PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT Phase 1 Desk Study Report

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Phase 1 Desk Study Report

Site Address 18 High Elms Chigwell IG7 6NF

Client Satnam Sohi

Report Reference ECO – 2019 - 000001

Prepared by STM Environmental Consultants Ltd

Date 10/06/2019

1 CONTENTS 1 Contents ...... 2 2 Document Control ...... 4 3 Disclaimer ...... 5 4 Executive Summary ...... 6 5 Introduction ...... 7 5.1 Aims and Objectives of the Report ...... 7 5.2 Methodology ...... 7 6 Policy And Legislative Context ...... 8 6.1 Policy Context ...... 8 6.1.1 Convention on Biological Diversity ...... 8 6.1.2 EU Biodiversity Strategy ...... 8 6.1.3 UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework ...... 8 6.1.4 National Planning Policy Framework ...... 8 6.2 Legislative Context...... 9 6.2.1 The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 ...... 9 6.2.2 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 ...... 9 6.3 Local Biodiversity Policy and Action Plan ...... 10 7 Site Description ...... 11 7.1 Site Location and Size ...... 11 7.2 Topography...... 12 7.3 Geology ...... 13 7.3.1 Published Geology ...... 13 7.4 Hydrology ...... 13 8 Land Use...... 13 8.1 Current and Surrounding Land Uses ...... 13 9 Relevant Planning History ...... 13 9.1 Proposed Development ...... 13 9.2 Previous Planning Applications ...... 14 10 Results Of Database Searches ...... 14 10.1 Statutorily Protected Sites ...... 14 10.2 Non-statutorily protected sites ...... 14 10.3 Results of Search of National Biodiversity Network Atlas Database ...... 14 10.3.1 Badgers ...... 14 10.3.2 Bats ...... 14 10.3.3 Birds ...... 15 10.3.4 Dormice ...... 15 10.3.5 Amphibians ...... 15 10.3.6 Reptiles ...... 15

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 2 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

10.3.7 Water Vole and Otter ...... 15 10.4 Results of Search of MAGIC Database ...... 15 11 Evaluation and Recommendations ...... 15 11.1 Protected Habitats ...... 15 11.1.1 Statutorily protected sites ...... 15 11.1.2 Trees/Hedgerows ...... 16 11.2 Protected Species and Resources ...... 16 11.2.1 Bats ...... 16 11.2.2 Amphibians and Reptiles ...... 16 11.2.3 Breeding Birds ...... 17 12 Conclusions ...... 17 13 Appendix 1 – Proposed Development Plans ...... 19 14 Appendix 2 – Site Photography ...... 20 15 Appendix 3 – NBN:List of Recorded Species with 2km ...... 21 16 Appendix 4 – Maps From Database Searches ...... 24

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 3 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

2 DOCUMENT CONTROL

PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT Phase 1 Desk Study Report

Site Address: 18 High Elms Chigwell IG7 6NF

Prepared for: Satnam Sohi

STM Reference: ECO – 2019 - 000001

Site Coordinates: 545424, 192909

Version No: 1.0

Date: 10/06/2019

Report Author’s: Matthew Ashdown (BSc) Environmental Consultant James Hodgkinson (MSc, BSc) Graduate Environmental Consultant

Final Report Checked & Simon Makoni (MSc, BSc) Authorised by: Environmental Engineer/Director

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 4 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

3 DISCLAIMER This report and any information or advice which it contains, is provided by STM Environmental Consultants Ltd and is solely for use by Satnam Sohi (Client). Any other party using or placing reliance upon any information contained in this report does so at their own risk.

STM Environmental Consultants Ltd has exercised such professional skill, care and diligence as may reasonably be expected of a properly qualified and competent consultant when undertaking works of this nature. However, STM Environmental Consultants Ltd gives no warranty, representation or assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of any information, assessments or evaluations presented within this report. Furthermore, STM Environmental accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage arising from the interpretation or use of the information contained within this report.

It is noted that some of the findings presented in this report are based on information obtained from third parties (i.e. Environmental Search Report). Whilst we assume that all information is representative of the site and of present conditions, we can offer no guarantee as to its validity regarding the short term or long-term history of the Site.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 5 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SECTION SUMMARY

Site Location The site is located at 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF at grid reference is And Size 545424, 192909 and has an area of approximately 0.951 ha.

Current Site and The site is currently occupied by a residential dwelling with associated garden. Surrounding Land The immediate surrounding land uses include other residential properties, Use woodlands/grasslands, a major road and farmland.

The development proposal is for the demolition of the existing dwelling house Proposed and proposed erection of a three-storey (and basement level), 9 dwelling block Development on the site.

Previous Planning No relevant information was found on the Epping District Council planning applications website. Applications

No statutorily Protected Sites were identified on the site. The closest is the London Area Greenbelt - Epping Forest SSSI / SAC located approximately Results of 0.5 km from the site. Database Searches A total of 285 different protected and other notable species were identified within a 2km buffer radius search using the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas database. These included Bats, Birds Amphibians and Reptiles.

Mitigation measures that could be implemented to prevent significant impacts on the identified receptors have been proposed.

With respect to Bats, it is recommended that an inspection of the site is undertaken by a licensed bat ecologist prior to the demolition of the existing building or removal of any trees takes place.

With regard to birds, it is recommended that any works associated with the vegetation removal or tree works to be commenced outside of nesting season. If this is not possible then a breeding bird nest check should be carried out by Evaluations & suitably qualified ecological clerk of works appointed to oversee the works. Recommendations With regard to trees and hedgerows, although some “low value” trees will be lost as part of the proposed development, the addition of new native trees within the landscape proposals will mitigate this loss. An aboricultural report produced for the site considers that the development is a good opportunity to enhance the landscape character of the site.

A watching brief should be kept at all times during the development. Should any evidence that protected species may be present be discovered during the development, then works should immediately cease and a suitably qualified Ecologist should be called in to assess the situation.

This table is intended as a summary of the desk study findings and should be read in conjunction with the main report.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 6 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

5 INTRODUCTION STM Environmental Consultants Ltd (STM) were commissioned by Satnam Sohi (Client) to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment at a site located at 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF.

The study is required to support a planning application for the demolition of the existing dwelling house and proposed erection of a three-storey (and basement level), 9 dwelling block on the site.

5.1 Aims and Objectives of the Report Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a process of identifying, quantifying and evaluating the potential effects of development-related or other proposed actions on habitats, species and ecosystems.

A Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA) generally starts with a Desk Study where readily available information on potential habitats in and around a site is reviewed. Should the Desk Study indicate that there is a potential for protected species to be present at the site, the Desk Study is followed up by a Habitat Survey of the site undertaken by an suitably experienced Ecologist.

This Desk Study has therefore been undertaken to provide an initial assessment of the potential for protected species and habitats to be present at the proposed development site.

5.2 Methodology The Desk Study was undertaken by collating and reviewing readily available information on potential habitats and species that could be present on and in the vicinity of the site.

The following resources were used to inform the desk study:

National and local planning policies have been reviewed for policies that relate to nature conservation relevant to the site.

The National Biodiversity Network (NBN), a registered charity, has been championing the sharing of biological data in the UK since 2000, with the aim of improving the availability of high resolution and high-quality data to provide the evidence base for all environmental decision-making in the UK.

National – Using the Government’s Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside1 (MAGIC) website, statutorily protected sites were scoped to a distance of 10km from the application site. DEFRA MAGIC geospatial ecology database.

Local – Biological Records Centre were approached for records of protected, notable or non-native invasive species, local wildlife sites, statutory designated sites and priority habitat information within 2km of site. This was extended to 4 km in respect of Bats.

A field survey was not conducted as part of the desk study. Instead photographs and videos of the site provided by the Client as well as Google/Bing Maps and Streetview were used to provide an indication of the potential of the existing buildings to provide a habitat for Bats.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 7 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

6 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

6.1 Policy Context

6.1.1 Convention on Biological Diversity The UK is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Nagoya, Japan, 2010 which sets out a conservation plan to protect global biodiversity.

6.1.2 EU Biodiversity Strategy In March 2010, the European Union (EU) agreed to an EU vision and 2020 mission for biodiversity which had the aims of:

ensuring that EU biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides are protected, valued and appropriately restored for biodiversity’s intrinsic value and for their essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity, and so that catastrophic changes caused by the loss of biodiversity are avoided; halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restore them insofar as is feasible, while stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss.

6.1.3 UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework

The framework shows how the work of the four countries making up the UK links with work at a UK level to achieve the targets and the aims of the EU biodiversity strategy.

6.1.4 National Planning Policy Framework The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that policies and decisions should be based on up-to date information about the natural environment and that local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity when determining planning applications (Paragraph 118).

Planning permission should be refused for any development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.

Any proposed development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is likely to have an adverse effect on the SSSI (either individually or in combination with other developments) should not normally be permitted unless the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the negative impacts.

If significant harm resulting from development cannot be avoided, developments should be relocated to alternative sites with less harmful impact. If developments are not able to adequately mitigated or compensated for any harm caused, then planning permission should be refused.

The NPPF further directs that development proposals where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be permitted and any opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 8 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

6.2 Legislative Context There are a number of national an European Acts and Regulations that work to protect endangered species and their habitats. Some of these are summarised and further discussed below.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010; The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006; The Protection of Badgers Act 1992; Protection of Birds Act 1954 The Hedgerow Regulations 1997;

The main pieces of legislation in this area are the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. These are further described below.

6.2.1 The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is domestic legislation for Great Britain. It consolidates and amends existing national legislation to implement the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive) in Great Britain.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 all birds and Bats, their nests and eggs are protected by law from intentional or reckless killing or disturbance, intentional or reckless obstruction of access to any place of shelter or protection; and/or, selling, offering or exposing for sale, possession or transporting for purpose of sale.

The Act also makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild animal listed on Schedule 5, and prohibits interference with places used for shelter or protection, or intentionally disturbing animals occupying such places. The Act also prohibits certain methods of killing, injuring, or taking wild animals.

In relation to plants, the Act makes it an offence (subject to exceptions) to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy any wild plants listed in Schedule 8 of the Act, or any seed or spore attached to any such wild plant. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale, or possess (for the purposes of trade), any live or dead Schedule 8 plants, or any part of, or anything derived from, such a plant.

6.2.2 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 transpose Council Directive 92/43/EEC, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (EC Habitats Directive), into national law. They also transpose elements of the EU Wild Birds Directive in England and Wales.

The Regulations provide for the designation and protection of 'European sites', the protection of 'European protected species', and the adaptation of planning and other controls for the protection of European Sites.

The Regulations make it an offence (subject to exceptions) to deliberately capture, kill, disturb, or trade in the animals listed in Schedule 2, or pick, collect, cut, uproot, destroy, or trade in the plants listed in Schedule 4. However, these actions can be made lawful through the granting of licenses by the appropriate authorities. Licenses may be granted for a number of purposes (such as science and education, conservation, preserving public health

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 9 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

and safety), but only after the appropriate authority is satisfied that there are no satisfactory alternatives and that such actions will have no detrimental effect on wild population of the species concerned.

All species of Bat are fully protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. It is illegal to injure, kill, capture or disturb a Bat. It is also illegal to damage, destroy or obstruct trees, buildings or other places used for roosting, even if Bats are not present.

6.3 Local Biodiversity Policy and Action Plan Active local biodiversity plans identified in the area of the site are listed below:

Epping Forest District Council Local Plan; Essex Biodiversity Action Plan

Epping Forest District Councils planning policy requires that developers consider habitat protection in their proposals and contribute to an overall biodiversity enhancement. Policy DM 1 Habitat Protection and Improving Biodiversity is summarised below and available here. It also contains the following local biodiversity objectives and targets:

CP2 – Protecting the quality of the rural and Built Environment. NC1 – NC5 Nature Conservation LL1 – LL13 Landscape and Landscaping

A. All development should seek to deliver net biodiversity gain in addition to protecting existing habitat and species. Development proposals should seek to integrate biodiversity through their design and layout, including, where appropriate, through the provision of connections between physical and functional networks.

B. Development proposals must protect and enhance natural habitats, areas and corridors for biodiversity and should not negatively impact upon areas of international or national designation. The provision of buffers to protect sensitive habitats including those of wetlands and ponds will be required where necessary.

C. Development proposals which are likely to have a negative impact on a locally designated site (Local Wildlife Site and Local Nature Reserve) will only be permitted where the benefits of the proposed development clearly outweigh the value of the ecological feature adversely affected and there are no appropriate alternatives.

D. In exceptional circumstances where the negative impacts of development on natural habitat and biodiversity are unavoidable, the negative impacts must be proportionately addressed in accordance with local guidelines.

E. The details of any necessary enhancing, mitigating or compensatory measures should accompany the planning application as appropriate by a suitably qualified ecological professional.

F. The loss, deterioration or fragmentation of irreplaceable habitats, such as veteran trees and ancient woodland, will not be permitted unless the benefits clearly outweigh the loss.

G. Where there are grounds to believe that a Protected Species, Priority Species, Priority Habitat or other valuable habitat may be affected by the proposed development, applicants must provide a full survey and site assessment to establish the extent of potential impact. This evidence should inform appropriately designed plans and mitigation measures.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 10 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

H. Ecological impacts of a proposed development will be quantified by using the Biodiversity Impact Assessment Calculator (BIAC) where appropriate. Development proposals must demonstrate a net gain in ecological units.

7 SITE DESCRIPTION

7.1 Site Location and Size The site is located at 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF at grid reference is 545424, 192909.

The site lies within the jurisdiction of Epping District Council in terms of the planning process.

The site has an area of approximately 0.951 ha. Maps showing the location of the site are presented in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Maps showing the location of the site

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 11 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

Google Map Image

7.2 Topography Based on Elevation Finder/ Google Earth, the general site level is approximately 80.8 mAOD.

The site is situated on a gradual slope, it is lowest in the southern corner and gradually rises to the rear corner, in the north, it ranges from 79.8 – 82.8mAOD.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 12 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

7.3 Geology

7.3.1 Published Geology According to the BGS GeoIndex, the site is located on bedrock of Claygate Member. The superficial deposits are Till.

7.4 Hydrology The nearest surface water feature is the Pond at Alder House which is located approximately 200m E of the site.

8 LAND USE

8.1 Current and Surrounding Land Uses The site is currently used as a large residential house and garden. The age of the existing building is unknown but it appears to have been built in the 1970 - 80’s. The building is brick built with timber cladding on the first floor. It appears to be in good overall condition.

The majority of the site surface comprises of paved hard standing, which is used as a driveway and car parking. Small areas of amenity grassland are present along the Southern and Eastern boundary of the site.

There are a number of mature trees are present on and along the borders of the site. These appear to include Yew, Maple, Cedar, Horse Chesnut, and English and Holm oak.

An ornamental hedge comprising of laurel borders the Southern and Eastern boundaries of the site. The hedge appears to be well established, although more recent planting has been undertaken towards the eastern side. The hedgerows on and around the site are fragmented sections which are considered unlikely to be protected under the Hedgerow Regulations.

A description of current land uses surrounding the boundaries of the site is given below in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Summary of surrounding land uses

Boundary Land Use Description Northern Woodlands/Grasslands Eastern Road (Vicarage Lane and Lambourne Road T Junction. Residential). Southern Green Belt / Wells Park School Western Residential / Farmland

9 RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY

9.1 Proposed Development The development proposal is for the demolition of the existing dwelling house and proposed erection of a three-storey (and basement level), 9 dwelling blocks on the site.

The proposed development plans are contained in Appendix 1.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 13 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

9.2 Previous Planning Applications Epping Forest District Council’s online planning portal was searched in an effort to identify any relevant planning applications on the site. No relevant documents were identified.

10 RESULTS OF DATABASE SEARCHES As mentioned above a variety of datasets were screened in order to assess the ecological sensitivity of the site.

10.1 Statutorily Protected Sites The Statutorily Protected Sites identified within 4km of the site identified are listed in the table and map below.

Table 2. Statutorily Protected Sites Name Designation Distance from Site Comments Hainault Forest SSSI 1.5km E Chigwell Row Wood LNR 1km E Roding Valley SSSI 2.7km NW Meadows London Area Greenbelt - Epping SSSI / SAC 0.5 km W Forest

A map showing the location of the identified protected site is available in Appendix 6.

10.2 Non-statutorily protected sites No non-statutorily protected sites (i.e. local wildlife sites) were identified within 2km of the site location.

10.3 Results of Search of National Biodiversity Network Atlas Database The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) atlas database was searched within a 2km radius of the site.

The 2km buffer radius search recorded 285 different protected and other notable species. These included Insecta, Mammalia, Reptilia, Magnoliopsida, Bryopsida, Jungermanniopsida, Polytrichopsida, Amphibia, Gastropoda and Marchantiopsida.

A full list of the species identified area available in Appendix 3. Further observations on specific species are presented below.

10.3.1 Badgers There are no records of badger observations within 2km of the site location were identified.

10.3.2 Bats There are records of long eared Bats within 2km of the site location. However, it is considered that there is low potential for Bats to roost within the area due to lack of buildings or trees with obvious roosting potential.

It is however possible that Bat species may forage over the site, particularly the vegetated areas along the Northern site boundary.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 14 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

10.3.3 Birds Records of notable bird species where identified from the NBN records. These species Redwing Turdus iliacus, Skylark Alauda arvensis, Starling Sturnus vulgaris, and are of high conversation value nationally.

Six Schedule 1 birds where identified within a 2km radius of the site within the NBN records. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, Redwing Turdus iliacu, Ruff Calidris pugnax, Scaup Aythya marila, Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti and Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus.

There is potential for bird species to nest within the laurel hedge and trees surround the site and it is recommended any works on trees/shrubbery is performed outside nesting season.

10.3.4 Dormice There are no recent records of dormice in the locality. Dormice are known to use woodland, hedgerows and scrub in Epping. However, the ornamental laurel hedgerow is considered a suboptimal habitat due to poor species diversity and poor connectivity to other suitable habitats.

10.3.5 Amphibians There is one record of Great Crested Newts and one of unspecified Newts within 2km of the site location. However the site itself is considered to be of low potential habitat value for the species as there are no pools, rough grassland or scrub located directly within it. However the hedgerows and adjacent rough grassland could present a potential habitat.

10.3.6 Reptiles There are records of three slow worm observations within 2km of the site. However, the site and mown amenity grassland is considered suboptimal habitat due to regular disturbance by mowers and poor vegetation cover.

10.3.7 Water Vole and Otter There are no records of water voles or otters within 2km of the site location.

10.4 Results of Search of MAGIC Database The Defra mapping available at https://magic.defra.gov.uk/magicmap.aspx has been used to outline and assess ecological significance and habitat locations in relation to the development. Maps showing the results of the search are presented in Appendix 4.

The data search identified that the site is in an area where the Lapwing is a Priority Species for Countryside Stewardship Targeting.

11 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This section provides a brief assessment of the likely impacts associated with the proposed development on the potential habitats and species identified by the desk study.

11.1 Protected Habitats

11.1.1 Statutorily protected sites The sites identified during the desktop study were cross referenced with the survey area relevant to this report.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 15 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

The closest statutorily protected sites are Hainault Forest, Roding Valley Meadows, Chigwell Row Wood and Epping Forest. Given the reasons for their designation and distance from the proposed development site, it is considered unlikely that the proposed development will have a direct or indirect impact on these or any other statutorily protected sites locally.

Given the lack of proximity, it is considered very unlikely that the development will impact upon any of the identified protected sites.

4.1.2 Non-statutorily protected No non-statutorily protected sites were identified by the datasearch.

11.1.2 Trees/Hedgerows Site clearance and construction activities too close to the root protection areas of the trees and hedgerows could cause permanent damage.

The Client provided an aboricultural report produced by Tracy Clarke Tree Consultancy (Ref: TCTC-10017, Date: June 2018). This confirms that that all the trees on the site are protected under a Tree Preservation Order (ref: EPF/17/91) which protects individual trees, groups and areas of trees within the locality.

It further concluded that the tree loss resulting from the development would be limited to five low value poplar trees, one London plane with significant stem defects, an early mature sweet chestnut and a horse chestnut, all of which are of poor or fair structural condition. It considered that none of the trees to be worthy of retention with the proposal. As new native trees are proposed within the landscape proposals for the site to mitigate for their loss, it considers that the development is therefore a good opportunity to enhance the landscape character of the site.

11.2 Protected Species and Resources

11.2.1 Bats The area presents reasonable Bat habitat and has features which have potential to be used by foraging, commuting and roosting Bats.

Although the existing building is relatively modern, due to the fact that it is partly timber clad, it is possible that Bats may be using it for roosting purposes. There are also a number of mature trees on site, which may have features suitable to support roosting Bats.

As a result, it is recommended that an inspection of the site is undertaken by a licensed Bat ecologist prior to the demolition of the existing building or removal of any trees takes place. If there are features present which are suitable for use by roosting Bats then further emergence / return roost surveys may be required during the survey season (May to September inclusive).

Any landscaping proposals should aim to ensure that any suitable habitat on site for Bats identified is retained.

11.2.2 Amphibians and Reptiles Although a record of Great crested newts was identified in the area, it is considered unlikely that they are present on site. However, the adjacent rough grassland and hedgerows may have potential to support common amphibian species.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 16 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

To mitigate any potential impacts the work area should be prepared in order to minimise the risk of amphibian presence prior to the starting work on the site. Any areas of dense vegetation within the development area should have their sward length reduced gradually in order to give any amphibians present time to move off site of their own accord. The mown / cleared area should then be maintained with a short sward until the works on site have been completed. Any potential hibernacula will be removed from the working area and placed in a suitable area close to site. Hibernacula could include, piles of rubble, bricks, loose soil, debris etc.

11.2.3 Breeding Birds The surrounding grassland and ephemeral habitats, scattered trees and hedgerows are considered to have potential to support breeding birds.

As mitigation it is recommended that any vegetation or site clearance works within the site boundary are undertaken outside of the recognised breeding bird season (March to September inclusive). If this is not possible then a breeding bird nest check should be carried out or an ecological clerk of works appointed to oversee the works.

Any landscaping proposals should ensure that any habitats that could be used for foraging, roosting and nesting birds will be retained or added to the site.

Possible migratory landscaping features include:

planting of berry and nut bearing shrub species to encourage winter birds planting and management of shrubs which develop a mosaic of structures to support breeding birds use of nectar bearing flowers to encourage invertebrates (bees, beetles, butterflies) use of climbers to increase the amount green space e.g Honeysuckle planting of specimen trees retention of mature trees creation of areas of short grassland suitable for foraging garden bird species

The inclusion of bird boxes, such as Schwegler 1B’s, hung on trees locally could provide improved nesting opportunities for birds whilst the landscaping becomes established. Schwegler 1B nest boxes are a good general purpose nest box which are suitable for a range of species, including species recorded on site.

Bird boxes should be positioned at least 2m high. Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, face the box between north and east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and the wettest winds.

12 CONCLUSIONS This Phase 1 Ecological Desk Study was carried out to support a planning application seeking the demolition of the existing dwelling house and proposed erection of a three- storey (and basement level), 9 dwelling blocks on the site.

No statutorily protected sites were found in the immediate vicinity of the site. A review of available data suggests however that the site and immediate surrounding area may contain habitats for protected species, principally Bats and breeding birds. Hedgerows and mature trees were also identified which could be impacted by the proposed works.

Mitigation measures that could be implemented to prevent significant impacts on the identified receptors have been proposed.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 17 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

With respect to Bats, it is recommended that an inspection of the site is undertaken by a licensed bat ecologist prior to the demolition of the existing building or removal of any trees takes place.

With regard to trees and hedgerows, although some “low value” trees will be lost as part of the proposed development, the addition of new native trees within the landscape proposals will mitigate this loss. An aboricultural report produced for the site considers that the development is a good opportunity to enhance the landscape character of the site.

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 18 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

13 APPENDIX 1 – PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLANS

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14 APPENDIX 2 – SITE PHOTOGRAPHY

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15 APPENDIX 3 – NBN:LIST OF RECORDED SPECIES WITH 2KM

Common name Common name Common name 10-spot Ladybird Fox Pied Wagtail 11-spot Ladybird French Partridge Pied/White Wagtail 14-spot Ladybird Fringed Heartwort Pintail 16-spot Ladybird Gadwall Pochard 22-spot Ladybird Garden Warbler Pointed Spear-moss 24-spot Ladybird Garganey Punctate Corixa 2-spot Ladybird Girdled Snail Rabbit 7-spot Ladybird Goat Willow Red-Breasted Merganser Adonis' Ladybird Golden Plover Red-Crested Pochard Anomalous Bristle-moss Goldeneye Redshank Arctic Tern Goldfinch Redstart Ash Goosander Redwing Barn Owl Grasshopper Warbler Reed Bunting Barnacle Goose Great Black-Backed Gull Reed Warbler Barred Hook-Tip Great Crested Grebe Rigid Beard-moss Bats Great Crested Newt Ringed Plover Bay Willow Great Hairy Screw-moss Ring-Necked Parakeet Bifid Crestwort Great Northern Diver Rock Pipit Bird's-claw Beard-moss Great Spotted Woodpecker Roesel's Bush Cricket Black Redstart Great Tit Rook Black Swan Great Water Beetle Rosemary Beetle Blackbird Green Plover Rough-stalked Feather-moss Blackcap Green Sandpiper Rowan Black-Headed Gull Green Woodpecker Ruff Black-Necked Grebe Greenfinch Sand Martin Black-poplar Grey Heron Saucer bugs Bleached Pug Grey Partridge Scaup Blue Tit Grey Squirrel Sedge Warbler Bluebell Grey Wagtail Shelduck Bordered Screw-moss Grey-cushioned Grimmia Short-Eared Owl Boxworm Greylag Goose Short-leaved Pocket-moss Brambling Harlequin Ladybird Shoveler Broom Fork-moss Hart's-tongue Thyme-moss Silky Forklet-moss Brown Hare Hawfinch Silky Wall Feather-moss Brown Rat Hawthorn Silver Birch Bruch's Pincushion Heather Ladybird Silver-moss Bud-headed Groove-moss Hedgehog Siskin Bullfinch Herring Gull Skylark Buzzard Hobby Slender Pocket-moss Canada Goose Holly Sloe Cape Thread-moss Hooded Bristle-moss Slow-worm

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 21 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

Capillary Thread-moss Horned Grebe Smew Carolina Wood Duck Horse-Chestnut Snipe Carrion Crow House Martin Soft-tufted Beard-moss Cetti's Warbler House Sparrow Song Thrush Chaffinch Jack Snipe Spanish Bluebell Chalk Rock-bristle Jackdaw Sparrowhawk Chiffchaff Jay Spotted Flycatcher Chinese Barking Deer Kestrel Springy Turf-moss Clustered Feather-moss Kidney-spot Ladybird Stag Beetle Coal Tit Kingfisher Starling Collared Dove Kneiff's Feather-moss Stock Dove Common Cord-moss Large Red-tailed Bumblebee Stonechat Common Feather-moss Lateral Cryphaea Supine Plait-moss Common Frillwort Lesser Black-Backed Gull Swallow Common Frog Lesser Pocket-moss Swan's-neck Thyme-moss Common Gull Lesser Redpoll Swartz's Feather-moss Common Pondskater Lesser Screw-moss Swedish Whitebeam Common Pottia Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Sycamore Common Sandpiper Lesser Whitethroat Tawny Owl Common Smoothcap Lily Beetle Teal Common Swift Linnet Tender Feather-moss Common Tern Little Egret Thickpoint Grimmia Common Toad Little Owl Tiger Cranefly Common Water-Boatman Little Ringed Plover Treecreeper Continental Goldcrest London Plane Tufted Duck Continental Robin Long-eared Bat species Turtle Dove Coot Long-Tailed Tit Variable-leaved Crestwort Cormorant Lunar Yellow Underwing Velvet Feather-moss Corn Bunting Magpie Wall Feather-moss Crack Willow Mallard Wall Screw-moss Cramp-Ball Fungus Weevil Mandarin Water Measurer Cream-spot Ladybird Many-fruited Thyme-moss Water Pipit Creeping Feather-moss Marsh Harrier Water Rail Crimson-tuber Thread-moss Matted Feather-moss Water Scorpion Cuckoo Meadow Grasshopper Waxwing Cuspidate Earth-moss Meadow Pipit Western Conifer Seed Bug Cylindric Beard-moss Mediterranean Gull Wheatear Cypress-leaved Plait-moss Merlin Whimbrel Dabchick Mistle Thrush Whinchat Dark-bellied Brent Goose Moorhen Whitethroat Domestic Cat Muscovy Duck White-tipped Bristle-moss Dotted-Border Wave Mute Swan Whitish Feather-moss Dunlin Neat Feather-moss Wigeon Dunnock Newt Wild Cherry

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 22 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

Early Bumble Bee Nightingale Willow Warbler Egyptian Goose Nuthatch Woodcock Elegant Bristle-moss Oak-Tree Pug Woodpigeon Even Scalewort Orange Ladybird Wren Evergreen Spindle Overleaf Pellia Yellow Wagtail Feral Pigeon Oystercatcher Yellowhammer Fieldfare Pedunculate Oak Yellow-legged Gull Firecrest Peregrine Floating Crystalwort Pheasant Forked Veilwort Pied Flycatcher

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 23 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

16 APPENDIX 4 – MAPS FROM DATABASE SEARCHES Figure 2: Map showing location of Ecological Protection Zones

SITE

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 24 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

Figure 3: Biodiversity and Habitats (MAGIC)

SITE

Figure 4: Priority Species for Countryside Stewardship Targeting (MAGIC)

SITE

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 25 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19

Figure 5: Granted European Protected Species Applications (England) (MAGIC)

Figure 6: Countryside Stewardship Targeting & Scoring Layers (MAGIC)

SITE

Site: 18 High Elms, Chigwell, IG7 6NF 26 Report Reference: MSIC – 2019 - 000001 Date: June 19