Proposed Extension to Stephens & George Print

PROPOSED EXTENSION TO STEPHENS & GEORGE PRINT GROUP, GOATMILL ROAD, DOWLAIS, MERTHYR TYDFIL

ECOLOGICAL APPRAISAL

MAY 2018

BE Ecological Ltd 2, Park View House, Heolgerrig, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1SY [email protected]

Garth Isaf Farm: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

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BE Ecological Ltd, 2 Park View House, Heolgerrig, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1SY [email protected]

Stephens and George Print Group, Goatmill Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil

Ecological Appraisal

Document control

Issue Stage Author Checked Approved Date 1 Issue BE HD BE 08.05.18

DISCLAIMER The report, content and all information contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written permissions of BE Ecological Ltd. No part of this report or the information contained herein may be copied or reproduced without prior written consent from BE Ecological Ltd. This report has been prepared for the sole use of the commissioning party (s) contained herein and under no circumstance is any other party to make use of this report and information unless agreed in writing by BE Ecological Ltd. The report and information may not be used for any reason, including use for planning purposes, until such times as all outstanding fees relating to it have been paid to BE Ecological Ltd. No liability is accepted by BE Ecological Ltd for any use of the report or its contents, other than for those purposes stated.

BE Ecological Ltd, 2 Park View House, Heolgerrig, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1SY [email protected]

Stephens & George Print Group:: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

CONTENTS NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY ...... 2

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 OBJECTIVE 3 1.2 METHODOLOGY 3 1.3 SITE DESCRIPTION 3 1.4 PROPOSED DEVLOPMENT 6 1.5 STUDY AREA 6 1.6 PLANNING FRAMEWORK 6 2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK...... 7 2.1 INTERNATIONAL 7 2.2 NATIONAL (UK) 7 2.3 NATIONAL (WALES) 8 2.4 LOCAL AND REGIONAL 8 3 PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY ...... 9 3.1 SUMMARY 9 3.2 BACKGROUND 9 3.3 METHODOLOGY 9 3.4 CONSTRAINTS 9 3.5 RESULTS 9 4 CONCLUSION ...... 12

5 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 12

6 REFERENCES ...... 13

APPENDIX A - PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY PHOTOS ...... 14

Plate 1- View of factory rear (facing east) ...... 14

APPENDIX B - METHOD STATEMENT: SITE CLEARANCE IN RESPECT OF REPTILES ...... 16

APPENDIX C - REPTILE HIBERNACULA DESIGN OPTIONS ...... 18

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Stephens & George Print Group:: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

An ecological assessment was undertaken of an area of land behind Stephens & George Print Group, Goat Mill Road, Merthyr Tydfil. The work included assessments of the habitats, the potential for protected species to be present and initial assessments of any potential impacts on those habitats sites and species present.

Overall the site is of low to moderate ecological value.

The habitats on the site are common and widespread with species typical and representative of the habitat.

The site offers optimal habitat for reptiles, however, a full trapping and translocation exercise is considered unnecessary for the proposed works, as long as the site is cleared in accordance with a method statement based on habitat manipulation and denial, which pushes reptiles into adjacent unaffected habitat to the north. The method statement for dealing with this group is appended to this report.

The site is likely to offer some potential for breeding birds. Works must be undertaken outside of the breeding bird season unless a check of the vegetation for breeding birds is undertaken by a competent ecologist. Work may only be undertaken within the breeding bird season if there are no active nests within the vicinity of the proposed works.

It is anticipated that no further ecological surveys will be required unless required by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or Natural Resources Wales or unless the scope of works changes.

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Stephens & George Print Group:: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this report are to:

 collate and analyse existing ecological information relating to the site;  identify the habitats present on site;  identify the presence of protected sites;  identify the potential for protected species to be present on site;  using the information gathered to determine whether there will be any impacts (both positive and negative) on the protected sites, species and habitats present or nearby;  provide recommendations for further survey as necessary; and  suggest outline mitigation and enhancement ideas and principles

1.2 METHODOLOGY

To achieve the objectives set out above, the following actions were taken:

 Ecological information data search: 1. Local biological records data search; and  Field based assessments in respect of 1. Habitats; 2. Bats; 3. Dormice; 4. Great crested newt; 5. Otter; 6. Water vole; 7. Badger; 8. Reptiles; and 9. Breeding birds

The impact assessment has been undertaken by ecological feature rather than by section i.e. each subject is discussed and assessed separately and summarised in conjunction with the others.

1.3 SITE DESCRIPTION

Photos are at Appendix A.

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Stephens & George Print Group:: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

The Stephens and George factory is located to the south of the Goat Mill Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil.

The factory is surrounded by commercial units and housing in all directions excluding the southern elevation where it is adjacent to an area of planted broad leaved woodland and an area of semi-improved grassland that backs onto the A4060 (Figure 1).

The site is surrounded by landscape planting, presumably undertaken at the time of the initial development of the site.

The site is located on the edge of an urban environment (Merthyr Tydfil). The landscape planting provided good connectivity to natural and semi-natural habitats (Figure 2).

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Stephens & George Print Group:: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

Figure 1 – detailed view of the development site (extension and excavation area outlined red)

(Image courtesy of Google Earth)

Figure 2 – wider view of the development site (work area circled red)

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1.4 PROPOSED DEVLOPMENT

It is proposed to extend the Stephens & George factory. The works will require excavating 20-25m of the wooded bank behind the factory.

1.5 STUDY AREA

The field survey looked at the development area itself and wherever possible up to 50m from the site boundaries.

1.6 PLANNING FRAMEWORK

The proposed development will be undertaken wholly under the auspices of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

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Land Northwest of Werfa Lane: January 2018 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

2.1 INTERNATIONAL

European Union legislation requires that member states designate sites for the protection of habitats and species included in the annexes of both Council Directive 92/43/EC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna (the Habitats Directive) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive). This legislation is implemented in the UK by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) (“the Habitat Regulations”). This results in sites being designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas respectively (SPAs).

2.2 NATIONAL (UK)

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) allows sites to be designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for one or all of the following categories:

 Flora;  Fauna;  Habitat; and  Geological importance.

European designated sites are automatically designated as SSSIs prior to their designation.

The relevant legislation includes:

 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended);  The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended);  The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);  Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000;  Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996; and  The Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) are tools which are used to monitor, manage and enhance those habitats and species which are of significance to an area or organisation, The United Kingdom BAP lists a number of priority habitats and species which are of conservation concern.

Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (as amended) requires all public bodies to have regard wherever possible to conserving biodiversity. Section 42 of the Act requires that a list of habitats and species of Principle Importance for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in Wales be produced.

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2.3 NATIONAL (WALES)

Planning Policy Wales (Welsh Assembly Government, 2002) and Planning Policy Wales Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning (Welsh Assembly Government, September 2009) set out the protection given to wildlife (sites, habitats and species) by the planning system operational in Wales.

2.4 LOCAL AND REGIONAL

The proposed development is wholly within the Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council area of responsibility. Therefore, all planning and development policies adopted by the Council will apply.

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3 PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY

3.1 SUMMARY

The following habitats were recorded across the survey area. These were:

 Scrub  Planted broad-leaved woodland  Amenity grassland

The potential for a number of protected species was recorded on site including:

 Reptiles  Breeding birds

3.2 BACKGROUND

The Phase 1 habitat survey was carried out to assess the existing habitats, identify any protected habitats or species that may be present, determine the impact of the proposed works on them, and identify any mitigation measures that may be necessary. This was done by undertaking a field survey.

The survey was undertaken on 25th April 2018.

Phase 1 habitat survey is a way of recording the basic habitat data to form a baseline level of knowledge of the ecology of a site and provide recommendations for future surveys if considered necessary.

3.3 METHODOLOGY

3.3.1 Field survey:

Experienced surveyors from BE Ecological Ltd carried out a habitat assessment and mapping exercise in April 2018 using the Phase 1 habitat survey technique. Nomenclature follows Stace (1997)1.

3.4 CONSTRAINTS

There were no constraints to the survey.

3.5 RESULTS

3.5.1 Habitats

The following habitats were found on the site:

1 Stace, C (1997). New Flora of the British Isles (2nd Ed.). Cambridge University Press

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3.5.1.1 Amenity grassland

This habitat is found within the 3m immediately surrounding the factory. Species present include Yorkshire fog, ragwort, common daisy, herb Robert, common bent, perennial ryegrass, dandelion, ribwort plantain, rosebay willowherb, creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), common field horsetail and soft rush

3.5.1.2 Scrub

This habitat is located between the grassland and the broad-leaved woodland and is comprised of bramble (rubus fruticosus agg.), butterfly bush (Buddlija davidii), grey willow (Salix cinerea), rosebay willowherb, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and elder (Sambucus nigra

3.5.1.3 Broad-leaved woodland (plantation)

The plantation woodland is located approximately 8m on the embankment to the rear of the factory. The area is comprised of alder (Alnus glutionosa), larch (Larix sp.), silver birch (Betula pendula) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior).

3.5.2 Protected species assessment

3.5.2.1 Bats (Chiroptera)

There are no features to be lost that are suitable for roosting bats.

The trees within the planted woodland to the rear of the site displayed features suitable for roosting bats are young and none of the trees provide any potential roost features that bats may use. It should be assumed that the site provides good foraging habitat and therefore any lighting to the rear of the extension should be limited where possible.

This group will not be considered further in this report.

3.5.2.2 Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)

The scrub and woodland present is sparse and young and has a result it is considered to be of negligible potential for dormice.

As a result of the above, providing plans do not deviate from what has been agreed, there will be no loss of dormouse habitat and as such, no further surveys will be required for this group.

This species will not be considered further in this report.

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Stephens & George Print Group:: May 2018 Ecological Appraisal

3.5.2.3 Otter (Lutra lutra)

There are no streams or watercourses in close proximity to the site. No evidence of otter was recorded on the site.

This species will not be considered further in this report.

3.5.2.4 Badger (Meles meles)

The site offers potential foraging habitat for this species. There is no sett building habitat on the site. No evidence of badger was observed on the site.

This species will not be considered further in this report.

3.5.2.5 Breeding birds

Breeding birds may well use the scrub and planted woodland present on the site.

It is thought that a full breeding bird survey is not required in this instance providing the work is undertaken outside of the breeding bird season (i.e., between September and march inclusive). Works may be undertaken during the breeding bird season providing the vegetation is assessed by a competent ecologist and no active birds nests are found.

3.5.2.6 Reptiles

The site provides optimal habitat for reptiles This group will need to be considered further in this report.

3.5.2.7 Great Crested Newt

There are no ponds present on site. The site is of negligible potential for great crested newt. In the likely event that great crested newt are on the site, the methods for dealing with reptiles will safeguard this species. If great crested newt are found to be present on the site, all works will cease, NRW consulted and a licence obtained.

This group will not be considered further in this report.

3.5.3 Other species / features

There is no evidence to suggest that any other species use the site.

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4 CONCLUSION

Overall the site is of low-moderate ecological value.

The habitats on the site are common and widespread with species typical and representative of the habitat.

The only protected species that need to be considered as a result of the clearance of the site are reptiles and ground nesting birds.

The method statement for reptiles will also safeguard the unlikely presence of great crested newt.

If any European Protected Species are found on the site at any time, all works will cease, NRW and the council consulted and the relevant licences will be obtained before works re-commence.

5 RECOMMENDATIONS

No further ecological surveys are considered necessary unless required by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or Natural Resources Wales.

It is considered that a full reptile survey followed by trapping and translocation is not necessary providing the site is cleared in accordance with a method statement based on habitat manipulation and denial (thereby pushing animals into adjacent retained and unaffected habitats). A method statement for dealing with reptiles can be found in Appendix B. This method statement will also safeguard the presence of amphibians and the unlikely presence of great crested newt. Should great crested newt be found on the site at any time, all works will cease, NRW consulted and a licence obtained.

It is likely that breeding birds will utilise the site. Works should be undertaken outside of the breeding bird season (September- March) to avoid any detrimental impacts on this group.

The lighting to the southern elevation of the extension should be limited to avoid any adverse impacts on foraging and commuting bats.

Habitats should be retained wherever possible with clearance minimised as far as possible.

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6 REFERENCES

Bat Conservation Trust (2007) Bat Surveys - Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

Battersby, J. (Ed) & Tracking Mammals Partnership. (2005). UK Mammals: Species Status and Population Trends. First Report by the Tracking Mammals Partnership. JNCC/Tracking Mammals Partnership.

EC Directive 92/43/EEC (The Habitats Directive) (1992). Annexes II and V.

Froglife (2001). Surveying for Great Crested Newt Conservation. Froglife.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2001) Handbook for phase 1 habitat survey: A technique for environmental audit. JNCC.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2003). Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual JNCC

Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006: Section 42 List of Species of Principal Importance for Conservation of Biological Diversity in Wales. Welsh Assembly Government

Planning Policy Wales (2002).

Protection of Badgers Act (1992).

Stace, C A (1997) New Flora of the British Isles (2nd Ed) Cambridge University Press

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) (as amended) (HMSO).

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

Welsh Assembly Government (2007). Planning Policy Wales Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning.

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APPENDIX A - PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY PHOTOS

Plate 1- View of factory rear (facing east)

Plate 2- Example of sparse woodland

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Plate 3- View of woodland facing west

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APPENDIX B - METHOD STATEMENT: SITE CLEARANCE IN RESPECT OF REPTILES

1. Following a reptile habitat assessment, it was considered that the site has the potential to support a population of slow worm (Anguis fragilis), grass snake (Natrix natrix), probably common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) and possibly adder (Vipera berus). The presence of reptiles should therefore be assumed, hence the need for a Method Statement to ensure that works are carried out in such a way as to avoid harm to reptiles.

2. Vegetation will be cleared from directly affected areas only e.g. areas to be built on or forming part of any landscaping scheme. It will be cut and raked as described above. short as possible, ≤ 30 mm wherever possible. Vegetation will be cut in three phases. The first phase will reduce the vegetation height to 75mm; the second will reduce it to ≈30mm; the third phase will reduce the height to as close to ground level as possible. There will be a time delay of 48 hours between the first and second cuts.

3. The vegetation will be maintained as close to bare ground as possible either by spraying or ongoing repeated cutting using brush cutters with knife blades to ensure that there is no potential for reptiles to utilise the site after the initial clearance. This is the preferred method as it reduces the potential for killing and injuring of reptiles and other animals when using tractor towed flails and mowers. Reptile fencing will not be required as long as the bare ground / short vegetation habitat is maintained.

4. All arisings will be raked off and spread (creating habitat piles) on unaffected land or removed from site for disposal. The orientation of the cutting will be designed to push reptiles into unaffected areas once the areas for clearance have been identified without having to undertake a full translocation exercise.

5. Should the vegetation be allowed to regrow above 150mm high, it will be cut as short as possible as described above and raked.

6. It is considered that as there appears to be some hibernation sites on the site which will be affected by the development the clearance can be undertaken at any time of year. However, clearance by hand will allow early identification of potential reptile hibernation sites (rock piles, tree stumps etc) and avoid damaging or disturbing them. The requirement to leave temporary (for the duration of the clearance phase only) vegetation corridors extending from the potential hibernacula to uncleared areas will be decided on site at the time of cutting.

7. Potential hibernacula will only be cleared once day time temperatures are consistently over 12°C for a period of at least seven days as otherwise reptiles may be killed or injured as a result of inconsistent (low) temperatures (during the day and night) and low prey availability. Potential hibernacula will only be dismantled by hand unless the supervising ecologist gives the approval for machine dismantling.

8. If reptiles are observed within the clearance area during the works, a decision on how to deal with them will be made on site in light of the conditions on site at the time and the state of the animals themselves. There are three options for dealing with them:

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 It may be possible to leave the animals alone to find their own way into cover, depending on where they are seen, what they are doing and their apparent activity levels; or

 Capture, remove from site and take into temporary captivity until such time as they can be released adjacent to the cleared area (a vivarium has been prepared in case it is required); or

 Should conditions allow, capture and translocate the animals to a safe area immediately adjacent to the site.

9. Hibernation sites for other species (e.g. newts) can be identified and avoided.

10. The vegetation and hibernacula clearance will be supervised by a suitably experienced ecologist and a new hibernaculum will be created as an enhancement (Appendix C).

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APPENDIX C - REPTILE HIBERNACULA DESIGN OPTIONS

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