Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
Beech Lawn Nursing Home, Liskeard
January 2021
Prepared for: Beech Lawn Nursing Home, Liskeard (Agent: Simon Francis, Lignum Designs)
Authors: Jen Paget and Nic Harrison-White Date: 11th February 2021 Approved: Stephen Lees Date: 11th February 2021 Project No: J000186
Page 1 of 29 White Cottage, Higher Metherell, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8DB 01752 545710 [email protected] www.landandheritage.com Registered Company 1090489
Contents 1. Executive Summary ...... 4 2. Introduction & Scope ...... 4 3. Methodology ...... 5 4. Site ...... 6 4.1. Location ...... 6 4.2. Description ...... 6 4.3. Site Plan...... 6 5. Designations & Records (Desk top Survey) ...... 7 5.1. Statutory Designations ...... 7 5.2. Non-statutory Designations ...... 9 5.3. Biological Records ...... 10 6. Site Ecology ...... 10 6.1. Summary ...... 10 6.2. Phase 1 Habitat Map ...... 11 6.3. Habitats and JNCC Codes ...... 12 6.3.1. Paved area (J5) ...... 12 6.3.2. Buildings (J3.6) ...... 12 6.3.3. Wall (J2.5) ...... 17 6.3.4. Species Recorded ...... 19 6.3.5. Target Notes ...... 19 6.4. Protected & Notable Species ...... 19 6.4.1. Reptiles and Amphibians...... 20 6.4.2. Nesting Birds ...... 20 6.4.3. Bats ...... 20 6.4.5. Eurasian Otters ...... 20 6.4.6. Hazel Dormouse ...... 20 6.4.7. Notable Species (not protected) ...... 21 7. Proposed Development & Potential Impacts ...... 21 7.1. Proposed development ...... 21 7.2. Potential Impacts ...... 22 8. Mitigation ...... 23 9. Ecological Enhancement ...... 24 10. Further Surveys/Studies ...... 26
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11. Appendix ...... 26 11.1. Protected species legal information ...... 26 11.2. Tree Protection ...... 27 11.3. Standard Methodology (PEA)...... 27 11.4. Limitations ...... 28
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1. Executive Summary
The proposals are to add a second storey to an existing accommodation block on the east of the site.
The following losses will result from the proposed development:
• The loss of less than 40 square metres of paved area (car park)
To mitigate and enhance the site there will be the following gains:
• 2 permanent bat boxes • 3 permanent bird boxes (one specific Swift box, one specific House Sparrow terrace) • 1 permanent bee panel / post • 2 additional trees (see BS5837)
Our overall conclusion is that these recommendations will enable the ecology to be protected and will enhance the biodiversity of the site.
2. Introduction & Scope
This report has been commissioned by Simon Francis of Lignum Designs Ltd for Beech Lawn Nursing Home, Liskeard. The land was surveyed in relation to plans to extend, and to add a second storey to the existing accommodation block on the east of the site (figure 3). Particular attention was paid to the building’s suitability for bat roosts.
The objectives of the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal are to ascertain the habitat types and key ecological issues relating to development proposals and to advise on ecological mitigation and enhancement measures. This includes identifying potential impacts upon designated species and habitats and determining whether there is a need for more detailed surveys of notable plant and animal species.
Sufficient ecological information is required to fully inform the site design of any proposed works. This report identifies the ecological constraints at the site and makes recommendations for further ecological surveys. Likely ecological impacts have been outlined and recommendations made for typical mitigation measures.
A separate BS5837 Arboricultural survey report in relation to demolition, design and construction has been commissioned. The purpose of this is to consider the tree constraints, provide comments on the design proposal, and to provide an impact assessment with recommendations. The BS5837 report is suitable for a full planning application.
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3. Methodology
Any proposed development at Beech Lawn Nursing Home must satisfy current UK and European legal wildlife requirements, as well as national and local planning regulations. All public bodies have statutory obligations under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
Sufficient ecological information is required to fully inform the site design and the proposed works. The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal follows BS42020:2013 Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development, and comprises the following elements:
• Desktop study of available site information; • Phase 1 Habitat survey of the site; • Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed scheme; • Appraisal of the requirements for further survey work; • Appraisal of the requirements for mitigation and potential for enhancement measures.
The following surveys were undertaken on the 25th of January 2021:
Ecology and Phase 1 Habitat Survey by Nic Harrison-White and Jen Paget Arboricultural Survey (BS5837) by Matt Jackson
The ecology survey followed the methodology guidelines of the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Habitats were recorded according to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey. Target notes, recording specific items of ecological interest or importance were also made.
A number of species are protected by law, by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), Protection of Badgers Act (1992) and the EU Habitat Regulations (1994). The Habitats Regulations have now been superseded by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010). There is an updated National Planning Policy Framework (2018) and Cornwall Council have produced a draft Supplementary Planning Document for Biodiversity. Further details are provided in Appendix 10.1.
The BS5837 Arboricultural Survey is the British Standard for Trees in relation to proposed developments and will be issued separately as stage 1 and stage 2 reports.
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4. Site
4.1. Location
Grid Reference: SX 25414 64791 (site centroid)
Address: Beech Lawn Nursing & Residential Home, 45 Higher Lux St, Liskeard, PL14 3JX
4.2. Description
The site surveyed sits within a residential area close to the centre of Liskeard. Beech Lawn Residential Care Home (including a Grade II Listed Building) is situated on a 0.36ha plot. The buildings are surrounded by mature trees and planting, with brick paved parking and a courtyard.
Liskeard itself stands on a hill between two river valleys. The rich farmland, the communication routes and the moorland edge lands all meet; one of Cornwall’s oldest urban and market centres it has significant historic buildings and townscape, and its setting on its hilltop overlooking wide tranches of landscape is an important characteristic (Cornwall Council).
4.3. Site Plan
Figure 1: Site location (Bing maps)
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Figure 2: Boundary of the applicant’s property (blue) and area of proposed development (red) (Google aerial)
5. Designations & Records (Desk top Survey)
Information has been gathered from a number of sources including the Magic.gov website, The Cornwall Council interactive map, and from the Environmental Record Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS). The following landscape and ecological designations and records are located within 1km of the study area.
5.1. Statutory Designations
The site falls within the SSSI Impact Risk Zone relating to Crow’s Nest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (5.1km), which is a notifying feature of Phoenix United Mine and Crow’s Nest SAC. It also lies within the SSSI Impact Risk Zone relating to Draynes Wood SSSI, itself associated with Golitha Falls NNR (4.8km).
Draynes Wood SSSI is a biological site, which comprises a damp wooded gorge on the River Fowey and is of particular importance as one of Cornwall’s richest sites for lower plants. Still outside of the 1km radius of our search, part of the Draynes Wood SSSI is also designated as the National Nature Reserve of Golitha Falls NNR.
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The designated features for Phoenix United Mine & Crow’s Nest SAC are reserves of Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae, of which this site is listed as an outstanding example of the feature in a European context. Legally underpinned by the Crow’s Nest SSSI, this site is of special interest for its lower plants and of particular importance is the occurrence of several colonies of Cornish Path-moss Ditrichum cornubicum.
The site is bordered by four trees which are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (figure 3). A1: Turkey Oak Quercus cerris, A2: Ash Fraxinus excelsior, A3: Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur, A4: Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus.
Figure 3: Tree Preservation Orders
Conditional approval has been granted (11 August 2019) by Cornwall Council for A1 Turkey Oak to be cut down and for removal of dangerous and weak limbs to A3 Oak and A4 Sycamore. Conifers to south to be cut down and removed.
The site also lies within the zone of influence of the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries SAC, where there are potential indirect effects from increased recreational pressure.
The Council is currently consulting on proposals to potentially seek contributions towards management of the sites, to offset these additional recreational pressures.
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5.2. Non-statutory Designations
There are some Biodiversity Action Plan habitats within 1km of the proposed development (figure 5). These comprise features of conservation interest listed in the Priority Habitat Inventory as Deciduous Woodland and Broadleaved Woodland. The portion of Broadleaved Woodland to the east of the site encompasses Peppers Park Liskeard Tree Preservation area.
Figure 5: Priority Habitats within 1km of site (MAGIC mapping)
The site lies within the Coast-to-Coast project area of the Cornwall Biodiversity Action Plan (Cornwall BAP), associated with the Looe and Seaton Valleys element (figure 6).
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Figure 6: Coast to Coast Area (arrow to approximate location of survey site) 5.3. Biological Records
There are a number of notable and protected species recorded in recent years within 1km of the site. These include Eurasian Badger Meles meles, Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius, West European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus, and several species of bat; Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus, Lesser Horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros, Myotis spp., Noctule Nyctalus noctula, and Pipistrelle Pipistrellus sp. Priority insect species include Buff ermine Spilarctia luteum, and Garden Tiger moth Arctia caja. Slow-worm Anguis fragilis and Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara have been recorded. Wall Cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis was recorded locally in recent years, this is an invasive species whose seeds are spread easily by birds. There are 14 records of Swift Apus apus, with some records submitted as recently as 2018. 98 records of House Sparrow Passer domesticus are noted, with the most recent being 2019. There are 508 bird species recorded (45 recorded since 2010) which are either legally protected or a priority species for conservation under the NERC Act. These records have been used to inform the site surveys. The record details commissioned from ERCCIS cannot be published in this report due to confidentiality and/or sensitivity of the dataset, but they may be viewed on request.
6. Site Ecology
6.1. Summary
The site at Higher Lux Street comprises mainly two storey buildings which have been added to the Grade 2 listed building on the west, creating a paved courtyard with mixed planting. The site slopes up to the east meaning that the single storey block on the east (built approximately 12 years ago) is raised by about 1.3 metres in comparison to the other buildings. The eastern building is fringed to the north and east by raised planting beds and gabion baskets, and up to 2.5 metre pebble-dashed walls. The site is surrounded by residential properties with trees and woody species on the borders. Habitat types are mapped on the following page, following Phase 1 methodology (figure 7 overleaf).
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6.2. Phase 1 Habitat Map
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Figure 7: Phase 1 survey plan of habitats
6.3. Habitats and JNCC Codes
6.3.1. Paved area (J5)
Vehicular access to the site is via an asphalt drive, leading to brick-paving between 43 and 45 Lux Street, which extends through to parking space in the south east corner of the site (figure 9). The paving runs around the perimeter of all buildings and also in the courtyard in the middle of the main building. The paved area is partly shaded by the canopies of mature trees, including a Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus growing to the south of the paved area 15m south of the footprint of the eastern building and from land adjacent to the proposed area of development. The total of paved area on site is approximately 0.14ha.
6.3.2. Buildings (J3.6)
The care home is made up of buildings of different ages and styles, each of which were inspected for suitability and signs of roosting bats, with a particular focus on the eastern building considered for the addition of a second story at SX 25449 64792 (figure 8).
Figure 8: Single storey eastern building roof from outside (southern roof aspect)
The total building footprint is 0.14ha, and the footprint of the eastern building at SX 25449 64792 is 0.04ha.
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The eastern building was constructed approximately twelve years ago. Upon internal inspection of six roof voids in this block, including all corner voids, it was evident that the roof was sealed to exclude ingress by wildlife and provided no opportunities for entrance by bats to roof voids nor external crevice’s for sheltering bats on the date of inspection.
No bat droppings, bat feeding remains, evidence of use by birds or small mammals nor evidence of invertebrates were found in roof voids across the building, except from one single Cellar Spider Pholcus phalangoides non-gravid female spider and also one desiccated Common Wasp Vespula germanica drone, both occurring within the roof void situated above the staff common room SX 25442 64786, which had seen recent use of the attic as storage from the roof hatch. However, this was the only access determined by surveyors to this roof void and it is determined that these animals had accessed the void at this location via the staff room roof hatch (figure 9). The Common Wasp was not indicative of the feeding remains of bat species but had become trapped and unable to exit.
Figure 9: Access by one solitary Common Wasp and one Cellar Spider (not pictured) in the roof void above staff Common Room
The roof voids were characterised by being unusually well sealed and of construction designed and intended to exclude drafts or loss of heat to the medical and residential facilities in the accommodations below (figure 10). No openings suitable for bats were recorded, and with lights extinguished no light spill into the roof voids was observed indicating unsealed openings.
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Figure 10: Typical roof void in the eastern building
Each one of the roof voids of the eastern building was deeply insulated with fibreglass, which in keeping with the remainder of the structure, appeared newly laid out.
Each of the roof voids and the surrounding structures were well-maintained.
On external examination, there were no broken roof tiles, no broken or lifted ridge tiles, no lifted or weathered flashings to pipework, no gaps in soffits and all facias were sealed with metal mesh of a gap less than 1cm (figures 11 and 12) at the time of roof construction.
Figure 11 : Typical well-maintained soffits and facia in the eastern building, with mesh apertures less than 1cm
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Figure 12 : Well-maintained soffits and facia in the eastern building, with mesh apertures less than 1cm (eastern aspect) The external surfaces across the whole roof structure were also surveyed throughout, to ascertain possible entrance features or crevice’s that may be used by bats. None were found (figures 13 and 14).
Figure 13 : Typical well-maintained soffits and facia in the eastern building, with mesh apertures less than 1cm and no features for access in roof ridges, tiles or flashing (northern aspect)
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Figure 14 : Typical well-maintained soffits and facia in the eastern building, with mesh apertures less than 1cm and no features for access in roof ridges, tiles or flashing (western aspect)
The building is therefore considered as low value for potential of roosting bats.
Separate to the proposed area of development but within 50m, a detached Grade II Listed building and its additions three roof voids were checked to consider whether there were any roosts which may be indirectly impacted by development works. Whilst openings and suitable habitat were recorded in the building facing Higher Lux Street, and particularly in the northwest corner (figure 15), there was no evidence of bat activity or roosting. It is noted that the roof void appears to be used quite regularly for storage.
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Figure 15 : The detached Grade II Listed building, within 50m of the proposed eastern building roof works, arrow showing lifted facia and aperture suitable for bats (western aspect, northern corner)
6.3.3. Wall (J2.5)
There is a wall (approximately 2.5m high) along the northern boundary of the site. The wall is rendered and therefore, it features no suitable substrate for bryophyte or plant assemblages (figure 16).
A wall of gabion basket (target note 5 and figures 17 and 18) extends from the northeast corner of the boundary, meeting a shorter, rendered wall to the south of the site which hold back earth sloping upwards towards the adjoining properties. This is planted with introduced shrubs as a gardened area.
Figure 16: Wall and planting to the east, bird feeding table
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Figure 17: Gabion basket wall, with introduced shrubs, and bird feeders
Figure 18: Sloping wall to the east, featuring polypropylene barrier and planting of introduced shrubs
The sloped area shown in figure 18 provides suitable habitat for Slow-worm, which may use the exposed black polypropylene barrier for thermoregulation, and the vegetation and nearby gabion baskets for shelter.
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6.3.4. Species Recorded
As many of the vascular plants on site are introduced and ornamental, a full species list has not been compiled. Ecological surveys focus on species of conservation interest; comprising native species or those listed as invasive non-native species of conservation concern. As referred to under section 5, the southern boundary includes protected Turkey Oak, Ash, Oak, and Sycamore (target notes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). A BS5837 Arboricultural survey of these trees has been undertaken by Land and Heritage, to further inform the planning application.
The tree line is dominated by cultivars of Ivy Hedera spp, and features Beech Fagus sylvatica, Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus, and Spotted Laurel Aucuba japonica. Other species include Atlantic Ivy Hedera hibernica, Rhododendron spp, Camellia Camellia japonica, along with other garden hedging plants. Winter Heliotrope Petasites fragrans occurs as scattered but locally dominant stands throughout the sloping earth.
6.3.5. Target Notes
TN1 to TN4 – As confirmed by the desk study, four trees under Tree Preservation Orders are present. These mature trees could potentially provide roost for bats and nesting birds.
TN5 - The gabion basket wall by the eastern boundary of the site currently has bird feeders affixed. Gabion stacks may be used as artificial hibernacula by some bat species. However, the possibility is low at this site, due to light disturbance, and the small size of the structure.
6.4. Protected & Notable Species
The following species have legal protection, and have therefore been considered in this section:
• Reptiles • Nesting birds • Bats • Eurasian Badgers • Eurasian Otters • Hazel Dormouse
Each group is considered in detail below. This is based on site records from our survey (25/01/2021), information from neighbours, our assessment of the habitat and also records from the accredited Local Environmental Records Centre. Records since 2000 only have been taken into account; earlier records are considered as being of historical interest only.
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The legal protections are detailed in appendix 10.1.
6.4.1. Reptiles and Amphibians
There were no observations of reptiles or amphibians, though crevices in the gabion wall, garden plants, and polypropylene barrier provide suitable cover. There is a record of Slow-worm within 600m of the site. The network of gardens in this residential area may provide habitat for such species.
6.4.2. Nesting Birds
Some of the planted shrub species and bordering trees are likely to provide sites for a range of small nesting birds e.g. soft-billed bird such as Blackbird Turdus merula, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, and Robin Erithacus rubecula, and clinging birds such as Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus and Coal Tit Periparus ater. Recommendations to protect nesting birds and enhance nesting sites are provided in section 8 of this report.
6.4.3. Bats
No signs indicated the use of the site by roosting bats, but there are many linear tree formations bordering local gardens, with Tree Preservation Order areas (Lake Lane and Peppers Park Road) within 1km of the site. The town of Liskeard features historic buildings which will be suitable as roosting sites, meaning that bat species are likely to be foraging regularly in the area.
6.4.4. Eurasian Badgers
No evidence of badgers or setts was found during our survey. The ERCCIS data includes three records of Eurasian Badger within the last ten years, one within 500 metres. There are 7 records in total of badgers within the 1km radius. Although no evidence of badgers was observed on the site, their occasional presence cannot be discounted and therefore precautionary recommendations are made in section 8.
6.4.5. Eurasian Otters
There are no records of Eurasian Otter within a 1km search of the site, and no suitable habitat within the proposed development area.
6.4.6. Hazel Dormouse
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Local gardens and hedges may provide nesting habitat for Hazel Dormouse, though the site offers little in the way of suitable habitat. There are four records of feeding signs, nests, and sightings of Hazel Dormouse recorded nearby.
6.4.7. Notable Species (not protected)
Rhododendron and Winter Heliotrope are considered invasive species, which can deprive native plants of light, water, and nutrients, but are easily managed through regular disturbance.
7. Proposed Development & Potential Impacts
7.1. Proposed development
Initial sketch designs have been drawn up by Lignum Designs in preparation for a planning application (figures 19 and 20). The proposals include a small ground floor extension to the southern side of the building, taking up less than 40 square metres, removal of the existing pitched roof to create a first floor which mirrors the layout of the floor below. A low pitched roof to the completed building is proposed, to keep the overall building height below the ridge of the listed house facing Higher Lux Street. A wheelchair accessible ramp to the north side of the building is to be installed, utilising the height of the wall on the northern border of the site.
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Figure 19: Proposed layout of ground floor and first floor
Figure 20: 3D representation of proposed development
7.2. Potential Impacts
Loss of less than 40 square metres of paved area (car park), due to building extension. Loss of small area of garden planting to the north of the site, with installation of wheelchair ramp.
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8. Mitigation
Badgers To avoid impacts on any foraging badgers we recommend that either all excavations are covered overnight, or a scaffolding plank is placed in the excavation, or a sloping earth ramp is left, in order to allow any animals falling in to climb out.
Bats In accordance with Bat Conservation Trust guidelines, it is recommended that night-time lighting is avoided, or kept to a minimum level, wherever possible. External lighting should be directional LED, mounted low level and working from time-limited motion sensors. Lighting should follow Bat Conservation Trust Guidance Note 08/18 Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK. www.theilp.org.uk/documents/guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificial-lighting
Birds Any pruning of trees or large shrubs should be timed to avoid the main bird nesting season (March to August inclusive). If work has to take place during the bird nesting season, a careful check must be made of each area prior to works by a competent ornithologist. If nesting birds are present the work at that location must stop, and the area cordoned off and left until the young have fledged.
Any removal of gabion baskets should be timed to avoid the main bird nesting season (March to August inclusive) as small birds such as Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes could use them for nesting. They are also likely to be used by reptiles.
Reptiles and Amphibians There will be removal of some paving, in order to install the disability access ramp, and extend the ground floor.
Works to remove the stone paving should be undertaken outside of reptile hibernation season in this region (October to March inclusive) and should only take place in warm weather (when surface soil temperature reaches over 12 degrees Centigrade) and in the warmest part of the day after 12:00pm midday to 4:00pm, to allow cold-blooded vertebrates the opportunity to avoid injury. If any reptile is discovered during works to remove or replace paving, continuation of works shall not proceed without consultation with a licenced professional ecologist.
Any storage of material associated with building works should be limited to existing paved areas (J5) and away from vegetated gabion baskets. Attention should be paid to the storage and removal of such materials on site during and post completion of works, to consider that herpetofauna could use stacks or bags of broken-down paving as a temporary habitat. As above, the clearance or moving of any building materials stored for extended periods of time on site should only take place in warm weather and in the warmest part of the day, and works stopped to consult a licenced professional ecologist should reptiles be disturbed.
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Trees Please refer to the associated BS5837 Arboricultural Survey compiled by Land and Heritage, February 2021, relating to this development.
9. Ecological Enhancement
Bats Considering local potential habitat and existing records, there is an opportunity to enhance the building for nesting and roosting by bat species. Enhancement measures should be focussed on providing roosting opportunities by the provision of bat boxes to the exterior.
With few trees with appropriate cavities immediately adjacent, we recommend the provision of two bat boxes. Suitable boxes would include one each of a crevice bat box and a cavity bat box. Between them these will offer potential roost sites for the large majority of British species. These should be erected soon after completion of building work. See figure 21.
www.nhbs.com/improved-crevice-bat-box www.nhbs.com/improved-cavity-bat-box Figure 21: crevice bat box (left), cavity bat box (right)
Boxes should be placed as close to the eaves as possible. Bats use dark tree lines or hedgerows for navigation, so putting boxes near these features could help bats find the boxes. In summary, locate bat boxes on the eastern aspect of the development: • Where bats are known to feed and navigate (close to hedges and tree lines at the east of the existing roof); • Sheltered from strong winds and exposed to the sun for part of the day (usually from the south, south-east or south-west); and • Ideally at least 4m above the ground (where safe installation is possible).
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We do not specify the provision of an interior bat roost to the void(s) of the new roofing structure, as the building is not in current use by roosting bats. However, as there are clearly bats in the general area of the proposed development area and their roosting sites have yet to be identified, we suggest the installation of a bespoke roof void space to accommodate bats in addition to the external bat roosting boxes specified. This should be done in discussion with the architect. Detailed guidance for architects is provided by the Bat Conservation Trust www.bats.org.uk/our-work/buildings-planning-and-development/bats-in-buildings.
Insects The planted vascular species and woody shrubs along the eastern border should remain, and continue to be managed, paying attention in particular to the management of invasive species which outcompete other species. To provide forage to pollinating insects, diverse flowering plants with a combined flowering season across several seasons should be incorporated. To provide shelter and breeding opportunities to insects, the inclusion of insect hotels is recommended, in accordance with Cornwall Council biodiversity guidelines for developers which states one bee brick per two dwellings.
Depending on the building’s façade, it may not be possible to incorporate bee bricks into the second storey of the eastern accommodation block. In which case, the bee habitat will need to affixed externally. Beneficially, an externally placed bee post may provide educational value and be of interest to residents.
See: www.greenandblue.co.uk - Bee Post and www.nhbs.com - Bee Bricks and Blocks.
Select from the following: • Schwegler Insect Nesting Aid, Wood-concrete • Schwegler Clay and Reed Insect Nest • Green and Blue Bee Post
Birds We recommend the provision of three bird boxes in accordance with current Cornwall Council biodiversity guidelines for developers.
One of these should specifically target Swift Apus apus, see: www.nhbs.com - WoodStone Swift Nest Box. This is because of a material planning consideration to include habitat for Swift, where the proposed development includes plans to build walls over 2 metres in height. This box should be installed at the highest point of the proposed roof, under the shelter of eaves or overhangings, ensuring that there is unobstructed access for birds entering and leaving.
One of these should specifically target House Sparrow Passer domesticus, see https://www.nhbs.com/vivara-pro-woodstone-house-sparrow-nest-box due to the occurrence of House Sparrow records in the study area. House Sparrow colonies are gregarious and faithful to breeding site selection within 500m of their ancestral breeding sites, so should House Sparrow be recruited to breed in the newly mounted House Sparrow terraces detailed, it should be considered that additional boxes should be installed as the nestboxes become fully occupied in the breeding season.
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The third bird box may be selected from the following: • Vivara Pro Seville 32mm WoodStone Nest Box • Vivara Pro Seville 28mm WoodStone Nest Box • 2H Schwegler Robin Box See: www.nhbs.com - Bird Boxes for Walls and Fences.
Nest box cameras may wish to be considered, providing opportunities for educational and interest value for residents. See: www.nhbs.com – Nest Box Cameras.
Trees Although there are no trees proposed for removal, the separate BS5837 Arboricultural Survey (Land and Heritage February 2021) recommended two trees be planted for succession purposes. These would consist of 1 x English Oak and 1 x Common or Purple Beech at approximately 1.5m in height. These were detailed for planting on the east boundary.
10. Further Surveys/Studies
On the basis that there will be no disturbance to the existing planting along the southern border of the site, no further surveys or studies are recommended for this site.
11. Appendix
11.1. Protected species legal information
The following species have legal protection:
• Reptiles and amphibians. All native British reptiles are protected against intentional killing and injury under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and the Great Crested Newt and its habitats are further protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010). The slow-worm, common lizard, adder and grass snake are also protected against killing, injury or sale, barter or exchange, but their habitats or places of shelter are not specifically protected. • Nesting birds. All wild birds (i.e. resident visiting and introduced species) in the UK are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) making it illegal to: • Kill, injure or take any wild bird • Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use • Take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird • Bats. Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), before any development works that will impact on bats or bat roosts can be carried out, a European Protected Species Licence must be obtained from Natural England.
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• Badger. Under the Protection of Badgers Act (1992) it is an offence to disturb a Badger while it is occupying a sett. • Otters. Otters are protected under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Otters and their resting places are fully protected, it is an offence to deliberately, capture, injure or kill them or to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding or resting places. It is also an offence to disturb otters in their breeding or resting places. • Dormice. Dormice and their habitat are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), making it illegal to: • Intentionally, deliberately or recklessly disturb dormice. • Intentionally, deliberately or recklessly damage destroy or obstruct breeding or resting sites or places used for shelter or protection (whether occupied or not)
11.2. Tree Protection
Please refer to the associated BS5837 Arboricultural Survey compiled by Land and Heritage, February 2021, relating to this development.
11.3. Standard Methodology (PEA)
The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) follows guidelines produced by the Professional Standards Committee of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). A PEA normally comprises both desk study and walkover survey; the methods for each are provided in the following paragraphs. The desk study is used to collect the following information:
Site Information – Basic initial information about the site and surrounding area, which gives an indication of the type of habitats and species likely to be present, and contextual information about the setting of the site within the landscape. Designated Site Information – Identification of any designated nature conservation sites within the zone(s) of influence of the project. This information will inform the assessment of whether a designated site is within the zone of influence of a specific project. Species Records – Existing records indicating the presence of protected or priority species within the zone(s) of influence. This information will be important in:
• Identifying the confirmed or possible presence of particular protected or priority species in the area, potentially triggering the need for more detailed surveys if suitable habitat for such species is present and if they could be affected. • Providing contextual information about the presence/distribution of a species in the area surrounding a site, which can be useful in determining: the importance of the species population locally; the likely use/importance of the site for a species (such as data on the
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location of bat roosts around a site); and the impacts of the proposals, such as fragmentation effects.
Habitat Information – Existing information on the habitat types within the site and the surrounding area. Distribution Information – Contextual information about the protected or priority habitats or species which are present (e.g. distribution maps), allows an assessment to be made of the geographical scale of importance.
Field surveys consider both habitats and species, focussing upon protected and priority habitats and/or species. The habitat survey is carried out in accordance with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) handbook for phase 1 habitat survey, including target notes which record specific items of ecological interest or importance. Parcels of land within the survey area are mapped as defined habitat types on an appropriately scaled, geo-referenced plan or annotated aerial image. In most circumstances, descriptions of plant species present and their abundance, habitat condition, land management and habitat origin will aid evaluation, impact characterisation or the expected trends in the absence of any impact, and may help to inform future management decisions.
Wherever possible, the habitat survey aims to identify protected and priority habitats and plant species. Habitat surveys also identify and map stands of invasive plant species and indicate where uncommon or rare/protected plants may occur. Where there is potential for protected or priority habitats or uncommon/protected flora to be present, it may be appropriate to recommend that additional surveys are undertaken.
The appropriate study area for the field survey is determined on a case-by-case basis. In most cases this will include all of the land within the ‘site’ boundary, plus additional ‘off-site’ areas where relevant to the assessment. The distance from the site that data need to be collected will vary in relation to different habitats or species and for different types of development project (i.e. this will depend on the zone(s) of influence of the project).
11.4. Limitations
The information reported is based only, on the interpretation of data collected during the desk study investigations and the site visits. This work pertains specifically to the identification of protected species on the proposed site. Information provided to Land and Heritage Ltd by ERCCIS and other statutory information sources has been accepted as being accurate and valid.
The evaluation and conclusions do not preclude the existence of protected species, which could not reasonably have been revealed by the comprehensive desk studies and multiple site visits. Hence, this report should be used for information purposes only and should not be construed as a comprehensive characterisation of all site habitats.
In addition, this report details only the conditions on site, at the time of reporting. The dynamic nature of the natural environment will result in changes to the surrounding environment as seasons change. No responsibility is taken by Land and Heritage Ltd to the existence of additional species identified on this site later.
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This report has been prepared solely for the use of Lignum Designs Ltd and may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from Land and Heritage Ltd. In addition, it must be understood that this report does not constitute legal advice.
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