3. Ecological Designations
6.3.1. Ecological designations within the vicinity of the site are described in section 3 of this report and are shown on Plan 2529/ECO2.
6.3.2. Statutory Designations. No statutory designations lie within or adjacent to the site. As stated in section 3.1 above, the nearest statutory designation is Yeldon Meadows SSSI whose nearest boundary is located approximately 2.1km south-west of the site.
6.3.3. Yeldon Meadows is well separated from the site by a number of fields and country lanes (see Plan 2529/ECO2), and is therefore unlikely to be adversely affected by the proposals.
6.3.4. Non-statutory Designations. No non-statutory designations lie within or adjacent to the site. As stated in section 3.2 above, the nearest non- statutory designation is Stanwick Pasture CWS located approximately 0.8km north-west of the site.
6.3.5. Stanwick Pasture and all other non-statutory designations are well separated from the site by arable fields and roads (see Plan 2529/ECO2), and are therefore unlikely to be adversely affected by the proposals.
6.4. Habitats and Ecological Features
6.4.1. Buildings and Hard-standing / Recolonising Ground. These habitats are considered to be of inherently low or negligible ecological value and therefore any losses of these habitats to the proposals are of negligible significance.
6.4.2. Grassland. The grassland which has established over the hard-standing is relatively small in size, species-poor and intensively managed and is therefore considered to be of low-negligible ecological value at the site level. The partial loss of this habitat under the proposals is considered to be of minor-negligible ecological significance.
6.4.3. Plantation Woodland / Scrub. Although the plantation/scrub is composed largely of native species, the planted nature of the woodland, as well as its young age, sparse understorey and species-poor ground flora limits its
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ecological value to be at most of low ecological value at the local level. Nonetheless, the woodland will be fully retained under the proposals and precautions, if necessary, will be taken to safeguard the trees during the construction works in accordance with arboricultural best practice BS 5837, where appropriate.
6.4.4. Hedgerow. A hedgerow composed of native species lies off-site but in close proximity to the western boundary of the application site. The hedgerow is considered to be of at least low ecological value at the local level but in any event will not be encroached upon by the proposals.
6.4.5. Pond. The pond is well separated from the application site and will not be encroached upon by the proposals. Due to the slope of the land there is some minor potential for the pond to be indirectly affected from any accidental pollution run-off during the construction works. Accordingly, the following safeguards will be adopted.
Construction safeguards
6.4.6. In order to minimise any adverse effects on the pond during the development of the application site, best management practice will be followed in accordance with the advice issued by the Environment Agency in its Pollution Prevention Guidelines or relevant updated documents. This will essentially reduce potential pollution effects to nil. This will include relevant safeguards such as:
• Storage areas for chemicals, fuels, etc. will be sited well away from the pond, and stored on an impervious base within an oil- tight bund with no drainage outlet;
• Where possible, and with prior agreement of the sewage undertaker, silty water should be disposed of to the foul sewer.
• Water washing of vehicles, particularly those carrying fresh concrete and cement, mixing plant, etc. will be carried out in a contained area as far from the pond as practical to avoid contaminated water entering the pond;
6.4.7. Refuelling of plant will take place in a designated area, preferably on an impermeable surface.
6.4.8. Pasture. The pasture is composed of species which are common and widespread in the local and national context, and is intensively managed through grazing and is therefore of low ecological value at the site level. The pasture will not be lost under the proposals, although there is potential that vehicles may track across the pasture during the construction phase of the development, potentially compacting soil and scraping the grass. This temporary disturbance to the grass is considered to be of negligible ecological significance, particularly as any disturbed grass areas are expected to re-establish rapidly post-construction.
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6.5. Faunal Species
Bats
6.5.1. Legislation. All British bats are classed as European Protected Species and therefore receive protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, making it an offence inter alia to:
• Deliberately kill, injure or capture a bat; • Deliberately disturb bats, including in particular any disturbance which is likely to impair their ability to survive, to reproduce or to rear or nurture their young, or their ability to hibernate or migrate, or which is likely to affect significantly their local distribution or abundance; • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat.
6.5.2. In addition, all British bats are also listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which contains further provisions making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:
• Damage or destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which any bat uses for shelter or protection; or • Disturb bats while occupying a structure or place that it uses for that purpose.
6.5.3. If proposed development work is likely to result in an offence a licence will need to be obtained from Natural England which would be subject to appropriate measures to safeguard bats.
6.5.4. There are 17 breeding bat species in Britain. Many of them are considered threatened due to a variety of factors including habitat loss and disturbance/damage to roosts. Of these 17 species, a number regularly use buildings and trees as roost sites.
6.5.5. Roosting - Buildings. The architectural design of the buildings B1-B8, are such that they do not provide unique opportunities for roosting bats and the buildings do not exhibit any special features commonly used by bats such as timbers with mortise joints, accessible loft voids or hanging tiles, for example. Based on the guidance set out within the Bat Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature, 2004) it is therefore considered that the above factors strongly indicates a decreased likelihood of bats being present within the building.
6.5.6. The suitability of buildings B1, B3 and B4-B8 for roosting bats is further reduced by the use of prefabricated materials within the construction of the buildings, and the dilapidated condition they are now in. These factors likely result in rapid and frequent variations in temperature and these buildings are therefore unlikely to provide the more stable microclimatic conditions typically favoured by roosting bats. Importantly, no evidence of the presence, or potential presence, of bats was recorded during the detailed external and internal inspection surveys of these buildings.
6.5.7. Buildings B2 and B4 are well sealed and due to the recent renovation/refurbishment are likely to have experienced significant disturbance. No evidence of the presence, or potential presence, of bats
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was recorded during the detailed external inspection survey of these buildings.
6.5.8. In summary, on balance it is considered that the buildings provide negligible roosting opportunities for bats and it is reasonably unlikely that any bat roosts are present.
6.5.9. Roosting - Trees. The majority of the trees within the woodland are young, and exhibit no features that could support roosting bats. These trees therefore fall within Category 3 according to the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines, and are considered to be of negligible potential for roosting bats. A single dead tree of unknown species (see T1 on Plan 2529/ECO3 for indicative location, and Photograph 8) exhibits features such as woodpecker holes and cracks within the trunk offering some potential for roosting bats. Accordingly, under BCT guidelines, this tree is considered to have a moderate/low potential to support roosting bats, and therefore falls within Category 2b. Nonetheless, T1 lies within the centre of the woodland, well back from the application site and any access tracks, and will therefore not be affected by the proposals.
6.5.10. A mature previously pollarded Ash; located off-site adjacent to the hedgerow mentioned in section 6.4.4. (see T2 on Plan 2529/ECO3 and Photograph 9) was also found to exhibit features that offer some limited potential for roosting bats, namely a large central cavity that may extend into some branches. Accordingly, this tree is considered to have a moderate/low potential to support bat roosts, and therefore falls within Category 2b.
6.5.11. Both these trees are located off-site, and no works are planned within the proposals that will directly affect them. Nevertheless, safeguards will be put in place (see section 6.5.13) to ensure any roosting potential is not indirectly affected. Overall, it is therefore considered unlikely that any bat roosts will be adversely affected by the proposals.
6.5.12. Foraging / Commuting. The habitats within the site afford limited foraging and commuting potential for bats. Greater foraging potential is afforded by the nearby off-site plantation woodland and hedgerow, close to which bats were recorded foraging and commuting during survey work undertaken in 2009 and 2010.
6.5.13. Action. Accordingly, to maintain any use of the off-site plantation, hedgerow and associated trees considered to exhibit features of potential interest to roosting bats, any new lighting scheme for the development will be sensitively designed so as to minimise night-time illumination of these habitats and features.
Amphibians
6.5.14. Although Great Crested Newts are regularly encountered throughout much of lowland England and Wales, the UK holds a large percentage of the world population of the species. As such, the UK has an international obligation to conserve the species and it receives full protection under domestic and European legislation. Specifically, Great Crested Newt is classified as a European Protected Species and therefore receives
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protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, making it an offence inter alia to:
• Deliberately kill, injure or capture a Great Crested Newt; • Deliberately disturb Great Crested Newts, including in particular any disturbance which is likely to impair their ability to survive, to reproduce or to hibernate, or migrate, or which is likely to affect significantly their local distribution or abundance; • Deliberately take or destroy the eggs of a Great Crested Newt; • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a Great Crested Newt.
6.5.15. In addition, Great Crested Newt is also listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which contains further provisions making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly:
• Damage or destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which any Great Crested Newt uses for shelter or protection; or • Disturb any Great Crested Newt while occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.
6.5.16. If proposed development work is likely to result in an offence a licence may need to be obtained from Natural England which would be subject to appropriate measures to safeguard Great Crested Newt.
6.5.17. Evaluation. As detailed in section 5.5 above, there are no aquatic habitats, and little in the way of terrestrial habitats suitable for Great Crested Newts located within the application site. The rubble piles are considered to have some very low potential to provide shelter for newts and other herpetofauna, however this is limited by the relatively recent construction of the rubble piles, their position on the edge of the maximum migratory range (250m) of the pond9, and partial obstruction from the pond via sub-optimal habitat (pasture), such that based on Natural England's risk assessment table within the Great Crested Newt licence application (WML-A14-2, see extract at 6.5.19 below), the development of the above site (0.5ha) is considered highly unlikely to result in an offence. On balance, it is therefore considered reasonably unlikely that any Great Crested Newts will be encountered during the proposed works.
6.5.18. Action. Based on the above assessment, in line with the guidance contained within Natural England’s Great Crested Newt licence application suitable reasonable avoidance measures will be undertaken as described below.
Reasonable Avoidance Measures
• Works will be undertaken between March and mid-June when Newts are most likely to be within waterbodies. • The dismantling of rubble piles by hand will be undertaken under the supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist.
9 English Nature Research Report Number 576, ‘An assessment of the efficiency of capture techniques and the value of different habitats for the Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus’.
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• In the highly unlikely event that Great Crested Newts are encountered during the works, relevant works will stop immediately and advice sought from Natural England. If deemed necessary by Natural England, works will only proceed following the grant of a licence.
6.5.19. Extract taken from Natural England’s Great Crested Newt licence application form:
Reptiles
6.5.20. All 6 species of British reptile are listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). However, a higher level of protection is afforded to Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis and Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca than to Adder Vipera berus, Grass Snake Natrix natrix, Slow- worm Anguis fragilis and Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara.
6.5.21. For all British reptile species, Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) contains provisions making it an offence to intentionally:
• Kill or injure; or to • Sell, offer for sale or trade any British reptile.
6.5.22. Because Slow-worm, Common Lizard, Grass Snake and Adder are relatively widespread British species, their habitat is not directly protected. Nevertheless, because of their partial protection, disturbing or destroying their habitat whilst they are present may lead to an offence.
6.5.23. Evaluation. As detailed in section 5.6 above, there is little, if any, in the way of suitable reptile habitat within the application site. As such, it is considered
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that there is negligible potential for reptiles within the site. However, the rubble piles located adjacent to buildings B1 and B4 are considered to have some very limited potential to provide shelter for common reptiles.
6.5.24. Action. Accordingly, during the careful dismantling of these rubble piles carried out for Great Crested Newt (see section 6.5.18), a watching brief will also be maintained for common reptile species. Any reptiles found will be carefully moved to suitable habitat outside the site.
Birds
6.5.25. Legislation. Section 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is concerned with the protection of wild birds. With certain exceptions, all wild birds are protected such that is an offence to intentionally:
• Kill, injure or take any wild bird; • Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst in use* or being built; • Take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.
∗ The nests of birds that re-use their nests as listed under Schedule ZA1, e.g. Golden Eagle, are protected against taking, damage or destruction irrespective of whether they are in use or not.
6.5.26. Species listed under Schedule 1 of the Act receive greater protection such that they are also protected against intentional or reckless disturbance whilst building a nest or whilst they are in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young. The dependent young of Schedule 1 birds are also protected against intentional or reckless disturbance. Offences in respect of Schedule 1 species are subject to special, i.e. greater, penalties.
6.5.27. Conservation Status. The RSPB categorise British bird species in terms of conservation importance based on a number of criteria including the level of threat to a species’ population status 10. Species are listed as Green, Amber or Red. Red Listed species are considered to be of the highest conservation concern being either globally threatened and or experiencing a high/rapid level of population decline ($50% over the past 25 years).
6.5.28. Only a single bird species, namely Wood Pigeon, was recorded within the site during the most recent survey. During previous survey work at the site Blackbird, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Stock Dove Columba oenas, Dunnock and Blue Tit were also recorded nesting at the site, or within habitat immediately adjacent to the site. None of these bird species are found on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) or the RSPB’s Red List.
6.5.29. Breeding. The habitats present on site are dominated by buildings, hardsurfacing and intensively managed semi-natural habitats which do not generally offer suitable breeding opportunities for any of the birds, which were observed within the site and adjacent habitats. Although Skylark and Lapwing are known to nest elsewhere in the airfield, no ground nesting birds have been recorded at the application site.
10 RSPB “The population status of birds in the UK - Birds of Conservation Concern: 2009”
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6.5.30. Overall, in consideration of the small proportion of the site which is available to foraging / nesting birds, the site is not considered to be of significant ornithological value. However, in consideration that Wood Pigeon were seen within buildings B1 and B3, in order to avoid a potential offence, the renovation and refurbishment of these buildings will be undertaken outside of the nesting season (i.e. outside March – August inclusive). Should this not be possible, a nesting bird survey of buildings B1 and B3 will be conducted by a suitably qualified ecologist, and should any active nests be recorded these will be protected until the birds have fledged or the nests are no longer in use.
6.5.31. Foraging. In consideration that the site is dominated by buildings and hard- standing and due to the intensively managed nature of the site, the habitats present at the site afford limited foraging potential for birds and as such the site does not represent a significant foraging resource. Greater foraging potential is afforded by the off-site woodland, hedgerows and nearby arable fields that surround the site.
6.5.32. Importantly, no evidence for the presence of rare or notable birds was recorded during the survey work undertaken or returned from the desktop study for the site.
Summary
6.5.33. Overall, no evidence of any Species of Principal Importance was recorded during the survey of the site. Therefore there is no reason to suggest that any effect to any Species of Principal Importance would arise from the development.
6.6. Further considerations on general ecology of the site and immediately surrounding land.
6.6.1. Air Quality. GF Environmental Limited have produced a report entitled `An Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling of Emissions from the Proposed Live Fire Training Centre at Chelveston Airfield`, dated May 2011, which assesses the potential impact of the proposed development of the site on air quality. The modelling incorporates the results of a sensitive analysis from an earlier study to determine which model parameters would produce the most realistic set of predictions and worst-case predictions. The overall conclusion from the detailed air quality assessment is “that the operation of the proposed Live Fire Training Centre on MOD land at Chelveston is likely to have an insignificant impact on air quality in the vicinity of the site”. In addition, the report states that the hourly average NO2 Process Contribution from the Fire Training Centre units is small in comparison to the [granted] Renewable Energy Park. Therefore, any impact on ecology from a change in air quality is considered reasonably unlikely to be significant.
6.6.2. Human Disturbance and Littering. In consideration that there are no sensitive ecological receptors within or immediately adjacent to the site, any increase in the level of disturbance is considered unlikely to cause a significant adverse effect on ecology. In regards to littering, measures have been taken to prevent littering by incorporating a dedicated enclosed eating area within the proposals.
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6.6.3. Lighting. There are no sensitive features supporting protected species that would be disturbed by any work taking place outside daylight hours. Nonetheless should the LPA seek additional assurance on this issue, an appropriate condition could be placed on any planning consent.
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7. POLICY REVIEW
7.1. The planning policy framework that relates to nature conservation issues in the district of East Northamptonshire is issued at three main administrative levels – Nationally through Planning Policy Statement 9, at the Regional level through the East Midlands Regional Plan and at the Local level through the East Northamptonshire District Local Plan (adopted 1996). Any proposed development will be judged in relation to the policies contained in these planning documents.
7.2. National Policy
Planning Policy Statement 9
7.2.1. Guidance on National Policy for biodiversity and geological conservation is provided by the Department of the Environment Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9), published in August 2005. PPS9 confirms the Government's commitment to the protection of biodiversity and geological conservation through the planning system.
7.2.2. PPS9 requires Local Authorities to fully consider the effect of planning decisions on biodiversity and geological conservation, and ensure that appropriate weight is attached to statutory nature conservation designations, protected species and biodiversity and geological interests within the wider environment.
7.2.3. It also considers the potential biodiversity and geological conservation gains which can be secured within developments, including the use of planning obligations.
7.2.4. National Policy therefore implicitly recognises the importance of biodiversity and that with sensitive planning and design, development and conservation of the natural heritage can co-exist and benefits can, in certain circumstances, be obtained.
7.3. Regional Policy
East Midlands Regional Plan
7.3.1. The current document in use for planning control purposes in the district of East Northamptonshire is the East Midlands Regional Plan, which was issued in March 2009, at which time it replaced the previous 2005 Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).
7.3.2. The Regional Plan contains 1 policy that relates to nature conservation.
7.3.3. Policy 29 is concerned with ensuring the East Midlands region contributes toward objectives set out in the UKBAP, through creation of new habitats or enhancement of existing habitats in areas identified as being key wildlife habitats within the region. In addition, the policy aims to implement mechanisms to ensure that development does not have an adverse impact on BAP habitats and species and that an overall net gain of these species and habitats is achieved.
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7.4. Local Policy
East Northamptonshire District Local Plan
7.4.1. The site lies entirely within the district of East Northamptonshire. The document in use for planning control purposes within East Northamptonshire is the East Northamptonshire District Local Plan (adopted 1996)
7.4.2. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 sets out that Local Planning Policy in England should take the form of Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) to replace previous Local Plans. However, given the emerging nature of LDFs, the Act decreed that existing Local Plans would remain in force until 28 September 2007 (three years from the commencement of The Act). This period has now ended, however the LDF for East Northamptonshire will not be adopted for some time.
7.4.3. Accordingly, under powers granted by the act, the Secretary of State has ‘saved’ a number of policies from the existing adopted East Northamptonshire District Local Plan, while the remaining policies within the Local Plan are no longer in force. Any development proposals will be judged against these policies until such time as the LDF is adopted.
7.4.4. Two policies relating to nature conservation (EN8 and EN9) have been ‘saved’ from the East Northamptonshire District Local Plan.
7.4.5. Policy EN8 is concerned with the protection of statutory designated or proposed sites of interest to nature conservation, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR) or Local Nature Reserves (LNR). Development that may directly or indirectly adversely affect these sites will not be permitted unless effective and appropriate mitigation measures are put in place.
7.4.6. Policy EN9 is concerned with the protection of non-statutory locally designated sites of interest to nature conservation including County Wildlife Sites, ‘Nature Conservation Zones’ and ‘River Reaches of Nature Conservation Importance’. Development that may adversely affect these sites will not be permitted unless it can be ensured that the special interest of the area is protected.
7.5. Policy Discussion
Ecological Designations
7.5.1. The site itself is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designation. As set out previously in section 6.3 no ecological designations will be adversely affected by the proposed development.
7.5.2. Therefore the proposals accord with relevant provisions of national policy and policy 29 of the East Midlands Regional Plan, and policies EN8 and EN9 of the East Northamptonshire District Local Plan.
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Habitats
7.5.3. As previously described in section 6.4 above, no habitats of significant ecological interest will be adversely affected by the proposals, which therefore accords with relevant provisions of national policy and regional policies.
Protected Species
7.5.4. No evidence of protected species was recorded at the site during the survey, although it is possible, albeit highly unlikely, that Great Crested Newts and common reptiles may be encountered during the dismantling of the on-site rubble/soil piles. It is also expected that common birds utilise the woodland, trees and hedgerow directly adjacent to the site whilst nesting. However, the implementation of measures, as set out in this report, is expected to safeguard these species (groups) under the proposals.
7.5.5. The proposals therefore accord with relevant provisions of national policy and regional policy 29.
7.6. Policy Conclusion
7.6.1. It is considered that, following the recommendations set out in this report, the proposed development would fully accord with the relevant provisions of policies relating to nature conservation at the national, regional and local levels.
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8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
8.1. Aspect Ecology was commissioned in March 2011 by Northamptonshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service to undertake an ecological assessment in respect of land in the north-western corner of the former RAF Base Chelveston.
8.2. The site was surveyed in March 2011 based around extended Phase 1 methodology as recommended by Natural England. In addition, a general appraisal of faunal species was undertaken to record the potential presence of any protected, rare or notable species, with specific surveys conducted in respect of bats and Badger.
8.3. Ecological Designations. The site itself is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designation. The nearest statutory designation to the site is Yeldon Meadows SSSI located approximately 2.1km south-west of the site. The nearest non-statutory designation is Stanwick Pasture CWS located approximately 0.8km north-west of the site. These and other ecological designations are well separated from the site by a network of agricultural fields and roads, and will not therefore be adversely affected by the proposals.
8.4. Habitats. The site is dominated by buildings, hard-standing and intensively managed grassland, which are considered to be of low to negligible ecological value at the site/local level, and their partial loss under the proposals is considered to be of minor – negligible ecological significance. Nearby adjacent habitats, such as the plantation woodland, hedgerow and individual trees, are considered to be of greater ecological value than those within the site and will be fully retained under the proposals. In addition, measures will be employed during construction to safeguard these habitats/ecological features.
8.5. Protected Species. No evidence of the actual presence of any protected species was recorded at the site during the survey. The rubble piles within the site are considered to be of some potential, albeit very low, for Great Crested Newts and common reptiles. Accordingly, as a precaution the rubble piles will be carefully dismantled, by hand, under the supervision of a suitably qualified ecologist, at a suitable time of year (March to mid-June).
8.6. Common birds may use the open buildings at the site for nesting, and as all wild birds receive protection whilst nesting, in order to avoid a potential offence any clearance of nesting habitat or renovation/refurbishment of the buildings will be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season (i.e. outside March to August inclusive) or if within the nesting season only after the negative result of bird nesting survey.
8.7. Conclusion. In conclusion, based on the evidence obtained from detailed ecological survey work and with the implementation of the recommendations set out in this report, there is no reason to suggest that any ecological designations, habitats of nature conservation interest or any protected species will be significantly harmed by the proposals.
JULY 2011/ ASPECT ECOLOGY 27 PLANS PLAN 2529/ECO1
Site Location
PLAN 2529/ECO2
Ecological Designations
PLAN 2529/ECO3
Habitats & Ecological Features
PHOTOGRAPHS
ECO2529 - FIRE TRAINING FACILITY, FORMER CHELVESTON RAF BASE
PHOTOGRAPH 1: Buildings B1 - B4 PHOTOGRAPH 2: Building B8 (example structure of buildings B5 - B8)
PHOTOGRAPH 3: Grass-covered hard-standing PHOTOGRAPH 4: Off-site planted woodland ECO2529 - FIRE TRAINING FACILITY, FORMER CHELVESTON RAF BASE
PHOTOGRAPH 5:Off-site pasture field PHOTOGRAPH 6: Off-site pond
PHOTOGRAPH 7:Rubble piles adjacent to building B1 PHOTOGRAPH 8:Dead tree T1 ECO2529 - FIRE TRAINING FACILITY, FORMER CHELVESTON RAF BASE
PHOTOGRAPH 9:Mature pollarded Ash tree T2 APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Information obtained from Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) and Nature on the Map (Natural England) online databases.
ECO2529 Designated Sites Site Check Report Report generated on April 8 2011.
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© Crown Copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021. © Crown copyright. Licence number 100022432. © Natural England 2007. This page was produced from the Nature on the Map website at 08/04/2011 11:36:45 ECO2529 - internationa
© Crown Copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021. © Crown copyright. Licence number 100022432. © Natural England 2007. This page was produced from the Nature on the Map website at 08/04/2011 11:35:36 ECO2529 - stat
© Crown Copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021. © Crown copyright. Licence number 100022432. © Natural England 2007. This page was produced from the Nature on the Map website at 08/04/2011 11:34:12 APPENDIX 2
Information obtained from the National Biodiversity Network database
Chelveston, Northamptonshire Information Obtained from the National Biodiversity Network Database
Search Area: OS grid-squares SP97, TL07, SP96 and TL06 Date of Search: April 2011
Aspect Ecology ECO2509.NBN.xl Mammals
Bats
Brown Long-eared Plecotus aunitus
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Little Addington SP9573 1987 Thrapston SP97 1972 Irchester SP9065 1984 Rushden SP9665 1987 Riseley Church TL0363 1987 Risely TL039630 19/10/1987 Titchmarsh TL0478 1986
Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu stricto
Site name Gridref Date Recorded No site name available TL06 08/06/2000 No site name available TL06 09/06/2003 No site name available TL06 16/06/2003
Daubentons Myotis daubentonii
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Rushden SP9367 16/10/1988
Long-eared bat species Plecotus sp.
Site name Gridref Date Recorded No site name available SP9871 1984 Thrapston SP9978 1986 No site name available SP998727 09/06/1986 No site name available SP9978 26/07/1985 No site name available SP9074 03/04/1985 Irchester SP9366 June, 1965 Bythorn Church TL07 28/03/1990 Titchmarsh TL0279 1987
Natterers Myotis nattereri
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Great Addington Manor House SP9575 1987 Site name protected SP9575 25/09/1987 Irchester SP96 Between 1950 and 1994
Noctule Nyctalus noctula
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Irchester SP96 1965 Rushden,nr SP9365 1980 Irchester SP9366 1988
Pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp.
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Stanwick SP97 1982 Thrapston SP97 1982 Raunds SP97 1982 No site name available SP9973 1983 Thrapston SP9978 1987 Denford SP9976 1987 No site name available SP9972 30/05/1983 Islip SP9879 1990 Thrapston SP9978 1988 No site name available SP9973 31/01/1985 Cranford SP9277 1980 Cranford SP97 1982 Burton Latimer SP9075 1986 Raunds SP9972 Recorded before 1982 Rushden SP9567 1988 Irchester SP9265 1988 Rushden SP9567 1988 Higham Ferrers - Ditchford SP96 1979 No site name available SP9666 1983 No site name available SP9466 1984 Rushden SP9566 1987 Higham Ferrers SP9567 1987 No site name available SP9466 24/07/1985 No site name available SP9669 08/06/1985 No site name available SP9567 01/09/1985 Irchester SP9265 1990 Irthlingborough SP9369 1980 Rushden SP9666 1987 Rushden SP9566 1981 Wellingborough SP9067 1981 Rushden SP975641 20/07/1988 Keysoe TL06 1972 Hargrave TL0371 1981 Hargrave TL07 1982
Other Mammals Badger Meles meles
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Burton Latimer SP97 1981 No site name available SP97 1980 No site name available SP97 1983 Irthlingborough SP9571 1966 No site name available SP97 Recorded before 1970 Irchester SP9063 1966 Ditchford SP96 1981 No site name available SP96 Recorded before 1970 Woolaston SP9062 1966 Swineshead,S of TL0564 1979 Keysoe TL0662 1977 Swineshead TL0664 1977 Tilbrook,nr TL0569 01/03/1982 Titchmarsh TL0279 July, 1976 Titchmarsh TL0578 July, 1976 Brown Hare Lepus europaeus
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Mallows Cotton SP97 1981 No site name available SP97 1984 Islip SP97 1982 Twywell SP97 1981 Finedon SP9371 1966 Burton Latimer SP97 1981 No site name available SP96 1981 Rushden SP9466 1966 Higham Ferrers SP96 1981 Irchester SP96 1979 Souldrop,W of SP96 July, 1966 Higham Ferrers SP96 1982 Wollaston SP96 1982 Sharnbrook SP9860 1977 No site name available SP96 1980 Kimbolton TL0968 1971 No site name available TL06 1971 No site name available TL0169 1981 Keysoe TL06 1973 Kimbolton TL06 1972 South Hargrave TL06 1982 Brington TL07 1969 No site name available TL07 1983 Brington TL07 1971 Brington TL0875 1970 No site name available TL07 1984 Brington TL0875 1972 No site name available TL07 1974 No site name available TL07 1973
Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Riseley TL06 1973 Brington TL0876 1968 Hargrave TL0370 1978
Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Cranford Wood SP9379 1976 Cranford Wood SP937794 1976
Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Site name Gridref Date Recorded No site name available SP9675 1984 No site name available SP97 1982 No site name available SP97 1980 Mallows Cotton SP97 1981 No site name available SP97 1983 No site name available SP9673 1984 Irthingborough SP97 1981 Finedon SP9272 1966 Turywell SP97 1981 No site name available SP96 1982 Podington SP9462 1965 Irchester SP96 1981 Irchester SP9065 02/07/1965 Rushden SP9567 1966 No site name available SP96 1983 No site name available SP96 1980
Irchester SP96 1979 No site name available TL06 1971 No site name available TL07 1982 Hargrave TL07 1981 Brington TL0875 1969 Brington TL0876 1971 Old Weston TL07 1972 Brington TL0875 1970 Brington TL0875 1972 Brington TL07 02/05/1978 No site name available TL07 1973
Otter Lutra lutra
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Raunds area SP97 1978 Pertenhall River Kym Trib TL093646 13/10/2001 Shelton River Til TL035687 19/10/2001 Tilbrook River Kym TL082694 19/10/2001 Risley River Kym Trib TL054642 19/10/2001
Polecat Mustela putorius
Site name Gridref Date Recorded No site name available SP996616 16/09/1994
Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris
Site name Gridref Date Recorded No site name available SP96 1959
Water Vole Arvicola amphibius
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Islip SP9979 1966 Islip Mill SP9979 1966 Mallows Cotton SP97 1981 No site name available SP97 1980 Twywell SP97 1982 Ditchford SP9368 1959 Rushden SP96 1966 Higham Ferrars SP96 1979 No site name available SP96 1980 Risely TL0564 1971 Catworth TL0875 1972 Brington TL0875 1970 No site name available TL07 1980 Brington TL0875 1969 Reptiles Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Sharnbrook SP96 23/07/1980 Hinwick,Bedford SP936616 14/05/1977 Sharnbrook Summit SP9662 30/06/1973 Hinwick SP936616 14/05/1977 Hinwick SP936616 14/05/1977 SHARNBROOK SUMMIT & RAILWAY CUTTING SP9662 30/06/1973 WYNINGTON PARISH SP963641 05/07/1986 SHARNBROOK SUMMIT & RAILWAY CUTTING SP96 23/07/1980 COLWORTH HOUSE SP96 13/06/1981 WELLINGBOROUGH SP9068 1990 SHIRLEY ROAD, RUSHDEN NORTHANTS SP9566 May, 1989 Hinwick SP936616 14/05/1977 SHIRLEY ROAD, RUSHDEN NORTHANTS SP9566 August, 1989 SHIRLEY ROAD, RUSHDEN NORTHANTS SP9566 June, 1988 SHIRLEY ROAD, RUSHDEN NORTHANTS SP9566 July, 1989 SHARNBROOK SUMMIT & RAILWAY CUTTING SP968623 1978 RUSHDEN SP9567 1990 Hinwick SP936616 14/05/1977
Grass Snake Natrix natrix
Site name Gridref Date Recorded
BURTON LATIMER SP9074 1990 CRANFORD SP9276 1990 GRANFORD ST JOHN SP9376 1990 Harwick SP9361 Recorded before 1950 Knotting,West Wood SP9862 April, 1977 BOZEAT SP9060 1990 WEST WOOD, KNOTTING SP9862 April, 1977 WEST WOOD SP96 23/04/1977 SOULDROP SP987615 1986 PODINGTON SP932637 05/07/1986 Kimbolton TL06 1952 Kimbolton TL0967 Between 1833 and 1959 Riseley TL046633 13/07/1984 MELCHBOURNE PARK TL06 June, 1985
Amphibians Common Toad Bufo bufo
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Sharnbrook SP980602 21/07/1977 Hinwick,nr SP928606 11/05/1979 Hinwick SP96 22/07/1978 Sharnbrook,Colworth House SP980602 21/07/1977 Kimbolton TL06 1953 Kimbolton TL06 1955 Kimbolton TL06 1952 Kimbolton TL0967 1960
Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus
Site name Gridref Date Recorded Wymington Village Pond SP954645 1979 Irchester Park SP915660 1985 Wymington SP954645 1979 Wymington SP954645 1979 Wymington SP954645 1979 IRCHESTER PK SP915660 1985 Swineshead-Melchbourne Road TL053658 26/05/1973 Swineshead TL054659 1978 Kimbolton TL095679 1971 Swineshead,nr TL053658 26/05/1973 Kimbolton TL0967 1960 Melchbourne-Swineshead TL053652 26/05/1973 Swineshead TL054659 1978 KIMBOLTON VICARAGE TL098678 Recorded before 1995 RISELEY TL038628 1990 KIMBOLTON VICARAGE TL098678 1971 SWINESHEAD MELCHBOURNE RD TL053658 1973 Swineshead TL054659 1978 Kimbolton TL095679 1971
Birds
The following Species of Principal Importance have a distribution in the SP97, TL07, SP96 and TL06 10x10km grid squares:
Common Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) Common Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia) Common Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) Hedge Accentor (Prunella modularis) Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis cabaret) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) Sky Lark (Alauda arvensis) Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Willow Tit (Poecile montanus) Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) Invertebrates
The following Species of Principal Importance have a distribution in the SP97, TL07, SP96 and TL06 10x10km grid squares:
Butterflies: Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae) Small Blue (Cupido minimus) Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) Wall (Lasiommata megera) White Admiral (Limenitis camilla) White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album) Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)
Moths: August Thorn (Ennomos quercinaria) Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) Blood-vein (Timandra comae) Bordered Gothic (Heliophobus reticulata) Brindled Beauty (Lycia hirtaria) Broom Moth (Melanchra pisi) Brown-spot Pinion (Agrochola litura) Buff Ermine (Spilosoma luteum) Centre-barred Sallow (Atethmia centrago) Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae) Crescent (Celaena leucostigma) Dark Brocade (Blepharita adusta) Dark Spinach (Pelurga comitata) Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata) Deep-brown Dart (Aporophyla lutulenta) Dot Moth (Melanchra persicariae) Double Dart (Graphiphora augur) Dusky Brocade (Apamea remissa) Dusky Thorn (Ennomos fuscantaria) Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago) Ear Moth (Amphipoea oculea) Feathered Gothic (Tholera decimalis) Figure of Eight (Diloba caeruleocephala) Flounced Chestnut (Agrochola helvola) Four-spotted (Tyta luctuosa) Garden Dart (Euxoa nigricans) Garden Tiger (Arctia caja) Ghost Moth (Hepialus humuli) Goat Moth (Cossus cossus) Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) Grey Dagger (Acronicta psi) Hedge Rustic (Tholera cespitis) Knot Grass (Acronicta rumicis) Lackey (Malacosoma neustria) Large Nutmeg (Apamea anceps) Latticed Heath (Chiasmia clathrata) Liquorice Piercer (Grapholita pallifrontana) Minor Shoulder-knot (Brachylomia viminalis) Mottled Rustic (Caradrina morpheus) Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis) Oak Hook-tip (Watsonalla binaria) Oak Lutestring (Cymatophorima diluta) Pale Eggar (Trichiura crataegi) Pale Shining Brown (Polia bombycina) Powdered Quaker (Orthosia gracilis) Pretty Chalk Carpet (Melanthia procellata) Rosy Minor (Mesoligia literosa) Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea) Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) September Thorn (Ennomos erosaria) Shaded Broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata) Shoulder-striped Wainscot (Mythimna comma) Small Emerald (Hemistola chrysoprasaria) Small Phoenix (Ecliptopera silaceata) Small Square-spot (Diarsia rubi) Spinach (Eulithis mellinata) Sprawler (Asteroscopus sphinx) Streak (Chesias legatella) White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda) White-spotted Pinion (Cosmia diffinis)
Other invertebrates: Round-mouthed Whorl Snail (Vertigo (Vertigo) genesii) Large Garden Bumble Bee (Bombus (Megabombus) ruderatus) Necklace Ground Beetle (Carabus (Morphocarabus) monilis) Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius)
Plants The following Species of Principal Importance have a distribution in the SP97, TL07, SP96 and TL06 10x10km grid squares:
Flowering plants: Annual Knawel (Scleranthus annuus) Basil Thyme (Clinopodium acinos) Broad-fruited Cornsalad (Valerianella rimosa) Corn Buttercup (Ranunculus arvensis) Corn Cleavers (Galium tricornutum) Crested Cow-wheat (Melampyrum cristatum) Darnel (Lolium temulentum) Fine-leaved Sandwort (Minuartia hybrida) Grape-hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) Grass-wrack Pondweed (Potamogeton compressus) Pheasant's-eye (Adonis annua) Red Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis angustifolia) Shepherd's-needle (Scandix pecten-veneris) Spreading Hedge-parsley (Torilis arvensis) Tubular Water-dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa) White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium)
Non-flowering plants/fungi: Violet Crowncup (Sarcosphaera coronaria) Holly-fern (Polystichum lonchitis) Orange-fruited Elm-lichen (Caloplaca luteoalba)
APPENDIX 3
Summary Tables of Great Crested Newt Surveys
Survey Great Crested Month Weather Pond Smooth Newt Palmate Newt Visit Newt Site Site Site 1 Mid April 2007 Fine Total Total Total 1 39 12 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 4 0 0 0 5 3 1 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 45 0 15 0 0 Early May 2 Warm 2007 1 17 14 0 2 0 0 0 3 6 5 0 4 0 0 0 5 14 9 0 6 2 1 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 39 0 29 0 0 Early May Cool, light 3 2007 rain 1 16 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 7 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 23 6 0 6 2 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 48 0 8 0 0 Early June 4 Warm 2007 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 3 3 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 3 0 4 0 0
5 Mid June 2007 Warm
1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 4 0 0 0 0
6 Mid June 2007 Warm
1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 2 0 0
Survey Date Weather Pond Great Crested Newt Smooth Newt Palmate Newt Visit 1 4th/5th May Warm, Light Rain Site Total Site Total Site Total P1100 P2000 P3 24 26 0 P4000 P5 6 18 0 P6110 P7000 P8 0 32 0 45 0 0 2 11th/12th May Fine P1100 P2000 P3 2 11 0 P4000 P5560 P6000 P7000 P8 0 8 0 17 0 0 3 19th/20th May Fine, Light Rain P1000 P2000 P3 19 23 0 P4000 P5790 P6000 P7000 P8 0 26 0 32 0 0 4 6th/7th June Fine P1100 P2000 P3220 P4000 P5470 P6000 P7000 P8070900 5 13th/14th June Warm P1000 P2000 P3020 P4000 P5260 P6000 P7000 P8020800 6 17th/18th June Warm P1000 P2000 P3020 P4000 P5140 P6000 P7000 P8010600