QUEENS ROAD, NORTH WEALD BASSETT

ECOLOGY PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

ISSUE 1 JUNE 2015

Landscape Architects Ecology & Environment Masterplanning Arboriculture Historic Landscapes

Queens Road, North Weald Bassett ISSUE 1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey June 2015

ISSUE NO. AUTHOR CHECKED BY DATE

One Andrew Bodey Tom La Dell 30.06.2015

LaDellWood LLP Stocks Studio Grafty Green Maidstone Kent ME17 2AP t: 01622 850245 e: [email protected] w: www.ladellwood.co.uk

A practice registered with the Landscape Institute

A practice registered with the CIEEM

LaDellWood LLP Partnership no. OC376445

Tom La Dell MA(Oxon)Botany DipLD CMLI CEnv MCIEEM FLS

Lydia Wood BA (Hons) PGDipLA CMLI

COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of LaDellWood LLP. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of LaDellWood constitutes an infringement of copyright.

LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of LaDellWood LLP Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between LaDellWood LLP and its

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Client. LaDellWood accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

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CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 2.0 Methodology 3.0 Results 4.0 Protected Species/Habitat Assessment 5.0 Recommendations 6.0 Conclusions

References Figures Figures 1 to 4

Maps Map 1 – Site Location Drawing 2277/15/B/3 – Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Annex Protected Species Legislation

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1.0 Introduction

Background 1.1 This report has been prepared by LaDellWood for proposed works at the Queens Road, North Weald Bassett. LaDellWood were commissioned to carry out a Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site. This report represents the findings of the above survey undertaken on the 23rd May 2015. The information has been provided in support of a planning application to develop the site.

Scope of the Report 1.2 This report details the results of the ecological surveys as a Phase 1 habitat survey. This report assesses the results and recommends any actions necessary to satisfy statutory guidance, National legislation, European legislation (see Table 1.2 & Annex) and the requirements of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), 11: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment; and recommends further survey works and/or mitigation/enhancement measures where these are required.

Site Context and Status 1.3 The habitat on the site consists of buildings & hard standings, tall ruderal, improved grassland, scattered trees, scrub and boundary hedgerows.

1.4 The Queens Road site is approximately 0.26 hectares in size and located in an semi‐rural location within the outskirts of North Weald Bassett (Map 1 shows site location). Access to the site is via Queens Road which runs north from High Road. The Site is surrounded by allotments gardens to the north and west beyond which are areas of improved grassland and a small area of woodland. To the east and south of the site are areas of residential properties and gardens. The site is located at NGR TL 497 044

Ecologists 1.5 The site survey was undertaken by Tom La Dell MA (botany), MCIEEM, CMLI who has over forty years experience in ecology practice. The report was also prepared by Andrew Bodey BSc hons ACIEEM, bat licence Level 2, CL18 (2014‐0509‐cls‐cls) and GCN licence 1595 who has over five years’ experience of ecology practice. The report was checked by Tom La Dell MA (botany), MCIEEM, CMLI who has over forty years experience in ecology practice

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2.0 Methodology

Desk Study 2.1 In order to establish baseline ecological data of the site Essex Field Club were commissioned to complete an ecological data search for the site. The search included protected species and habitats recorded within 1km of the site and statutory designated site up to 5km from thee site. Th MAGIC database was also accessed to establish the presence of designated habitats within 2km of the site. An assessment of habitats surrounding the site was undertaken using OS mapping and satellite imagery of the site, the assessment included a search for waterbodies located within 500m of the site

Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2.2 The Phase 1 habitat survey involved a detailed daytime investigation of the site and surrounding land to record habitat and vegetation types following guidance set out by JNCC in the Phase 1 habitat surveys handbook (JNCC 2010). The survey was undertaken on 23rd June weather conditions were mainly sunny with a temperature of 22 degC and a light wind.

Preliminary Protected Species Assessment 2.3 During the Phase 1 Habitat survey an assessment was undertaken to determine the potential of the site and surrounding habitats to support protected species. During the assessment provisional signs of protected or notable species were recorded. Due to records of species located within 2km of the site and/ or the habitats present on or surrounding the site particular consideration was given to the potential of the site to support badger, bats, common reptiles, great crested newt, invertebrates and breeding birds. The following section provides the species‐specific methodologies used.

 A detailed inspection was undertaken searching for evidence of badgers on site and where access was possible within 30 metres radius of the site boundary. The search looked for evidence of badger such as such as spoil heaps, sett entrances, claw marks, pathways and latrines.

 An Assessment of the presence of birds using visual and song identification and habitat suitable rfo breeding birds such as mature trees, dense scrub, hedgerows, and recording of evidence of previous nesting, including old nests and faecal marks etc;

 An assessment of the site’s potential for supporting reptiles was based on the presence of suitable habitats in or surrounding the site. Reptiles are cryptic species, it can be hard to establish presence

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from a single visual inspection alone as they often leave little or no evidence to their presence at a site These species often require a diverse habitat structure with both cover for protection from predators and foraging and open sunny areas for basking. Typical habitats that support these species are long grass, scrub, woodland, hedgerows, wood and rubble piles.

 An assessment of the presence of amphibians through the identification of possible breeding sites such as ponds, ditches and other still water bodies as well as terrestrial habitats of grassland and scrub mosaic and of potential sheltering and hibernation sites.

 The Assessment for the presence of suitable bat habitat at the site involved a detailed investigation for the presence of suitable habitats such as buildings supporting roosting features for bats such as roof voids, loose tiles and open soffits or trees supporting loose bark, hazard beams and rot holes. During the survey further consideration was given to potential bat foraging and commuting habitats at the site.

An assessment of the bat habitat value is made in Table 1.3, section 4.0. The assessment was made using criteria set out in Table 1.1 & 1.2 below. The survey followed methodologies set oute in th current Bat Conservation Trust guidelines (Hundt 2012).

Table 1.1: Bat Building Habitat Grading Criteria (adapted from BCT Guidelines Hundt 2012)

BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES CONNFIRMED AS A BAT ROOST

bats seen roosting during initial assessment survey Evidence suggesting recent use of the building/tree by bats (e.g. accumulations of droppings of a mixture of ages) Social chattering heard within a roost during survey (often on hot days or close to emergence time)

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify building on map, provide a description of significant roost features and/or evidence found during survey.

Stage 2: Further Survey Further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site. A minimum of three dusk emergence survey or dawn re‐entry surveys undertaken to inform

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements Any works that may impact upon the roost and are likely to commit an offence must be undertaken under EPSM licence.

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BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES OF HIGH HABITAT VALUE

Potential Roost Features: High numbers of potential bat roost features of significance to bats such as Large roof voids, hanging tiles, and cellars.

Site Context: The site may have good connectivity within the landscape with suitable linear features such as hedgerows, railway lines and water courses. Habitats of high qualityr fo foraging bats such as woodland, water bodies, hedgerows, grazed parklands.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify building on map, provide a description of significant roost features and/or evidence found during survey.

Stage 2: Further Survey Further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site. A minimum of three dusk emergence survey or dawn re‐entry surveys undertaken.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements Any works that may impact upon the roost and are likely to commit an offence must be undertaken under EPSM licence.

If no roosting bats are confirmed then works may proceed with suitable impact avoidance measures in place. Mitigation should include the installation of bat roosting features within new proposals such as access to voids, bat roost tiles and or bat boxes.

BUILDINGS/STRUCTURE OF MEDIUM HABITAT VALUE Potential Roost Features: Moderate numbers of potential bat roost features of value to bats such as roof voids, loose roof tiles and accessible wooden soffits.

Site Context: Habitats of that may be utilised by foraging bats such as water bodies, grassland, trees and shrubs Site has some connectivity to the wider landscape with linear features such as tree lines and hedgerows.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify building on map, provide a description of significant roost features and/or evidence found during survey.

Stage 2: Further Survey Further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site. A minimum of two dusk emergence survey or dawn re‐entry surveys undertaken.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements If bats are confirmed during surveys any works that may impact upon the roost and are likely to commit an offence must be undertaken under EPSM licence. If during the surveys roosting bats are confirmed then further survey may be required to fully assess usage of the building.

If no roosting bats are confirmed then works may proceed with suitable impact avoidance measures in place. Mitigation should include the installation of bat roosting features within new proposals such as bat roost tiles

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and or bat boxes.

BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES OF LOW HABITAT VALUE Potential Roost Features: Low numbers of potential bat roost features such as loose tiles and raised flashings .

Site Context: The site has limited connectivity to the surrounding landscape.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify building on map, provide a description of significant roost features found during survey.

Stage 2: Further Survey Further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site. A minimum of one dusk emergence survey or dawn re‐entry surveys undertaken.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements If no roosting bats are confirmed then works may proceed with suitable impact avoidance measures in place. Where possible mitigation should include the installation of bat roosting features within new proposals such as bat roost tiles and or bat boxes on retained trees.

BUILDINGS/ STRUCTURES OF VERY LOW HABITAT VALUE Potential Roost Features: Buildings with no or very few f potential bat roost features.

Site Context: The site is isolated with no suitable features connecting it to the wider landscape.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify building on map, provide a description of significant roost features found during survey.

Stage 2: Further Survey No further survey required

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements No mitigation required, site enhancements could include the provision of suitable bat roosting features within the proposed development.

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Table 1.2: Bat Tree Habitat Grading Criteria (adapted from BCT Guidelines Hundt 2012)

TREES CONFIRMED AS A BAT ROOST bats seen roosting during initial assessment survey Evidence suggesting recent use of the tree by bats (e.g. accumulations of droppings of a mixture of ages) Social chattering heard within a roost during survey (often on hot days or close to emergence time)

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify tree on map, provide a description of significant roost features and or evidence found during survey

Stage 2: Further Survey Further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements Any works that may impact upon the roost must be undertaken under EPSM licence.

TREE OF HIGH BAT HABITAT VALUE

Potential Roost Features: Numerous potential bat roost features of high suitability such as woodpecker holes, rot holes, hollowing. Features that are able to support large roosts.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify tree on map, provide a description of significant roost features and or evidence found during survey

Stage 2: Possible Further Works/Survey Where possible complete climbing inspection to assess features present in more detail.

If evidence of bat roosting are found during climbing inspection further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements Works to trees confirmed as supporting roosting bats must be undertaken under EPSM licence.

Trees with no confirmed roosts taking reasonable impact avoidance measures such as soft felling under the supervision of an ecologist. TREE OF MEDIUM HABITAT VALUE

Potential Roost Features: Moderate numbers of potential bat roost features of moderate suitability such as areas of dense ivy or cracks and splits. Features may support smaller roosts of individual bats

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Identify tree on map, provide a description of location and significant potential roost features. Assess potential impacts of proposals. If impacts cannot be avoided through mitigation further survey may be required.

Stage 2: Possible Further Works/Survey Where possible complete more detailed inspection to assess features present in more detail.

If evidence of bat roosting are found during inspection further emergence/ dawn return survey to assess status of roost and how bats utilise the site.

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Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements Works to trees confirmed as supporting roosting bats must be undertaken under EPSM licence.

Works can proceed on trees with no confirmed roosts taking reasonable impact avoidance measures such as soft felling. If bats are found at any stage works should cease and advice sought TREES OF LOW HABITAT VALUE Potential Roost Features: Low numbers of potential bat roost features of low suitability such as areas of light coverings of ivy. Features may be of limited suitability to bats.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Provide a description of location and potential roost features. Assess potential impacts of proposals..

Stage 2: Possible Further Works/Survey Where possible avoid impacts to trees, no further survey required.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements Works can proceed taking reasonable impact avoidance measures such as soft felling. If bats are found at any stage works should cease and advice sought. TREES OF VERY LOW HABITAT VALUE Potential Roost Features: Tree with no or very few potential bat roosting features. Trees that are often immature or trees in good health.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment Assess potential impacts of proposals and provide description of location.

Stage 2: Possible Further Works/Survey No further survey required.

Stage3: Likely Mitigation requirements No mitigation required.

Limitations 2.4 The survey is a Phase 1 habitat survey. The trees on the site are recorded in the tree survey. The survey was limited to a visual inspection of habitats and their potential for supporting protected species based on the suitability of the habitat and any direct evidence on the site.

2.5 The protected species assessment provides an overview of the likelihood of protected species occurring in the habitats on the site. It should not be taken as providing a full and definitive survey of any species group any direct evidence is only valid at the time the survey was carried out

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2.6 The bat survey was limited to a visual inspection of habitats and their potential for supporting bats. Often areas are present on buildings and trees cannot be assessed for evidence of roosting bats from the ground. In cases where potential roost features were accessible an Endoscope was used to search for evidence of bat using the feature such as live or dead animals, accumulations of droppings and fur staining.

2.7 The findings of this report represent the opinion of a professional and suitably qualified ecologist they do not constitute professional legal advice. The client may wish to seek further legal interpretation of wildlife legislation cited in this document.

3.0 Results

Desk Study 3.1 Information detailing any recent and historical ecological records and designated sites from within a 2km radius of the site was compiled using data provided by Essex Recorders Partnership, Essex Ecology Services ltd and Magic Maps online data resource. The results are detailed as follows.

Statutory Designated Sites 3.2 A total of four statutory designated sites were located within 6km of the site. Details have been provided below.

Epping Forest SAC 3.3 This designated area covers 2,476 hectares and contains areas of woodland, grassland, heath, rivers, bogs and ponds the majority of the site is also designated as SSSI (see below). This site is located at NGR: TL 447 008 approximately 5.98 km south west of the site.

Epping Forest SSSI 3.4 This designated area extends closer to the site than the SAC designation it is located :at NGR TL 477 035 approximately 1.8 km south west of the site.

Harlow Woods SSSI

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3.5 This designated area comprises three areas of adjacent ancient and semi natural woodland. The woodland is dominated by pedunculate oak Quercus robur with hornbeam coppice understorey. This site is located at NGR: TR 447 067 approximately 5.48 km north west of the site.

3.6 The following Local Nature reserves wered locate within 5km of the site Church lane Flood Meadow LNR Hawkenbury Meadow LNR Parndon Woods and Common Rough Talleys Wood Thornwood Common Flood Meadow Weald Common Flood Meadow The closest Local nature reserve is Church land Flood Meadow located approximately 0.16km north west of the Rsit at NG TL 495 045.

Non Statutory Designated Sites 3.7 A total of eight non statutory designated Local Wildlife sites were located within 2km of the site. Details have been provided below.

EP145 – Rekyns Wood 3.8 This is designated for its woodland habitat. This site is located at NGR: TL 507 053 approximately 1.24km north east of the site.

EP138 ‐ Tylers Green Grassland 3.9 The site is designated for the grassland habitats present and their associated species assemblages. This site is located at NGR: TL 507 053 approximately 1.24km north east of the site.

EP130 – Ongar Radio Station 3.10 The site is designated for habitats present which include three separate blocks of woodland and a hedge line. This site is located at NGR: TL 503 027 approximately 0.7 km south east of the site.

EP108 – Rough Talleys Wood 3.11 The site is designated for ancient woodland habitats present. This site is located at NGR: TL 486 032 approximately 0.9 km south west of the site.

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EP116 – Birching Coppice Complex 3.12 The site is designated for woodland habitats present. This site is located at NGR: TL 491023 approximately 0.9 km south west of the site.

EP129– Ongar Park Woods 3.13 The site is designated for woodland and hedgerow habitats present. This site is located at NGR: TL 503 027 approximately 0.7 km south east of the site.

EP124– Weald Common 3.14 The site is designated for meadow habitats present. This site is located at NGR: TL 500 040 approximately 0.3 km south of the site.

EP119 – Andrew’s Church Yard, North Weald 3.15 The site is designated for the grassland habitats present. The site is located at NGR: TL 495 052 approximately 0.8 km north of the site.

EP118 – Church lane Flood Meadow 3.16 The site is designated for the grassland habitats present. The site is located at NGR: TL 495 045 approximately 0.16 km north west of the site.

3.17 NERC section 41 Priority habitats located within 2km of the site include areas of lowland mixed deciduous woodland. The closest priority habitat area is an area of deciduous woodland located approximately 50m ebeyond th northern site boundary.

Protected and notable species 3.18 The desk top study search revealed records of the following protected and notable species located up to 2 km from the site.

Flora: 3.19 A single record of chamomile Chamaemelum nobile was located within 2km of the site. The record is located approximately 0.8km north of the site.

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Badger: 3.20 Two records of badger were located within 2km of the site. The closest record was located 1.0km north east of the site

Breeding Birds: 3.21 Numerous records of common breeding birds are located within 2km of the site. A single record of barn owl was located at Weald Common LNR located approximately 0.3km south of the site.

Reptiles 3.22 Two records of grass snake were located within 2km of the site. The closest record was located at Weald Common LNR located 0.3km south of the site.

Great Crested newt 3.23 8 records of great crested newt were located within 2km of the site. The records were all recorded in the same location approximately 1.28 km south west of the site.

Bats 3.24 The following species were recorded within a 2km radius of the site. The closest record was located 0.5km south of the site

Pipistrelle bat species Pipistrellus sp. Serotine bat Eptesicus serotinus

3.25 Two records of western European hedgehog Erinacues europeaus were located within 2km of the site. The closest record was located approximately 1.2 km east of the site

Phase 1 Habitat Survey. 3.26 The following habitats were recorded at the esite. Th position and extent of on‐site habitats are shown on Drawing 2277/15/b/3 – Phase 1 Habitat Survey.

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Hard standings 3.27 The site is dominated by areas of concrete hard standing which surround the on site garage buildings (Figure 1). A concrete access road extends east to Queens Road.

Buildings 3.28 Three rows of single storey garage buildings are present centrally within the site and along the eastern site boundary. The buildings a brick built with rendered walls and shallow single pitched roofs with corrugated asbestos sheeting (Figure 2).

Scrub 3.29 A small area of scrub is located within the south of the site (Figure 3). Tree and shrub species present include hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, ash Fraxinus excelsior and elm Ulmus procera, with some ivy Hedera helix.

Scattered trees 3.30 Isolated scattered trees are present on the eastern boundary. These include two weeping willow and Leyland cypress.

Hedgerows 3.31 A species poor and patchy hedgerow is located along the western site boundary of the site. Species present within the hedgerow include bramble Rubus sp and blackthorn Prunus spinosa (Figure 1). Similar species poor hedgerows are located to the south of the site and the southern end of the eastern boundary. This hedgerow borders adjacent gardens and also comprises of non‐native coniferous species (Figure 4).

Improved grassland 3.32 An area of managed improved grassland is located to the south of the site (Figure 4). The sward was short and dominated by perennial rye grass Lolium perenne with herbaceous species such as dandelion Taraxacum sp. and white clover Trifolium repens present.

Protected Species 3.33 The following details the results of the protected species field survey. Results of the desk search for

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protected species records and their significance are assessed in the preliminary protected species assessment in Table 1.2.

Badger: 3.34 The site is considered small and generally of low value for foraging badger and during the survey no evidence of badger runs or latrines were recorded at the site. However rbadge are a mobile species and regularly use habitat such as those on site for commuting, badgers may occasionally commute through the site.

Breeding Birds: 3.35 During the survey wren Troglodytes troglodytes was recorded within or adjacent to the site. This species is considered to be commonly associated with residential garden habitats which surround the site. The on‐site habitat offers suitable areas for nesting birds within scrub and hedgerows.

Common Reptiles: 3.36 The majority of habitats at the site are of limited value for reptiles comprising of hard standings and buildings. The improved grassland located to the south of the site is managed and has a shoet sward which offers little structural diversity or cover for reptiles. The adjacent area of scrub is densely shaded and unlikely to be utilised extensively by reptiles but may be used for commuting between the gardens and the allotments. These have some grass areas suitable for reptiles.

Great Crested Newt: 3.37 The Desk study search identified three water bodies located within 500m of the site. The closest water body is located approximately 240m from the site at NGR TL 496 042, further ponds are located to the north of the site. The on‐site habitat is dominated by hard standings and improved grasslands habitats considered to be a sub‐optimal terrestrial habitat for supporting great crested newt. Habitat immediately surrounding the site is also considered sub optimal comprising of residential houses, gardens and allotments. The small scrub does offer limited suitable habitat for great crested newt but is surrounded by sub ‐ optimal areas of habitat.

Bats

3.38 The following section provides results of the bat building and tree assessment and foraging and commuting habitat assessment survey at the site.

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Building Assessment 3.39 The buildings on site comprise of single storey, block built garages. The buildings have a single pitched roof with corrugated asbestos sheeting. No voids are present on the buildings under the roofs and the buildings lack suitable external features for roosting bats.

Tree Assessment 3.40 The majority of trees located at the site comprise of semi young ash and hawthorn. The trees are young and lack suitable bat roosting features commonly, but not always, associated with mature or over mature trees.

Foraging and Commuting Habitat Assessment 3.41 Bats are likely to utilise the site for foraging and commuting as the site has a good connectivity to the extensive areas of foraging and commuting habitat located to the north. The western boundary hedgerow is considered to be of value offering a linear commuting feature connected to areas of woodland located to the north of the site.

4.0 Protected Species/Habitat Assessment 4.1 Table 1.3 assesses the ecological value of habitats at the site and their potential to support protected species. Further consideration is given to what, if any, impact the development is likely to have upon protected species or important habitat.

Table 1.3: Assessment of the potential impacts on protected species and habitats within and adjacent to the development site Species Main legislation Species or habitat assessment Likely impact of and policy development on species or habitat Designated sites Section 21 of the A single SAC was located Considering the distance National Parks approximately 5.98km south west between the highlighted Statutory Sites‐ and Access to the of the site. Due to the extensive designated SAC, SSI and LNR Countryside Act areas of woodland habitats present habitats/sites and the 1949, and the SAC is considered of high small scale development Non Statutory Sites‐ amended by ecological value on a national to proposals it is Local Wildlife Sites Schedule 11 of international scale. considered the the Natural proposals will have no NERC Priority Habitats Environment and impact upon these (Lowland Mixed Rural areas. deciduous woodland) Communities Act Six statutory designated LNR were 2006 located within 2km of the site. The closest was approximately 1.6 km north west from the site. The LNR is

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considered of moderate to high ecological value on a local scale.

A total of eight Local Wildlife Sites were located within 2km of the site. The closest was approximately 0.3km south from the site. These designated areas are considered of moderate ecological value on a local scale.

The closest area of NERC priority habitat was located approximately 50m north f the site. The designated area is considered of moderate ecological value on a local scale.

Habitats National The habitats onsite comprise of As the habitats on site Planning Policy common and wide spread species are of low ecological Framework and is lacking in diversity. On the value it is considered the (NPPF), 11: whole this habitat is considered to proposals will have a be of low ecological value. low impact. Conserving and

enhancing the Recommendations given natural in section 5.0 will environment provide Protection and enhancement to retained boundary hedgerows and Significant enhancement to through planting of native trees and shrubs at the site. Badger Protection of The desk top study recorded a two It is considered the Badgers Act records of badger located within proposed works will 1992. 2km of the site. During the site have limited impact on survey no evidence of badger badger as the site offers activity was recorded. However it is limited areas of suitable considered likely that badgers may foraging habitat . occasionally commute through the site. The proposals will have a low impact upon The foraging potential of the site is foraging commuting limited as the grassland is regularly badger. managed and areas of optimal foraging habitat are found within However as the the surrounding landscape presence of commuting badger cannot be ruled The site is considered to have a low out further

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habitat value for badger. precautionary recommendations have been given for in section 5.0

Breeding Birds Wildlife and The data search revealed records of The proposals will Countryside Act breeding bird species, The walkover require the removal of 1981 (as survey recorded two common areas of scrub and amended). species associated with the type of bramble that provide habitats present on‐site. The site suitable nesting bird scrub and hedgerows offer suitable habitats. There is habitat for breeding birds. It is potential for high considered that there is a high impacts on breeding habitat value for breeding birds on birds through the risk of the site. injury or killing and disturbance of nests during habitat removal and loss of suitable nesting habitats.

Further recommendations are given in section 5.0.

Common Reptiles Schedule 5 of the The majority of habitats at the site As the habitats at the Wildlife and are of limited value for reptiles as site are of low value to Countryside Act, habitats present include shaded reptiles there will be no 1981 (as scrub and areas of improved significant impact. amended). grassland and hard standings. No further There are records located within recommendations have 2km of the site, however the closest been given. record was of a single grass snake approximately 0.6km south from the site beyond residential properties. The site lacks any connectivity to the location of these records with extensive areas of roads and residential properties separating known records from the site.

Considering the limited suitability of habitats on and immediately adjacent to the site, the site is considered to offer low habitat value for reptiles. Great Crested Newt Schedule 5 of the There were eight records of great As the habitats at the Wildlife and crested newt located within 2km of site are of low value to Countryside Act, the site, however the closest record great crested newt 1981 (as dated from 2005 and was located there will be no amended). approximately 1.8km form the site. significant impact.

Schedule 2 of the The habitats present at the site are No further Conservation of considered of limited value for great recommendations have Habitats and crested newt dominated by hard been given.

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Species standings, buildings and managed Regulations improved grassland. Whilst great 2010. crested newts will use these sub optimal habitats for commuting and dispersal, the likely hood of this species presence decreases greatly the further these habit are located away from breeding ponds. The closest pond to the site is approximately 240m south west. Considering the distance of this pond from the site and extensive areas of sub optimal surrounding the site this species is unlikely to be present at the site.

The site is considered of low habitat value for great crested newt. Western European NERC ACT 2006 Areas of scrub and hedgerow offer It is considered that the Hedgehog suitable cover for this species and development is unlikely Section 41 may be utilised these areas are of to have a significant Priority Species moderate habitat value for impact on this species of hedgehog. if recommendations in section 5.0 are followed. Bats Schedule 5 of the The desk study revealed records of The site does support Wildlife and two bat species within 2km of the some suitable bat Countryside Act, site, the presence of these species foraging and commuting 1981 (as at the site is considered possible as habitat. The western amended). these species will commonly utilise boundary hedgerow is habitats on and surrounding the considered of greatest Schedule 2 of the site. value for foraging and Conservation of commuting bats Habitats and The onsite buildings comprise of providing a linear Species single storey garage buildings that feature with good Regulations lack suitable bat roosting features connectivity to the 2010. or internal voids. The buildings at nearby wooded habitats. the site are considered of very low habitat value for roosting bats. However the site is relatively small offering The tree assessment of the site a limited area of confirmed eth majority of trees at foraging and the site were of low habitat value commuting. Larger areas for roosting bats. of woodland, hedgerow and meadow located to The site is considered of low – the north of the site moderate bat habitat value for within the Church Lane foraging and commuting bat species Flood Meadow LWS are The majority of habitats offer likely to be used by bats limited value for bat species for foraging and However the site does have commuting. connectivity to areas of foraging habitat within woodland located` to The western boundary the north of the site. hedgerow will be retained, however there is potential for low ‐

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moderate impacts on foraging and commuting bats through light/noise disturbance of western boundary

further recommendations have been given for survey work in section 5.0

5.0 Recommendations

Habitats 5.1 The majority of habitats on the site are considered common and widespread and of low ecological value. The areas of greatest value are located along the western boundary habitats. These areas will be retained within the proposals and protected during ongoing works at the site.

5.2 It is recommended as a post development enhancement new plantings are established increasing the diversity of habitats on the site and compensating any loss of tree cover at the site. Species planted should include a diverse mixture of native tree and shrub species commonly used for planting hedgerows and woodlands. The following provides a list of native plant species suitable for planting. Suitable species include the following: Large Trees

Silver Birch Betula pendula Horn beam Carpinus betulus Ash Fraxinus excelsior Field maple Acer campestre Cherry Prunus avium Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur

Small trees and or shrubs

hazel Corylus avellana Holly Ilex aquifolium Blackthorn Prunus spinosa Goat willow Salix cinerea Elder Sambucus nigra

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Dogwood Cornus sanguinea Wild privet Ligustrum vulgare Dog rose Rosa Canina Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Guelder rose Viburnum opulus

Badger 5.3 There were no active setts recorded on‐site or within 30 metres of the site and no evidence of foraging or commuting badger was recorded on‐site. However it is considered that badgers may occasionally commute through the site. During ongoing site works consideration must be given to the possibility of badgers entering the site. It is recommended that site excavations should be covered during night time to prevent badgers from falling and becoming trapped. If excavations are unable to be covered then a board should be placed within the hole overnight to ensure badgers a safe escape route.

Bats 5.4 The proposals should provide opportunities’ to enhance the site for roosting, foraging and commuting bats. As discussed new planting schemes within the proposed development will encourage a richer diversity of invertebrates and provide enhanced foraging opportunities for bats post development. The installation of 3 bat boxes within retained boundary trees will further enhance the site for roosting bats.

5.5 The boundary habitats at the site offer the greatest value to bats as linear foraging and commuting features. It is recommended that proposed new lighting at the site should not impact upon any retained boundary trees and hedgerows encouraging bats to utilise these features as foraging and commuting habitats. A bat sensitive lighting scheme should be incorporated into the proposals, the Bat Conservation Trust offer advice on such schemes within their current guidance document Bats and lighting – overview of current evidence and mitigation guidance (Stone 2013). Where possible a tree protection zone should be created along retained boundary habitats. The proposed fencing in Figure 2 of BS5837:2012, Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction is a fully secured Heras type fencing and will prevent access from the proposed development and informative no entry signs be installed on the fences.

Breeding Birds

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5.6 Any tree or shrub clearance should be carried out outside of the breeding bird survey season of March to August inclusive or following a nesting bird check by an appropriately qualified ecologist during the nesting season. This check must take place no more than 24 hours before the commencement of works. If during clearance a nesting bird is discovered, no works may occur within 5m of the nest until the young have fledged. Further enhancements should include the installation of 5 bird boxes within retained trees surrounding the site. Where possible the proposed new residential properties should incorporate nesting bird features such as sparrow terrace boxes.

Hedgehog 5.7 The installation of log pile refugia within retained boundary habitats will increase the value of this site for hedgehog. The refugia should include approximately a 1m2 of cut timber. Timber from trees removed at the site may be utilised. During clearance works at the site any suitable refuges such as log piles, dense leaf litter or scrub piles should be undertaken carefully, and dismantled by hand. Any hedgehogs found during the process should be carefully moved to the retained boundary habitats at the site and placed near the log pile refugia previously created.

Reptiles 5.8 It is recommended precautions are taken during clearance of the scrub on the site and that any clearance works in these areas should be undertaken under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist between the late March and September. Undertaking works during this period will avoid disturbances to reptiles that may be hibernating. The ecologist will complete a search of any refuse piles prior to clearance and undertake a watching brief during clearance works. Any reptiles found will be released to safety within habitats located to the west of the site. The creation of log refugia within retained boundary habitats at the proposed development will provide opportunities for reptile species to utilise the site post development.

6.0 Conclusions 6.1 The site in general is considered of low ecological value with internal habitats comprising of common and widespread habitats types, the greatest ecological value is found within the boundary hedgerow habitat that will be retained and enhanced. The loss of small area of scrub at the site will be compensated through replanting of a diverse mixture of broadleaved trees within boundary habitats, Recommendations given will ensure the proposals have minimal impact upon the protected species highlighted and the proposed site enhancements will maintain and increase the ecological value of the

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site provide suitable habitat for a range of wildlife including hedgehog, invertebrates, breeding birds and bats.

REFERENCES

Hundt L (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, 2nd Edition, Bat Conservation Trust JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a technique for environmental audit Joint Nature Conservation Committee Stone. E L (2013) Bats and lighting – overview of current evidence and mitigation guidance, Bat Conservation Trust

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FIGURES

Figure 1: Area of Hard standings to the west of the site.

Figure 2: Row of garages located along the eastern site boundary.

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Figure 3: Area of scrub located within the south west corner of the site.

Figure 4: Managed improved grassland and species poor hedgerow located along the eastern site boundary

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MAP 1 – Site Location Approximate site boundary shown in red

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MAP 2 – Phase 1 Habitat Map

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ANNEX ‐ LEGISLATION

The following details legislation covering the protection of UK species highlighted in this report, the information provided should be taken as a general guide, rather than comprehensive. In all cases readers should consult the relevant legislative documents in full and where necessary obtain further legal advice.

Badgers Badgers are afforded protection under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Under this legislation the following are considered an offence:

 To wilfully, kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill treat a badger;

 To attempt to do so; or

 To intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett.

Sett interference includes damaging or destroying a sett, obstructing access to a sett, and disturbing a badger whilst it occupies a sett.

Section 3(a) of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it an offence for a person to interfere with a badger sett by disturbing a badger that is occupying the sett.

There are two elements in this offence:

 There must be an action, capable of disturbing a badger, which amounts to an interference with a sett, and

 A badger must be occupying the sett at the time of the disturbance.

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The latter point is a question of fact i.e was there or was there not a badger occupying the sett when the alleged offence or action took place? However what constitutes an act capable of a disturbing badger occupying a sett is more difficult to determine.

The act does not define either interference or disturbance and we are not aware of any case law on the meaning of section 3(e) of the act. We therefore have to rely on the ordinary everyday meaning of the words. The Oxford Dictionary defines “to disturb” as:

 To agitate or destroy (quiet e.t.c);

 To break up the quiet, tranquillity;

 To stir up, trouble, disquiet, to agitate, to unsettle;

 To agitate mentally; and

 To interfere with the settled course of operations.

Disturbance is therefore something less than what might otherwise be considered damage to a sett – this distinction is recognised by the existence of two separate offences in the Act; one where there is damage to the sett and one for disturbance to a badger occupying a sett. However it is also something more than limited noise or activity near a sett at levels which badgers commonly tolerate.

Bats In England & Wales all bat species are protected under Annex II EC Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. This European legislation is implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2010.

In addition bats are afforded protection under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) listed on schedule 5.

The above legislation makes it illegal to carry out the following activities:

 deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat  deliberately disturb a bat, including in particular any disturbance which is likely to: impair the bats ability to survive, breed, reproduce or nurture their young. Impair their ability to hibernate or migrate, or

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To affect significantly the local distribution and or abundance of the species  Damage or destroy a breeding place a breeding site or resting place of a bat  Posess, control, transport exchange or sell a bat or parts of a bat dead or alive.

Additional conservation significance is afforded to four species of UK bats. Barbastelle, bechstein’s and greater and Lesser horseshoe bats, These species are listed on Annex II EC Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The conservation of these species requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

Activity that would result in the above offences being committed would require a EPS licence to avoid committing an offence. Natural England has powers to grant a licence

 preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment; or  for the purpose of health and safety

Natural England can only issue a licence if it is satisfied that the activity meets one of the above purposes and is also satisfied of the following;

 there is no satisfactory alternative; and  that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.

In order to satisfy the above three tests Natural England and the LPA must be provided with survey information of sufficient quality. Without the survey information a licence/planning application cannotd an should not be assessed or issued.

Referenced from Bat Conservation Trust Guidelines (Hundt 2012)

Birds

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects all birds, their nests and eggs, thus it is an

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 Kill, injure or take any wild bird.

 Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

 Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.  Have in one's possession or control any wild bird (dead or alive) or any part of a wild bird which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954.

 Have in one's possession or control any egg or part of an egg which has been taken in contravention to the Act. This includes items taken or killed before the passing of the Act.

 Have in one's possession or control any live bird of prey of any species in the world (with the exception of vultures and condors) unless it is registered and ringed in accordance with the Secretary of State's regulations.

 Have in one's possession or control any bird of a species occurring on Schedule 4 of the Act unless registered (and in some cases ringed) in accordance with the Secretary of State's regulations.

 Disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

Common Reptiles All common reptile species which includes grass snakes, adders, common lizards and slow worms, are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981. This legislation makes it illegal to intentionally kill or injure a common reptile.

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