Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works
Prepared by: The Environmental Dimension Partnership Ltd
On behalf of: F.D. Attwood and Partners
October 2019 Report Reference edp1995_r016a
Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Contents
Executive Summary
Section 1 Introduction, Purpose and Context ...... 1
Section 2 Methodology (Baseline Investigations) ...... 3
Section 3 Results (Baseline Conditions) ...... 7
Section 4 Predicted Impacts and Mitigation ...... 11
Section 5 Summary and Conclusions ...... 17
Appendices
Appendix EDP 1 Illustrative Site Masterplans (drawing ref. 18-015-028F)
Appendix EDP 2 Habitat Descriptions and Site Photographs
Plan
Plan EDP 1 Hoath Way Roundabout Phase 1 Habitat Survey (edp1995_d147a 14 October 2019 FA/RF)
This version is intended for electronic viewing only Report Ref: edp1995_r016 Author Formatted Peer Review Proofed by/Date 016_DRAFT FA AV RF - 016a FA - RF NH 141019 Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Executive Summary
S1 EDP was commissioned by F.D. Attwood and Partners to undertake an Ecological Appraisal of proposed highways works required to facilitate a separate application for residential dwellings at Gibraltar Farm, Medway, Kent, within Medway Council.
S2 The baseline ecological investigations which informed this Ecological Appraisal of the highways works included a desk study, Extended Phase 1 Survey and detailed surveys relating to badgers and roosting bats in trees. All surveys were undertaken with reference to best practice guidance.
S3 EDP’s desk- and field-based baseline investigations have demonstrated that there are no statutory designations or local non-statutory designations present within the potential zone of influence (ZoI) of the proposed works which are likely to be negatively affected by the proposed works.
S4 The majority of the habitats within the areas of proposed works are of only limited (Negligible and Site level) intrinsic nature conservation value, comprising limited extents of dense scrub, tall ruderal, ephemeral/short perennial vegetation, species-poor semi- improved grassland and broad-leaved plantation woodland. In addition to these habitats, Lambs Frith Woodland is located immediately adjacent to Hoath Way roundabout and is considered to be of Local value.
S5 Habitats on-site have suitability to support limited numbers of protected species, including nesting birds within scrub and woodland habitats and roosting bats within a single tree (no.23) at the edge of Lambs Frith Woodland.
S6 Accordingly, a proportionate and appropriate response for the avoidance and mitigation of any presumed impacts and ecological effects is considered in this report and summarised below. These measures include: habitat protection measures, habitat reinstatement and sensitive timings and methods of working to protect the interests of nesting birds, roosting bats and reptiles.
S7 On this basis, EDP finds that by virtue of the limited constraint potential posed by the ecological features on-site, coupled within the ecological mitigation strategy proposed, the scheme is capable of compliance with wildlife legislation and the relevant national and local planning policy for the conservation of the natural environment.
Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
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Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Section 1 Introduction, Purpose and Context
1.1 This Ecological Appraisal has been prepared by The Environmental Dimension Partnership Ltd (EDP) on behalf of F.D. Attwood & Partners (hereafter referred to as “the Applicant”). This Appraisal considers the ecological implications of proposed road layout changes at Hoath Way roundabout, required to facilitate residential development at Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Kent (hereafter referred to as “the Main Site”).
1.2 EDP is an independent environmental planning consultancy with offices in Cirencester, Shrewsbury, Cardiff and Cheltenham. The practice provides advice to private and public sector clients throughout the UK in the fields of landscape, ecology, archaeology, cultural heritage, arboriculture, rights of way and masterplanning. Details of the practice can be obtained at our website www.edp-uk.co.uk.
Planning Context
1.3 Residential development proposals at Gibraltar Farm have been the subject of an Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken in January 2019 and an outline application submitted to Medway Council in February 2019 (reference: MC/19/0336).
1.4 Highway improvements are proposed for the widening of the roundabout which provides access to Hoath Way, Wigmore Road and Sharsted Way. These highway improvements are required to accommodate the predicted increase in traffic movements associated with the development of the Main Site.
Development Proposals
1.5 Proposals include the creation of an additional third lane in several places leading to Hoath Way (northbound), from Hoath Way (northbound), from Sharsted Way and on the western half of the roundabout itself. Additionally, a new pedestrian crossing is proposed on Sharsted Way approximately 40m from the roundabout.
1.6 Illustrative proposals are provided as Appendix EDP 1.
Scope of Appraisal
1.7 This Ecological Appraisal describes the current ecological interest within and around the areas of highway improvements, which has been identified through standard desk- and field-based investigations. It then considers the potential ecological impacts and opportunities for ecological enhancement based on the final masterplan (incorporating inherent mitigation), in the context of relevant legislation and planning policy. Finally, this
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appraisal identifies the necessary additional measures to avoid, mitigate or provide compensation for potential impacts, and the mechanisms for securing such measures.
1.8 The remainder of this report is structured as follows:
• Section 2 summarises the methodology employed in determining the baseline ecological conditions within and around the site (with further details provided within Appendices and on Plans where appropriate);
• Section 3 summarises the baseline ecological conditions (with further details also provided within Appendices and on Plans where appropriate) and identifies and evaluates any pertinent ecological features/receptors;
• Section 4 considers the potential impacts of the proposal on pertinent ecological features in the context of legislative, planning policy and biodiversity action planning considerations. Recommended mitigation and enhancement measures are provided for the current and possible future planning stages; and
• Section 5 summarises the inherent and recommended additional mitigation measures and provides the overall conclusions of the appraisal.
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Section 2 Methodology (Baseline Investigations)
2.1 This section of the Ecological Appraisal summarises the methodologies employed in determining the baseline ecological conditions within and around Hoath Way roundabout. The appraisal has been undertaken by appropriately qualified ecologists using relevant best practice methodologies wherever possible. Reasons for any departure from best practice methodology are given and normally relate to the timing of EDP’s commission and/or the availability of access to parts of the site or wider study area. Full details of the techniques and process adopted are, where appropriate, provided within Appendices and on Plans to the rear of this report.
Desk Study and Consultation
2.2 The desk study is an important element of undertaking an initial ecological appraisal of a site proposed for development, enabling the initial collation and review of contextual information, such as designated sites, together with known records of protected and priority species.
2.3 The desk study involved collating biodiversity information from the following sources:
• Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre (KMBRC);
• Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website1; and
• National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway website2.
2.4 The desk study was undertaken during September 2019 and involved obtaining the following information:
• International statutory designations (1km radius around site);
• National statutory designations and non-statutory local sites (1km);
• Annex II bat species3 records (6km); and
• All other protected/notable species records (1km).
1 www.magic.gov.uk 2 www.data.nbn.org.uk 3 Bat species listed in Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, namely Greater horseshoe, Lesser horseshoe, Barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats
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2.5 These search areas are considered sufficient to cover the potential zones of influence (ZoI)4 of the proposed development in relation to designated sites, habitats and species.
Extended Phase 1 Survey
2.6 The survey technique adopted for the initial habitat assessment was at a level intermediate between a standard Phase 1 survey technique5, based on habitat mapping and description, and a Phase 2 survey, based on detailed habitat and species surveys. The survey technique is commonly known as an Extended Phase 1 Survey. This level of survey does not aim to compile a complete floral and faunal inventory for the site.
2.7 The level of survey involves identifying and mapping the principal habitat types and identifying the dominant plant species present in each principal habitat type. In addition, any evidence of, or potential for, protected species or species of principal importance are identified and scoped.
2.8 The Extended Phase 1 Survey of the site was undertaken by a suitably experienced surveyor on 02 September 2019, during which the weather was dry and sunny. September is considered to be within the optimal period for undertaking an Extended Phase 1 Survey, and therefore the survey is not considered to have been limited by seasonal or climatic factors.
Surveys Scoped Out
2.9 Table EDP 2.1 below summarises other survey types which, while commonly required as part of an Ecological Appraisal for development sites, were not considered necessary/appropriate in this case.
Table EDP 2.1: Surveys Scoped Out Survey Type Reasons for Scoping Out Botanical surveys Phase 1 survey information was sufficient to confirm habitat value. Badger surveys Phase 1 survey included a search for badger signs and no setts or signs of activity within, or adjacent to, areas of proposed works. Great crested newt surveys The nearest record of GCN provided was at Boxley, 3km south of the closest area of proposed works and there are no ponds in close proximity to the works. Dormouse surveys Habitats within areas of proposed works are limited in extent and generally considered to be unsuitable for dormice.
4 Zone of Influence (ZoI) - the areas and resources that may be affected by the proposed development 5 Joint Nature Conservation Council (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – A Technique for Environmental Audit (reprinted with minor corrections for original Nature Conservancy Council publication)
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Survey Type Reasons for Scoping Out Otter and water vole surveys No suitable habitat within the areas of proposed works or within close proximity. Reptile surveys Historic records of reptiles in the local area, however, habitats around the areas of proposed works are limited in extent and are generally considered to be unsuitable for these species.
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Section 3 Results (Baseline Conditions)
3.1 This section of the Ecological Appraisal summarises the baseline ecological conditions determined through the course of desk-based and field-based investigations described in Section 2. In particular, this section identifies and evaluates those ecological features/receptors that lie within the Hoath Way roundabout’s potential ZoI and which are pertinent in the context of the proposed development. Further technical details are, where appropriate, provided within Appendices and on Plans to the rear of this report.
3.2 Within this Ecological Appraisal report, where relevant, these species and habitats of national nature conservation priority will therefore be referred to as ‘Priority Species’ and ‘Priority Habitats’6, except where indicated otherwise. This may be because, for example, a local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is in operation which has a different set of LBAP Habitats and LBAP Species, in which case such habitats and species will be explicitly stated in this report for clarity.
Designated Sites
3.3 Information regarding designated sites was obtained during the desk study from the MAGIC website and KMBRC. Statutory designations (those receiving legal protection) and non- statutory designations (those receiving planning policy protection only) are discussed in turn below.
Statutory Designations
3.4 Statutory designations represent the most significant ecological receptors, being of recognised importance at an International and/or National level. International designations include Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Ramsar Sites. National designations include Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs).
3.5 No part of the Hoath Way roundabout is covered by any statutory designations. There are also no such designations within the roundabout’s potential ZoI, with the closest being Purple Hill SSSI, located 1.5km south of the Hoath Way roundabout.
6 See the following for more detail: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382483/2a._priority_habitats2a_2 014_final.pdf; https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382951/Technical_Background_Pri ority_Species__abundance__2014.pdf ; and https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382487/4a_Status_of_Priority_Spe cies_2014_final.pdf
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Non-Statutory Designations
3.6 Non-statutory designations are also commonly referred to in planning policies as ‘Local sites’, although in fact these designations are typically considered to be important at a County level. In Kent, such designations are named Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). Additional designated sites which should be considered at this level include Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) Reserves, Roadside Nature Reserves (RNR) and Ancient Semi-natural Woodland (ASNW), where these are not covered by other designations.
3.7 No part of the Hoath Way roundabout is covered by any LWSs. However, there are a number of local designations within the roundabout’s potential zone of influence. Full details, provided by KMBRC, are included in Table EDP 3.1.
Table EDP 3.1: Non-statutory Designations Within the Site’s Potential ZoI Designation Distance from Site Interest Feature(s)
Levan Strice LNR 0.5km (NE of Hoath Ancient Woodland. Way Roundabout) RNR GI10 0.5km (SW of Hoath One of a network of 134 RNR’s in Kent. Way Roundabout) South Wood 0.7km (NW of Hoath Ancient Woodland, with a population of LWS/LNR Way Roundabout) dormice.
Habitats
3.8 Information on habitats within and around the highway works was obtained during the Phase 1 survey.
3.9 The distribution of different habitat types within and adjacent to the highway works is illustrated on Plan EDP 1. In addition, detailed descriptions of these habitat types, together with illustrative photographs, are provided in Appendix EDP 2. A summary, and qualitative assessment, of these habitats is provided in Table EDP 3.2.
Table EDP 3.2: Summary of Habitats Within or Immediately Adjacent to the Highway Works Area Habitat or Feature Distribution Within or Adjacent Intrinsic Ecological Value to the Highway Works Area
Hoath Way Roundabout
Lambs Frith Wood Woodland located north-west of Local, owing to extent and connectivity. Hoath Way roundabout extending along Hoath Way and Sharsted Way.
Ephemeral/Short Located on verges, roundabout Negligible, owing to low species- Perennial and splitter islands. richness, intensive management and low distinctiveness.
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Habitat or Feature Distribution Within or Adjacent Intrinsic Ecological Value to the Highway Works Area
Plantation Located within the central island Site, owing to limited extent and low Broadleaved of Hoath Way roundabout. distinctiveness. Woodland
3.10 As noted within Table EDP 3.2, the majority of habitats within both areas of the proposed highway improvement works are of Negligible or Site level intrinsic value. However, Lambs Frith Wood is of Local intrinsic value given its extent and connectivity to features in the wider landscape. Furthermore, a number of the habitats or other features which are of Negligible intrinsic value may also require consideration in relation to their importance in maintaining populations of protected and/or notable species. This is discussed further below.
Protected and/or Notable species
3.11 The likelihood of presence, or confirmed presence, of protected/and or notable wildlife species within or adjacent to the highway works area is summarised below, with reference to desk study records, habitat suitability and detailed surveys where relevant. Further details are made available within appendices and plans where referenced.
3.12 Where a particular species or taxonomic group has been confirmed to be present, or presence is inferred based on habitat suitability, the ecological value or significance of the population or assemblage is assessed on a geographical scale.
Birds
3.13 There are no recent records of bird species, with relevance to the habitats present on-site, within 1km of the proposed works. The woodland and scrub present across areas of proposed works provide suitability to support nesting birds. The assemblage of birds likely to be supported by the habitats present includes common and widespread species of no more than site to local value.
Bats
3.14 There are no recent records of bat roosts within 1km of the proposed works. A single tree was identified as having low bat roost potential due to the presence of dead limbs with large plates of flaking bark. Woodland habitats have suitability to support foraging and commuting bats, however, street lighting along Sharsted Way and the urban context of the area surrounding Hoath Way roundabout are likely to limit the assemblage of bats present to common and widespread, light tolerant species, of no more than Local value.
Badgers
3.15 There are no records of badgers within 1km of the proposed works. The habitats present, both at Hoath Way roundabout, are limited in extent with no evidence of badger setts or
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signs of badger activity. The habitats are considered to provide limited foraging opportunities for badger with good quality opportunities abundant in the wider landscape.
Dormice
3.16 There are records of dormouse in Hook Wood, which lies 1.5km from the closest area of proposed works. Previous dormouse surveys undertaken in 2013 within the Main Site also identified a breeding dormouse population adjacent to Hook Wood. Habitats present within and adjacent to areas of proposed highways works are generally unsuitable for dormouse. Lambs Frith Wood, adjacent to Hoath Way roundabout, supports an area of woodland which has limited species and structural diversity and is considered to have limited suitability to support dormouse with its lack of connectivity to large areas of woodland in the wider landscape.
Reptiles
3.17 There are no recent records of reptile or amphibian species within 1km of the works. Historically common lizard, slow-worm, grass snake and adder have all been recorded in the local area. Habitats around Hoath Way roundabout have limited suitability to support reptiles, with some suitable habitat in the wider area.
Summary of Key Issues Arising from Survey Findings
3.18 Based on the survey findings described above, the key ecological features/receptors pertinent to the development proposals are as follows:
• Nesting birds within woodland at Lambs Frith Wood and Hoath Way roundabout; and
• Low bat roost potential within a single tree at the edge of Lambs Frith Wood.
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Section 4 Predicted Impacts and Mitigation
4.1 This section of the Ecological Appraisal considers the likely impacts of the proposed highway works included as Appendix EDP 1 on the existing ecological resource. Where impacts cannot be avoided by inherent mitigation alone, additional mitigation or enhancement measures are recommended which, if implemented, would as a minimum enable the proposed development to meet legislative and/or planning policy requirements.
4.2 In accordance with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, within England, local planning authorities have a statutory duty to have regard to effects upon biodiversity when exercising their functions; this includes consideration of effects upon ecological features such as designated sites, and Priority Habitats/Priority Species when determining planning applications. In accordance with planning policy at all levels, local planning authorities must also consider whether or not ‘significant harm’ to biodiversity may occur due to effects upon such ecological features. This, and the statutory protection afforded to certain designated sites and species, is explored in further detail below.
4.3 EDP’s overall summary and conclusions, based upon the above, are given in Section 5.
Designated Sites
Statutory Designations
4.4 Statutory designations receive legal protection under various international and national legislative instruments. This protection is also reflected in policies included within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (February 2019), which are given material consideration during the planning application process.
4.5 The Medway Local Plan 2003 includes policy BNE35, which provides protection to International and National Nature Conservation Sites including SACs, listed and proposed Ramsar Sites, NNRs or SSSIs. The policy requires for planning permission to be refused where development will adversely affect these sites unless there is an overriding need for that development.
4.6 The Future Medway Local Plan 2012 to 2035 (currently in preparation) is also committed to “promote the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Medway, by restricting development that could result in damage to designated wildlife areas and pursuing opportunities to strengthen biodiversity networks.”7
7 Consultation Document - Development Strategy Section 7: Natural Environment and Green Belt, https://www.medway.gov.uk/downloads/file/2079/natural_environment_and_green_belt
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4.7 As described in Section 3, there are no statutory designations within the potential ZoI of the Hoath Way roundabout.
Non-Statutory Designations
4.8 Non-statutory designations/Local sites do not receive any formal legal protection. However, they do receive planning policy protection, as reflected in the NPPF (paragraph 174). At the Local level, the saved Policy BNE36 of the Medway Local Plan 2003 (adopted May 2003), includes the following statement:
“Strategic and Local Nature Conservation Sites, as defined on the proposals map, will be given long term protection:
(i) Sites of Nature Conservation Interest;
(ii) Designated and proposed Local Nature Reserves.
Development that would materially harm, directly or indirectly, the scientific or wildlife interest of these sites will not be permitted unless the development is connected with, or necessary to, the management of the site’s wildlife interest.
Development for which there is an overriding need will exceptionally be permitted if no reasonable alternative site is (or is likely to be) available. The overriding need will be judged against the strategic and/or local importance of the affected nature conservation designation. In such exceptional circumstances, the detrimental impact upon the scientific or wildlife interest should be minimised and appropriate compensatory measures will be required.”
4.9 As described in Section 3, there are four non-statutory designations within the potential ZoI of the highway works. These designations have no direct linkages to the areas of proposed works, and it is considered that no significant direct or indirect impacts would be experienced as a result of the development proposals.
Habitats
4.10 There are several mechanisms through which habitats receive protection within the statutory and non-statutory designated site frameworks. For instance, certain habitats are identified in policies within the NPPF. Furthermore, the NPPF states:
“175. when determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
a) If significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused;
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….
c) development proposals resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists; and
d) development whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be supported; while opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged, especially where this can secure measurable net gains in biodiversity.”
4.11 Saved policy BNE37 of the Medway Local Plan 2003 echoes the principles of the NPPF and includes the following statements in relation to habitats/biodiversity features:
“Development that would cause a loss, directly or indirectly, of important wildlife habitats or features not protected by policies BNE35 and BNE36 will not be permitted, unless:
(i) There is an overriding need for the development that outweighs the importance of these wildlife resources; and
(ii) No reasonable alternative site is (or is likely to be) available if ancient woodland, intertidal habitats and calcareous (chalk) grassland would be lost; and
(iii) The development is designed to minimise the loss involved; and
(iv) Appropriate compensatory measures are provided.”
4.12 In addition, the Medway Local Plan (2003) includes specific saved policy BNE38, relating to wildlife corridors and stepping stones, stating that;
“Development should, wherever practical, make provision for wildlife habitats, as part of a network of wildlife corridors or stepping stones.”
4.13 Habitats within the areas of proposed highways works have been assessed through an Extended Phase 1 Survey. The habitats found on the site comprise tall ruderals, dense scrub, broad-leaved plantation woodland, dry ditch, ephemeral/short perennial vegetation and species-poor semi-improved grassland.
4.14 The majority of habitats within the areas of proposed works are considered to be of Negligible ecological value, such that development in these areas would have a minimal impact on biodiversity. However, Lambs Frith Woodland adjacent to Hoath Way roundabout is considered to be of Local ecological value.
4.15 This locally valuable habitat does not pose an ‘in principle’ constraint to the development given the proposals do not directly affect the integrity of the woodland. However, it is recommended that the proposed alterations to the road network should aim to protect this woodland during construction works.
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4.16 To avoid damage/disturbance of retained features during construction, it is recommended that ecological protection zones (EPZs) with an appropriate buffer should be established during the construction phase. EPZs can often be achieved through co-ordination with tree protection measures required as good arboricultural practice, including temporary protective fencing and signage. It is recommended that details of such measures and their implementation are delivered through an Ecological Construction Method Statement (ECMS) secured by a suitably worded planning condition.
4.17 In addition, it is proposed that new habitats are re-established on disturbed ground and the new road verges following the construction works, to ensure there is no net loss in biodiversity.
4.18 Some of the habitats present within the highway works area, including those of low or Negligible intrinsic value, require further consideration in relation to supporting protected species as discussed below.
Protected and/or Notable species
4.19 Certain species receive legal protection in the United Kingdom and are commonly known as ‘protected species.’ In reality, the level of protection for different species varies considerably, from protection solely against ‘killing and injury’ to full protection of the species and their places of refuge. Where pertinent, details of legal protection afforded to species/species-groups are provided below.
4.20 In addition to protected species, there are other species/species-groups that do not receive legal protection, but which are notable owing to their conservation status as Priority Species or other status as described in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3. Details of any actual or potential notable species within the site are identified below.
4.21 Baseline investigations have identified protected species implications for the highway works area relating to breeding birds, roosting bats and reptiles, which are discussed in turn below.
Breeding Birds
4.22 All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), with certain species afforded additional protection measures. In addition, certain conservation concern species are listed as Priority Species.
4.23 Given the protection afforded to breeding birds, vegetation removal and construction should ideally commence in the period between September and February inclusive. Alternatively, if undertaken during the bird breeding season (March to August inclusive) then an inspection for active nests should be undertaken by a suitably experienced ecologist and any active nests given at least a 5m buffer until the chicks have fledged. These measures, and the habitat retention measures described above, would minimise the
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temporary construction-phase effects upon the breeding bird assemblage and ensure legislative compliance.
Roosting Bats
4.24 All species of British bat are listed as a European Protected Species (EPS) on Schedule 2 of the Conservation Regulations (Annex IV 9a to the Habitats Directive). This affords bats and their roosts strict protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). Additional protection for bats is also afforded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and a subset of the British bat assemblage are listed as Priority Species.
4.25 There are roosting opportunities within a single tree on the edge of Lambs Frith Woodland. This tree is proposed to be retained within the proposed works, however, should management works be required which would directly affect the tree a precautionary method of felling should be employed to ensure no bats are harmed. This should include the intact removal of features with potential to support roosting bats, gently lowering them to the ground and leaving them in situ for 24 hours to allow any roosting bats to emerge safely, before chipping or removal.
Table EDP 4: Summary of Predicted Impacts and Principal Mitigation Measures Feature Inherent Potential Impacts Additional Mitigation and/or Mitigation Enhancement Habitats Avoiding higher Direct loss and/or degradation Protection of retained value habitats of low value habitats habitats and creation of new habitats on disturbed ground/road verges following construction. Breeding Habitat Harm/disturbance/displacement Clearance outside breeding Birds retention due to vegetation clearance and season or supervised by construction Ecologist. Roosting Habitat Harm/disturbance/displacement Soft-felling of features with Bats retention due to vegetation clearance and suitability to support roosting construction bats.
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Section 5 Summary and Conclusions
5.1 This section of the Ecological Appraisal summarises the Ecology Strategy for the proposed development, in terms of inherent and recommended additional mitigation measures, and then provides the overall conclusions of the appraisal.
Summary of Ecology Strategy
Inherent Mitigation
• Protection of adjacent valuable habitats, including Lambs Frith Woodland.
Construction Measures
• Protection of retained habitats (EPZs);
• Confirmation of impacts on tree with bat roost potential and, if required, implementation of a ‘soft felling’ methodology; and
• Sensitive timing and methods of vegetation clearance, with particular regard to nesting birds and reptiles.
Overall Conclusions
5.2 EDP’s desk- and field-based baseline investigations have demonstrated that the habitats and species present within and around the highway works do not pose a notable constraint to the proposed development that is the subject of this appraisal.
5.3 There are no statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations that would be materially affected by the proposals. However, EDP’s surveys have identified Lambs Frith Woodland as a locally valuable habitat feature adjacent to the works area, and also the potential presence of protected species, including birds and bats.
5.4 Specific proposals for the avoidance, mitigation and compensation of any predicted impacts are considered in this report and summarised above. These measures primarily include the protection of retained habitats, reinstatement of disturbed habitats and sensitive timing and approach to vegetation clearance, to safeguard protected species’ interests.
5.5 On this basis, EDP finds that by virtue of the relatively limited constraint posed by the habitat and protected species interests, coupled with the precautionary mitigation
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Appendix EDP 1 Illustrative Site Masterplan (drawing ref. 18-015-028F)
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NOTES
175
180
The Beeches N
Highway Boundary
New Hardstanding Area I82
6
2
A278 HOATH WAY
/H=II
/H=II
186 1 A278 HOATH WAY 186
/H=II Outside lane to merge into existing arrangement Existing carriageway alignment /H=II 120.2m
6=H =?
6
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO STALHAM COURT LAHD= C
185
11 11
/H=II
/H=II 189
/H=II
/H=II
10 10
9 9
Existing tree canopies 0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
CLOSE
6=H =?
10
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
0
LAHD= C
/H=II
A278 HOATH WAY
/H=II
9 to 12 12 to to 9 9
A278 HOATH WAY 4 to 7 /H=II WIGMORE ROAD
KINGSDOWN 12 8
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
/H=II
0ECD ALA
6=H =?
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
0
6=H =?
)HA= B ENA@>KIDAI
=LAD !
/H=II
13 to 16 16 to to 13 13
3 /H=II
202 202 )HA= B ENA@>KIDAI Area of existing verge & =LAD !
6=H =? splitter island amended to 0 #
/H=II
accommodate additional lane /H=II
0ECD ALA
0'
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
1
19 19
0
to to
17 17 0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
20 to 23 23 to to 20 20
/H=II
/H=II
6=H =? 0 "
)HA= B ENA@>KIDAI
=LAD
/H=II
COPPICE COURT
6=H =? 0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
0 $
0ECD ALA
0 !
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
34 34
24 24 /H=II WIGMORE ROAD Lambs 6=H =?
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
)HA= B ENA@>KIDAI
0 %
/H=II
=LAD !
204 Frith 204
6H=BBE?EI = @
/H=II
27 27 Wood Proposed third lane introduced 6=H =? WIGMORE ROAD
/H=II
26 26
/H=II
0& Area of existing island
/H=II
)HA= B ENA@>KIDAI
amended to accommodate =LAD !
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
29
29 /H=II additional lane )HA= B ENA@>KIDAI
=LAD !
30 30
/H=II Surface material change Existing carriageway alignment
)HA= B ENA@>KIDAI
=LAD !
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
/H=II
6=H =?
/H=II
6H=BBE?EI = @
/H=II Existing tree canopies 0%
0ECD ALA F New hardstanding areas highlighted RA SW JW May 19
JHAA?= FO LAHD= C E Additional areas of hatching added DH SW JW May 19 D Topographical mapping added DH SW JW May 19
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO LAHD= C C Scale bar added & Draft stamp removed DH SW JW Feb 19 B Merge length increased, Puffin crossing & hatching DH SW JW Dec 18 /H=II added. Island removed.
6=H =?
6=H =? A Sharsted Way entry realigned, refuge island added & DH SW JW Nov 18 Road markings amended
/H=II
/H=II Rev Amendments Drn Chk App Date
/H=II
/H=II 0 ' Area of existing splitter island
0ECD ALA amended to accommodate
JHAA?= FO
0ECD ALA
LAHD= C
JHAA?= FO
/H=II
LAHD= C 6=H =? additional lane
6=H =?
/H=II /H=II
/H=II
6=H =?
216 216
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C
/H=II 0 &
6=H =?
/H=II
/H=II
0$ Area of existing verge Issued by Park House SHARSTED WAY 124.5m Park Farm /H=II amended to accommodate Landmark House East Malling Trust Estate Station Road Bradbourne Lane
/H=II
0ECD ALA
JHAA?= FO Hook Aylesford LAHD= C Existing tree canopies additional lane Hampshire Kent
RG27 9HA [email protected] ME20 6SN
218 /H=II 218 01256 630420 www.c-a.uk.com 01732 448120 Job Title A278 HOATH WAY Proposed pedestrian crossing Gibraltar Farm,
Existing carriageway alignment A278 HOATH WAY Hempstead 222 222
0# Drawing Title Proposed Hoath Way
/H=II 15 Roundabout Improvements
/H=II
/H=II Client
0ECD ALA
0ECD ALA JHAA?= FO
JHAA?= FO LAHD= C LAHD= C K.Attwood
0ECD ALA
116.1m JHAA?= FO
LAHD= C Scale Date Designed 1:500 @ A1 Nov 18 DH
/H=II Drawn Checked Approved
/H=II 1:500 DH JW JW
0 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m Job No Drawing No Rev
0" 18-015 18-015-028 F Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Appendix EDP 2 Habitat Descriptions and Site Photographs
A2.1 The principal habitats within and around the areas of proposed works are described below, with illustrative photographs provided where appropriate. These descriptions have been informed by an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey on 02 September 2019. The following should be read in conjunction with Plan EDP 1.
Hoath Way Roundabout
Lambs Frith Woodland
A2.2 The woodland is located immediately south-east of Hoath Way roundabout and extends around the corner along Hoath Way and Sharsted Lane. The woodland is comprised of mostly thin stemmed semi-mature trees with a scrubby understorey dominated by bramble (Rubus fruticosus), ivy (Hedera helix) and bracken (Ptedirium aquilinum), limiting ground flora. Woody species include holly (Ilex aquifolium), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), oak (Quercus spp.), silver birch (Betula pendula), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), field maple (Acer campestre), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and willow (Salix sp.).
Ephemeral/Short Perennial
A2.3 The vegetation present on the roundabout, within the splitter islands and along the verges of the road is dominated by a mixture of short perennial plants including ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and red clover (Trifolium pratense), with occasional patches of Festuca and Juncus species (Image EDP 1).
Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Image EDP 1: Ephemeral/short perennial vegetation.
A2.4 The trees within the centre of the roundabout comprise a small copse of plantation woodland (Image EDP 2), comprising willow, field maple, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), silver birch, holly and hornbeam tree species, with a large amount of arboreal ivy also present.
Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Image EDP 2: Broad-leaved plantation woodland.
Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
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Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
Plan
Plan EDP 1 Hoath Way Roundabout Phase 1 Habitat Survey (edp1995_d147a 14 October 2019 FA/RF)
Gibraltar Farm, Ham Lane, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent Preliminary Ecological Appraisal - Highways Works edp1995_r016a
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