A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council AO1 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council ast Sussexast 5RH BN8 6 . www.ecologyconsultancy.co.uk . www.ecologyconsultancy.co.uk 1 2 / 9 0 Approved by Jon Riley NewtonJohn NewtonJohn 0 2 19/06/2009 19/06/2009 22/06/2009 Giles MIEEM, Coe NaomiForbes AIEEM Date r . [email protected] W . [email protected] e b m u n b o j C Final E Author Status Draft 1 Draft 2 . 01273 471369 E 471369 . 01273 The Ecology Consultancy, The Old Granary, Upper Stoneham Farm, Lewes, E Lewes, Farm, Stoneham Upper Old The Granary, Ecology Consultancy, The T Reportfor Hastings Borough Council Strategic Housing Land Availability Availability Land Housing Strategic Valley Ore A01 Site Assessment, Sussex East Hastings, Extended Phase One Habitat Survey and Site Evaluation A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 1 ....39 ...... 31 y Ltd or usage by any person is e e use of Hastings Borough ...... 54 ...... 50 s s were performed. No warranty, n independently verified by ECL, ...... 43 o the public or released to any rior written permission of ECL. The tion provided by others and on the contained contained therein should be treated in ...... 45 ...... 41 y those parties from whom it has been ...... 1 ...... 6 or any other service provided by us. This ...... 3 ...... 25 ...... 1 ...... T H Y G I T I R L I Y E P T B A O O I N 1...... Introduction Contents Summary...... Executive 23...... Methodology ...... Results Appendix 1: Habitat Plan ...... Appendix Plan Habitat 1: ...... PlanAppendix Constraints 2: ...... Appendix Photographs 3: ...... ListAppendix Plant 4: Species ...... andAppendix PolicyLegislation 5: 45...... Evaluation ...... References ...... Conclusions recommendations and report report may not be relied upon by any other party without the p © This report is the copyright of ECL. Any unauthorised reproduction the strictest of confidence Authority. PlanningLocal body/individual approval the without from and not placed on any L file open t Council in accordance with the agreement under express which or our implied, is service made as to the advice in this report content of this report is, at assumption that least all relevant in information has part, been based provided b upon requested. informa Information obtained from any third inreport. the stated otherwise unless party has not bee C of Ecologyname Consultanc the EcologyThe is tradingprohibited. Consultancy To ensure the protection of badgers, this report and any plans Ecology Consultancy Limited (ECL) has prepared this report for the sol / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 1 May 2009. This was th SNCI) located approximately 200m west the site. of west 200m approximately located SNCI) site site was assessed as to its ecological value against criteria published by the IEEM. On this basis the context site only. the local in value ecological as a whole is considered to be of currently qualify as being sufficiently important to be site. wildlife local designated as a statutory designated nature conservation sites. The nearest site statutorily statutorily site nearest The sites. conservation nature designated statutory designated for nature conservation is Hastings Cliffs Special Conservation (SAC) and Site Area of Special Scientific for Interest (SSSI) situated approximately 1,000 metres to the south-east of the site. Conservation of Site Nature is site Broomgrove designated non-statutorily The nearest ( Importance When assessed against criteria published by Defra the site does not Using the data collected from the Phase 1 survey and the desk study, the The site is not situated within or adjacent to any statutory or non- The main findings of the survey are as follows: as follows: survey are of the findings The main The The results of the Phase One Habitat survey have also been used to identify wildlife. for site the enhancing for options supported supported by a desk study. The comprising survey the Northern covered and Southern the Sections proposed whole for housing, of and site proposed. not is development which for Section Central the A01, The purpose of the survey was to collect baseline ecological information that will be used to assess the relative ecological value of the site and identify any likely constraints to the development of the site for housing. robust To evaluation provide of a the site, two separate sets of discussed. and presented results the and followed been evaluation criteria have A Phase One Habitat survey and protected species assessment of the A01 Ore Valley site in Hastings was carried out on 08 Executive Executive Summary / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 2 and and a row of hornbeam Salix alba includes includes isolated white willows Carpinus betulus. reptiles. and bats badgers, for surveys Additional Central Section of the site site the of Section Central Section Central the Sections into Southern and and and Northern Sections. These stands are out-competing the native flora site. the on diversity plant the and lowering three sections of the site and there development. are no significant constraints to overgrown overgrown and impenetrable in parts management. This situation is exacerbated by and the dumping of green and suffering from a residents. local by refuse domestic lack of The retention of various mature trees found throughout the site, this The writing and implementation of a ten year management plan for the The provision of a series of green corridors to run through the Northern site the throughout knotweed Japanese of stands of all The eradication A01 Site of Section Central of the The retention There appeared to be no significant ecological differences between the There are extensive stands of Japanese knotweed throughout the Central The primary habitat on the site is secondary woodland which is densely Key proposals for habitat retention and enhancement include; include; and enhancement retention habitat for proposals Key / /

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One One survey methodology (JNCC 1993). This approach is designed to identify broad habitat types at a site, to identify species, and to assist providing in overview of interest the an at ecological a site the potential of habitats to support protected generally the most widely used and appraisal. site ecological professionally recognised method for initial SCOPE OF THE REPORT REPORT OF THE SCOPE out an ecological assessment of land known as, Site A01, Ore Valley. The two large tracts of land or Northern and Southern Sections that make up Site A01 approximately 70% comprise of a larger area of open green space. The remaining 30 BACKGROUND BACKGROUND made made up of the Central Section that falls outside of the housing allocation area. Si A01 has been allocated for housing in the Hastings Local Plan and is being identified suitable under the draft (SHLAA). Following recent public consultation Strategic on sites identified under the S Housing Land Availability number Assessment of detailed objections to development were received including wildlife local for of site the on value the part in based were Those objections regarding Site bats and badgers the data used in the assessments of relative value. value. relative of assessments the in data used the One One habitat survey and a protected species assessment, supported by a desk-top study. This was to provide an overview of construction construction of 51 dwellings and associated infrastructure in the eastern part of the Section. Northern Northern and Southern Sections of Site A01 (see Plan 1). 1). Plan (see A01 of Site Sections Southern and Northern Council Council is seeking an independent opinion as to the relative ecological value

1.4 This report is based on a desk top study, and a field survey using standard Pha

1.1 The Ecology Consultancy was commissioned by Hastings Borough Council to carry 1 Introduction 1.3 The surveys carried out by The Ecology Consultancy comprised an extended Phase 1.2 It is understood that detailed planning permission has been granted for th / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 4 n cial cial te te is Lane sals sals are onal onal Grid d by Defra One. One. oximately 1km oximately to Section Section (allocated for housing and within A01), Central housing and without A01) and Section the Southern Section (allocated for housing and within (not allocated for Appendix in Plan the Habitat in outlined are sections different A01). The apply to the site. The Site Hastings Cliffs of Interest Scientific Special (SSSI) nearest situated appr statutory designated nature conservation site is Reference for the centre of the site is TQ 834 113. 113. TQ 834 is of site the centre for the Reference the south east of the site (see Table 1). Hastings Cliff is also designated as a Spe Area of Conservation (SAC). There are two statutory Local Nature Reserves and (LNR) five Sites of Nature Conservation Importance radius of the (SNCI) site (see Table 2). within The High Weald AONB a is approximately 500m north two kilometre point. its closest at of site the bordered bordered by Victoria Avenue to the east, Church Street to the north, Graystone and the Old London Road to 1). Appendix the south and Frederick Road to the west (See develop develop the site or any provide detailed measures for Some mitigation. propo and and the other by the Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management The (IEEM). purpose of using two evaluations valuation of is the local, to regional or attempt national significance to of any provide the site. within ecological receptors a more robust features. habitat some retain to and wildlife for site the enhance to made SITE CONTEXT AND STATUS STATUS AND CONTEXT SITE the the results of the survey to describe housing. for proposed the northern and southern blocks that are 1.11 There are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation that 1.9 The different sections of Site A01 are referred to in this document as: Norther 1.10 The site occupies an area of approximately 3.6 hectares (ha.) and the Nati 1.7 This document does not provide a formal impact assessment of any proposals to 1.8 Site A01 is situated in the east of Hastings in the Ore/Broomgrove area. The si 1.6 The site evaluation is based on two separate sets of criteria, one publishe 1.5 The habitat survey covered the whole of the wider site and this report breaks down / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 5 re re six six the the ay ay areas 36 garages and 36 garages housing housing under the Hastings Local Plan and that the Council is seeking to adopt this Framework. Development Local the into allocation 17 17 car parking spaces plus 10 visitors' car spaces, enclosed children's pl and community amenity area. This permission relates to the north east corner of Section. Northern DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS PROPOSALS DEVELOPMENT Wildlife Wildlife Corridors under Policy NC7 of the Hastings Local Plan. These areas a blocks of Ghyll Woodland. Woodland. Ghyll of blocks situated; 200m due east of the site, 200m south, 300m south east and SNCIs. local with coincide areas these of Some the boundary. east of 200m north Within 2km of the site are nine blocks of Semi Natural Ancient Woodland and There are also a series of areas of open green space that have been designated as 1.15 It is understood that the northern and southern blocks have been allocated for 1.14 units with There for 51 residential permission is planning full currently 1.12 1.13 / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 6 s s e e ies, ies,

t but and survey . te te during May 2009. 2009. May st reports reports produced Land off Victoria and 21 th Land off Victoria Avenue Land off Victoria Avenue Hastings. Hastings. Avenue Victoria off Land ) ) for on information statutory designated sites. In addition, the UK Badger licence, Method Statement Bat tree assessment and emergence survey Ecological Constraints Report Hastings. Hastings. Avenue Hastings. Hastings. Avenue (2006) WSP WSP (2006) WSP (2006)

www.magic.gov.uk within within a 2 kilometre (km) radius was commissioned from Sussex Biological Record Centre (SxBRC, 2009). A search was also completed of an on-line mapping servic ( the in northcorner of east for development proposed the consultants by independent the site. These reports have been used as background information for this repor evaluation. site the inform to used been not have HABITAT SURVEY SURVEY HABITAT Existing ecological reports reports ecological Existing Methodology STUDY DESK TOP search Data Habitats Habitats were described and methodology mapped (JNCC following 1993). standard The ecologists and took Phase 10 hours. A full list of plant species identifiable survey at the si One was survey conducted 3. Appendix in appears their abundance, of assessment with an along survey, this by two experienced were also compiled. Scientific names are given after the first mention of a spec thereafter, common names only are used. Nomenclature follows species. plant vascular Stace (1997) for (JNCC, (JNCC, 2009) and Sussex Biodiversity Action Plan (2001) were reviewed site at the present to be, forpotential the have or may, that and habitats species those

2.3 on the out 08 was carried of site the survey One habitat A Phase 2.2 There is a small number of pre-existing publicly available ecology

2.1 Information regarding the present and historical ecological interest at the site 2 2.4 Incidental records of birds and other fauna noted during the course of the / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 7

s ct ct ies ies the the holds holds es es group. No , including setts, runs, snuffle holes and hairs hairs and holes snuffle runs, setts, , including and and any field signs for such, including feeding remains Meles meles while presence cannot be absolutely discounted, the site includes r on-site habitat of poor to moderate quality for a given species/specie Triturus cristatus r local local returns from a data search, surrounding support habitat wider populations considered of unlikely a to species/species group. The a species, for range national known to peripheral or outside site may also be very very limited or poor quality habitat for a particular species or speci group. Few or no returns from data search, but presence cannot be discounted Low Negligible Negligible An assessment of the trees Muscardinus and scrub on the and nests. site avellanarius to support dormouse Assessment Assessment of the presence of nesting mature habitat trees, for dense breeding scrub, hedgerows, birds, planted such shrubbery as and etc marks nests, old faecal song, bird including nesting of bird evidence buildings and Scrub/grassland Scrub/grassland mosaic and potential hibernation sites for common species of reptile Water bodies and surrounding habitat with potential to support newt great crested Inspection Inspection for the presence of features in and on trees such as fissures, holes, loose bark and ivy indicating potential for roosting bats, as well as any dire Evidence of badger badger of Evidence evidence of the presence of bats remains such as staining, droppings and feeding PRELIMINARY PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT SPECIES PROTECTED PRELIMINARY the the Phase 1 survey and was carried out by an experienced field ecologist who survey licences for bats and great crested newts. The potential of the site to provide habitat for protected was species assessed from field observations carried out at same time as the habitat survey, combined with the results of the desk study Table 3). The (see site was inspected for indications of the presence of protected spec as follows: necessary) where level ground from binoculars (using current survey and an evaluation of existing data. data. of existing evaluation an and survey current 2.5 The protected species assessment was carried out concurrently with the first visit for 2.6 The likelihood of occurrence is ranked as follows and relies on the findings of the / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 8 d nce, nce, UFTn
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national national or by Defra and The Defra selection -based policies should be established in local development o$SJUFSJB on-site habitat of moderate quality, providing all of the known key presence confirmed from the current survey or by recent, confirmed r r on-site habitat of high quality for given a species/species group. Local r Diversity Diversity Naturalness Size or Extent Extent or Size Present Present High High connectivity. good and habitat surrounding quality Good stronghold. regional records. Medium Medium records provided by desk-top study. The site is within/peripheral to a on the basis of national distribution, etc. disturbance on-site recent fragmentation, nature of surrounding habitats, habitat requirements requirements of given species/species group. search, within national distribution, suitable Local surrounding habitat. Factors limiting returns form the the likelihood data of occurrence may include small habitat area, habitat severa and disturbance. disturbance. and documents documents against which proposals for any development on, or affecting, such sites (of nature conservation importance) will EJTUJOHVJTIFE
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A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 9 r r down to as follows: Social Social value in regard to the extent to which a site and its wildlife provide a enjoy; or people use that resource Secondary Secondary and supporting value, for example, habitats or features provide which a buffer to valued features or which serve to link otherwise isolated features; Potential Potential value, as addressed by targets to increase the biodiversity value for example of SSSIs, international habitats. If sites detailed plans exist and to enhance the some value of such BAP areas then it may species be and appropriate to value them existed; as if the intended resource already Biodiversity Biodiversity value, for example, habitats which are species or rich endemic on uncommon, assemblages, the species or species which are rare edge of their o range, large populations or concentrations of uncommon or threatened species, and/or plant communities that are types; vegetation natural/semi-natural typical of valued Presence Presence of sites or features interest. Examples include internationally or nationally designated sites such designated for their nature as conservation Areas Special of and Conservation (SACs) designated SSSIs, sites locally such as Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and Sites of (SNCIs); Importance Nature Conservation Value for appreciation of nature of nature for appreciation Value for learning Value Fragility Fragility Typicalness associations cultural and history Recorded the landscape within Connectivity Rare or Exceptional feature feature Exceptional or Rare Institute Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM 2006) which evaluates sites according to a geographic scale (significance at the international level value, ecological assigning for criteria of a range and using level) local the 2.11 The site has also been evaluated by broadly following guidance issued by the / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 10 or or ess ess and and . . es es and on and t, known ehensive ehensive a a proportion eas. eas. Presence of legally protected sites or species; and species; or sites protected legally of Presence species. and habitats BAP Sussex East and/or UKBAP, of Presence Economic value forvalue Economic those relating to features on example ecological impacts and resources that are financially viable such as paying estuary; an in fishery shell a or hides for visits to bird description description of the site, can no ensureinvestigation the characterisati complete prediction of the natural environment. Some parts of the site were difficult to acc ar reach all to surveyors the of part the effort on significant and required Two pre-construction survey that would include accurate GIS mapping for invasive invasive for GIS mapping accurate include would that survey Twopre-construction protected plant species. As the survey was carried out in early summer recorded been have not would present been have may that species plant of the LIMITATIONS protected species occurring on the site, based on the suitability of the habitaon site,the the suitability based on occurring species protected distribution of the species in the local area provided in response to our enquiri any direct evidence on the site. It survey definitive of It group. protected any species is only valid at the the surveytime should not be taken as providing was carried a out. full Additional surveys may be recommended if, preliminary on assessment the or basis during of subsequent the surveys, it is considered reasonably present. be may species protected other that likely 2.13 The Phase One habitat survey does not constitute a full botanical survey, or a Phase 2.12 a compr provide to made been has effort every whilst that be noted It should 2.14 The protected species assessment provides a preliminary view of the likelihood of / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 11 ea, ea, t of nt to records records a defined nted nted with the

Protected, Protected, rare, BAP priority and other notable species. This excludes Species and Habitat Action Plans in the Sussex BAP, which may be releva Sites Sites designated as SNCIs at a county importance (equivalent level to as Local Sites) being and often of recognised local in Local conservation Authority plans. development Register. Species Protected SxBRC by the provided not are which badgers for site. the details are provided in Table 1 below. below. 1 Table in provided are details the the site was supplied by SxBRC (2009). Data covers a 2 km radius of the following: the on information includes site and Nature conservation designations designations conservation Nature Results STUDY DESK TOP according according to strict criteria of their rarity in Sussex. This is compleme Sussex Protected Species Register that identifies species protection. which legal have, habitats have, or whose geographical geographical area does not necessarily mean under-recorded. simply be may area the interest; that there is a lack of ecological 3 3.5 There are two statutory sites of nature conservation importance in the search ar 3.1 The following information regarding the present and historical ecological interes 3.2 The Sussex Rare Species Inventory covers 3,400 species, which are selected 3.3 It is important to note that, even where data is held, a lack of records for 3.4 following: the on information include Records / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 12 1.8Km 1.8Km north- west 1km south- east Distance from site (m) 1km south- east 1km south- east 34.5 334.3 299.4 299.4 Area (ha) 2 t . (Wild s 1 p e n r . p o e i 3 t t s n a e I v v r c r i e f i e s t s n n e e o i R c C e f r S l u o a t i a a c e r . e N l p A a l S c a i f o c o L e s p e t S i Coleoptera S Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve is a unique A A coastal site of great importance. A geologicalnumber of habitats and are represented biological including woodland (much of maritime grassland and a vegetated shingle beach. it ancient), scrub, These support a (mosses and liverworts), number lichens, flowering of beetlesand plants rare bryophytes the High Weald ridge that meets the sea of flowering herbs throughout the season Hastings Country Park constitute the largest area of regime with horses. There is a continuous presence grassland, and amenity grassland. The cliffs at pastures and are presently under a robust grazing (including some ancient woodland), scrub, neutral Reserve. The meadows are herbrich, grazing maritime acid grassland and heath, gill woodland forest area, much of which is now a Local Nature 345ha area of maritime cliff with a cliff top area of Hastings Hastings 2009). o o"O
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A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 13 e e t i c n s a east west west t m ) 1.1Km 1.1Km details are s i o 1.2 north-1.2 r m 600 south600 1.1 south-1.1 north-west 200m west D f ( a ) e a 2.9 2.5 r 10.7 5.08 h 10.67 A ( 4 n o i t a n g i s e d r o f n o s a e R The site forms rockya outcrop on the periphery of the Country Park, structure a to short bracken/gorse the herb south habitat. and habitat and small graduates woodland A situated at the corner grass to semi-natural of dense Barley scrub Lane. The excellent site for a range of wildlife from insects diversity to of birds small and mammals. provides an The site is predominantly a semi-natural leaved broad- woodland within which providing a small issues stream along the a bottom of the spring steep sides of the Valley. excellent The abundance field of displays daisies, an hawkweeds, well field as and germander as speedwell. A small area in the north cemetery with eastern some corner semi-natural woodland. of The the woodland is of a mixed age with native species of ash, oak, screening birch for the cemetery. and The groundvariable with some areas species poor flora and hornbeam others is planted with morea characteristic woodland ground flora. as This This site forms part of a Local Wildlife Policy Corridor NC7. under The Clive Vale semi-natural SNCI wooded valley forms in athe eastern part of the Borough, between Harold Road Lane. and The site is, in the main, Barley an enclosed habitat flanked by houses and in some areas inaccessible is entirely except from the The ends Bourne of stream gardens. runs contributes through to the vale some and wet floor. flushes This site provides on a visual the amenity function valley where people surroundedare by the mature valley landscape. This This site forms part of a Local Wildlife Policy Corridor NC7. under The site consists of a scrub complex and It forms one of the mature largest and more significant scrub habitats to be found in the borough. The relatively undisturbed aspect of the site has allowed the extensive habitat diversity of plants and animals toincluding evolve with resident populations ofbadgers. an Non-statutory sites within a 2km radius of Site A01 of Site radius 2km a within sites Non-statutory e r m a woods N East Hill Borough Hastings Hastings Ochiltree Ochiltree Cemetery CliveVale e t i Broomgrove S Table 2 Table provided in Table 2 below. below. 2 Table in provided Taken from SxBRC 2009 from Taken 4

3.6 The SxBRC report confirmed that there are four SNCIs in the search area, / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 14 r, r, ch ch Passer ant ant and ptors ptors that to be mainly al al protection song thrush (16 Category A 5 birds of Conservation birds of Conservation 7 house sparrow high concern), Amber List (medium Turdus viscivorus, ingle population within one 10km square iting the most rapid (>50%) decline in UK 
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recorded recorded in Hastings Country Park in 1998, this record is likely to goldcrest , 2002). et al A A wide variety of invertebrate species have been recorded within the search area domesticus, Rare Species Inventory Inventory Species Rare birds birds associated with habitats such as gardens and scrub that can be found in urban an setting. Red list birds of conservation concern returned from the data sear which may utilise the site are, starling Aglais Aglais polychloros A01. to Site relevant not and migrant be a Concern and 95 amber list species. Of these 41 species are given speci under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended). Howeve many of the species recorded are birds such as waders, seabirds and ra the site. within found not are that with habitats associated are and and 35 Category B). Some to relevance the site as of there are some facing south slopes bare with exposed ground the records for hymenoptera bees. and ants by favoured species may have (SxBRC (SxBRC 2009). Of a total of 95 species, 53 were nationally scarce animal animal species. Many of these records were above. mentioned sites wildlife of local the surveys during recorded for mosses and other lower plants There a was for single record a Red Data Book Nationally scarce invertebrates do not fall within RDB categori RDB Endangered species are known or believed to occur as only a s Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) are placed on the Red List ( 5 #SJUBJO
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(Gregory (Gregory concern) or Green List (low concern) with Red breeding populations over List last 25 years species and Amber list exhib spec Species Protected 3.7 The data search produced in excess of 180 records for a wide variety of pl 3.11 It is expected that a range of bird species utilise the site, although likely 3.9 3.10 listed 24 red including species bird 199 for records were There 3.8 / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 15 m 23 23 o and and r f e ) c ch ch area n <100 m <500 >1000 >1000 a ( t Helleborus e s t i i D s Natrix natrix, Scandix pecten- 02. e t a Zootoca vivipara D 2007 1990 1997 1999 OH
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Anguis fragilis TQ818120 St Helens TQ835115 Victoria Avenue TQ827109 Broomgrove TQ834099 Hastings Country Park Lathraea squamaria Vipera berus nightingale nightingale Reptile records closest to Site A01 Site to closest records Reptile r However, none of these species were recorded during the Phase One habitat habitat One Phase during the recorded were species of these none However, Adder , toothwort s e i Slow worm Grass Grass snake c Common lizard e p S Table 3 Table veneris. Dendrocopos minor. T. philomelos, foetidus 12 records for slow worm worm slow for 12 records green green flowered helleborine records records for adder dated between 1988 and 2007. Eleven records for grass snake survey and the habitats on the site may not readily support them. them. support readily not may site on the habitats the survey and 
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A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 16 to are x 5. 5. x Desktop within within the search within the search bats were recorded over Triturus cristatus was recorded in 1994 approximately Plecotus auritus from an area of scrub and woodland less Muscardinus avellanarius for Land off Victoria Avenue Hastings (WSP

Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrellus pygmaeus Pipistrellus spp. Lucanus cervus Bat tree and activity report stag beetle beetle stag bats pipistrelle woodland (Sussex Biodiversity Project, 2001). Action plans of potential relevance to the site in Appendi given plans action of these of each objectives with the below, listed scrub and grassland less than 700m south east of the site (The Ecology Consultancy 2006). 1.5Km 1.5Km west of the site in returned were 1987. from 1858 and 1950 with additional non specific records The from 1992 remainder of the species 1999. specific records soprano pipistrelle 2006). Consultancy Ecology (The site the of east south 700m than 2006) recorded some pipistrelles. limited foraging and commuting activity by common Park. Country Hastings from record a 1999 was recent most The area. area area between 1990 and 1998, both records in excess of 1km from the site. resources show ten ponds or areas of similar standing water within 1km from the site but none of these were within 500m, which is the distance within which surveys for required. be may species this 1.4km west of the site. Brown long eared Regional and Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) (LBAPs) Plans Action Biodiversity Local and Regional 3.21 The Sussex BAP currently contains action plans for 21 species and 23 habitats 3.16 There were three records for great crested newts 3.15 The Ecology Consultancy holds records from 2006 for slow worm from an area of 3.18 The Ecology Consultancy holds records from 2006 for common pipistrelle and 3.19 The WSP 3.20 There were eight records for dormouse 3.17 Common pipistrelle / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 17 ll the tion tion and esent esent in thein er er use ly ly used y as an eveloped eveloped anagement anagement marily marily from around the steeply sloping sides of a small valley lying in an east-west orienta and containing a small stream. Remnants of former hedges gardens were particularly such evident as in land outgrown to the south of the woodland stream. especially towards Parts the of eastern the boundaries were densely vegetated and difficult to access. The more accessible areas of the woodland were regular by the public which over time has rendered them disturbed, with fly-tipping pr places. many in informal informal amenity area. There was evidence of some informal habitat m within the south west of the site with trees and scrub cut back to provide access. It was apparent that most of the amenity use was by children and young adults with some use by dog walkers. In many sections and in particular the north east of the site the overgrown vegetation was too dense to allow access effort. without significant trees and shrubs that were formally planted within domestic gardens, with with extensive gardens, domestic within planted formally were that shrubs and trees self seeding of some tree species. A stream or drainage channel runs through the length of the central section after exiting the ground in the north east and running boundary. western openthe to allotments allotments that were built onto a series of raised terraces on either side of a steep valley. There are almost no physical remains of the former houses with only a sma number of rubble patches and concrete footings remaining. The former use of land is most evident within the southern section of block the and in particular the north east site. section, the remaining evidence of form Within the northern is the strips of gardens. These features are marked out in numerous places around the site and delineated by the overgrown remnants planting. of garden hedges and tree PHASE ONE SURVEY SURVEY ONE PHASE Overview central central section and wider towards western and eastern boundaries. It comprises Site A01 Ore Valley: Northern Section Section Northern Ore Valley: A01 Site 3.25 The site largely comprised secondary broad-leaved woodland that had d 3.24 The A01 site and the wider area of open green space are used extensivel 3.23 The habitats and species within the valley would appear to originate pri 3.26 narrow is of woodland, the runs length the development for proposed This area 3.22 The site comprises the former site of a large number of domestic dwellings / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 18 s s cup cup and deral deral Malus scrub, scrub, , daisy Aesculus s present Geranium Pentaglottis Salix caprea, Urtica dioica, -bill -bill creeping creeping thistle , annual meadow Fraxinus excelsior Fallopia japonica Trifolium repens Sambucus nigra were also present. Tall Smyrnium olusatrum goat goat willow GPPU
DSBOFnT - , occasional apple green green alkanet common common nettle Broad-leaved species present and horse chestnut Lolium perenne Arctium minor, and and elder EPWFnT white clover . Occasional species also present were also present were species . Occasional Salix fragilis Quercus robur, Malva sylvestris. Geranium maculatum Dactylis glomerata. lesser lesser burdock Epilobium hirsutum, Occasional Occasional garden-escape plants such as columbine Populus x canadensis creeping creeping thistle, Alexanders Crataegus monogyna -foot Ranunculus repens, Taraxacum officinalis Eupatorium cannabinum, Plantago lanceolata and and crack willow . . BOE
DPDLnT and common mallow common and great great willow-herb , dandelion and and wood geranium and tall hawthorn Hypochaeris radicata, Artemisia vulgaris, Conium maculatum. Poa annua and ribwort plantain and ribwort plantain -ear -ear and and occasional young pedunculate oak crack willow, hybrid poplar Acer pseudoplatanus Ranunculus repens Woodland to the north of the stream stream of the north the to Woodland mugwort mugwort Aquilegia sp. Tall Tall ruderal vegetation dominated by Japanese 1) Note (Target knotweed Japanese knotweed was present (Photograph 2). Other tall ruderal specie were hemp agrimony Cirsium arvense corner corner between Clifton road and Church Street. This area was dominated by gras Bellis perennis Amenity Grass Grass Amenity groups groups of mature willow trees, secondary broad-leaved woodland, grass. of amenity area a small and vegetation scrub, ru species common to this habitat such as rye grass sempervirens, hemlock hemlock with a ground flora of ruderals dominated by common nettle and creeping butter ruderals also dominated edge habitat along Church Street. Street. Church along edge habitat dominated ruderals also DBUnT grass included creeping buttercup three three sides towards the north up to Victoria Avenue, to the south-east bordering the gardens of the properties on Old London Road, and to the Street. The canopy layer here featured several mature ivy-clad north-west ash on Church molle domestica 3.29 The western-most part of this section was characterised by semi-mature sycamore 3.28 On the northern site boundary and to the south of Church Road an extensive area of 3.27 A small triangle of amenity grassland was present in the extreme north westerly 3.30 The eastern-most part of this section was densely vegetated and rose steeply on / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 19 nd nd in were st st star Phyllitis was rare. Geranium maturity. maturity.

Ilex aquifolium, Carex pendula, -tongue -tongue H. hispanica SUnT Tilia x europaeus were locally frequent. BOE
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, pendulous sedge Pellia epiphylla and Spanish bluebells Salix fragilis Symphoricarpos albus was often dominant. It was however noticeable that Ranunculus acris. Stachys sylvatica and and dripwort and broad-buckler fern fern broad-buckler and snowberry snowberry Hedera helix The The under-storey vegetation included frequent holly fern fern were all occasional and hard fern Ground flora was generally species-poor due to the lack of light Hyacynthoides non-scripta Mnium hornum hedge hedge woundwort Dryopteris filix-mas and bridging the stream towards the western site boundary boundary site western the towards stream the bridging and the north-western end of the valley on the northern side of the stream. stream. of the side northern the on of valley the end north-western the Target Target Note 2; A line of planted mature common lime Target Note 3; Crack willow scolopendrium frequently frequently blocked with rubbish, fallen trees and tipped vegetation was in a westerly direction through the length of the site. The stream was steep-sided and had shallow water very at the time of survey. The stream bed was rocky in some places a vegetation. aquatic had no was limited in extent. Male fern, broad buckler fern and ha Stream and streamside habitat habitat streamside and Stream male fern fern male hawthorn hawthorn and elder together with introduced species Euonymus such as evergreen spindle Lonicera japonicus, nitida. hippocastanum. present, present, the native species only being present locally in small numbers. Fore moss was Japanese knotweed was present in varying degrees along the length of the stream and in particular towards the western end. The western-most habitat streamside was more open than that to the perennial east vegetation with here more included sunlight frequent reaching ground pendulous buttercup meadow occasional level, sedge, tall wood avens and the the woodland was regenerating with an abundance of ash and sycamore saplings. Woodland herbs and ferns occasionally present were wood avens Both bluebell urbanum, penetration penetration and ivy 3.32 Streamside vegetation featured occasional pteridophytes and bryophytes but this 3.31 The stream arose in the north-east section of the surveyed site. Its route which was 3.33 and form their notable for were stream to the close of trees groups Several / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 20

, n n in in Poa lding lding Rumex honesty honesty osest to Salix alba butterfly-bush butterfly-bush . , Ilex altaclerensis wood dock ivy-leaved ivy-leaved speedwell and rough meadow-grass , garden privet and and the shrub layer by bramble Veronica serpyllifolia and Ligustrum ovalifolium Alliaria petiolata, Myosotis sylvestris, . Ground flora included frequent pendulous Common nettle and bramble were frequently Prunus avium, Anthriscus sylvestris Prunus laurocerasus Laurus nobilis cow parsley cow parsley hawthorn hawthorn and holly. and and bay hedge hedge woundwort, garlic mustard the the centre of the site, on either side of the stream. Several of which were ivy-clad. Target Target Note 4; A group of multi-stemmed mature white willow with with occasional thyme-leaved speedwell sides sides by gardens associated with properties on London Road School (to the Road south) and (to Graystone Road the (to the west) east). The area Old section slopes gently down the towards north-west, southern-most whereas the land cl terraced. steeply is stream the where where the canopy had not closed over. Scrub species were dominated by bramble, hawthorn and elder, together with occasional; non-native species of evergree materials materials were present in this area. The sycamore with occasional wild canopy cherry layer was dominated by young Scrub TQJOEMF
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in in places with large areas of bare disturbed ground. Copious amounts of old bui Rubus fruticosus, Lunaria annua. Buddleja davidii Veronica hederacea, woodland woodland dominated by semi-mature sycamore, several of Other trees frequently which present were goat willow, were crack willow and ivy-clad. white willow. The woodland here had a dominated by generally mature holly, open hawthorn and structure. elder together remnant The planting with and/or garden occasional escapes under-storey garden such as Highclere holly layer was Woodland to the south of the stream stream of the south the to Woodland SITE A01 ORE VALLEY: SOUTHERN SECTION SECTION SOUTHERN VALLEY: ORE A01 SITE abundant in areas where the canopy was not closed. not was canopy the where areas in abundant evergreen evergreen spindle, cherry laurel sedge, Spanish bluebell, wood forget-me-not sanguinea, trivialis 3.37 Areas of scrub were present at edges of woodland, in remnant garden areas and 3.36 on Vegetation the terraced to slopes northimmediately of the above area was sparse 3.35 The southern-most part of this section on largely level ground is broadleaved 3.34 The proposed development area to the south of the stream is bounded on three / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings Borough Council 21 , , , and and Pieris at at the ix ix 4A. The , speckled white white e e sheltering, Parus major low; low; Turdus merula d , great-tit and and the red-tailed bumble Troglodytes troglodytes Anthocharis cardamines , wren Fringilla coelebs Celastrina argiolus, , orange tip , chaffinch Erithacus rubecula

and holly blue robin Pieris brassicae Corvus corone Columba palumbus. Pica pica, Reptiles Reptiles newt Great crested species plant Invasive Breeding birds birds Breeding Badger Bats (Target Note 7) An outgrown mature hawthorn hedge planted on the steep stream. the towards down slope leading (Target Note 6) Line of mature hornbeam on the edge of a terrace of bare boundary. garden a former possibly ground, (Target Note 5) A large group of mature white willow 6). was (Photograph boundary south-western present on the , large white Pararge aegeria Bombus lapidarius. rapae roosting, nesting roosting, and foraging habitat nesting for of a range species present potentially site. The evaluation is based on observations the made during the site survey, an results assessment of the suitability of on-site of the desk top and survey, any adjoining direct habitat for the distribution of species these included, species in and the information UK policies relating to and on protected species locally. and habitats the are The set out relevant wider in Append legislation 4 Table be in provided assessment the andin included are species following PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT SPECIES PROTECTED FAUNA FAUNA bee bee wood carrion carrion crow magpie woodpigeon 3.40 The habitats at the site were evaluated as to their likelihood to provid 3.39 Invertebrate species recorded included the following butterflies - small 3.38 Birds during recorded species Phase the blackbir 1 included; survey Table 4 - Assessment of potential presence of protected, notifiable and BAP priority species and habitats within Site A01 and surrounding land.

Main legislation and policy Species (see Appendix 4) Reason for consideration Likelihood of occurrence

Bat Wildlife and Countryside Act A small number of trees at the site contain splits, HIGH. Common pipistrelles were recorded commuting through 1981 (as amended). rot holes notably a white willow in the centre valley the site in surveys targeting the north east corner of the northern Schedule 5. Schedule 2 of between the north and south block and a group of section in 2007 (WSP 2007). The greatest number of roosting the Conservation (Natural white willows adjacent to the south west of the opportunities comes from the mature trees with a heavy ivy cover Habitats, & c.) Regulations southern section (Target note 5 Map 1). Close to which are more suitable for opportunistic roosting by single bats 1994. the latter group of willows but within the southern than for colony roosts. The mature trees within the central section section were some remnant sections of wall and within or adjacent to the southern section provide constructed from brick and breeze block with opportunities for maternity and hibernation roosts. The remnant suitable crevices for roosting bats (See constraints of wall in the southern section also provides suitable roost sites Plan Appendix 3). In the north west corner of the for crevice dwelling species. The site provides an open green southern section was a mature ash tree with a space within an urban setting with extensive foraging number of visible features suitable for bats (See opportunities. The site also provides a dark corridor for constraints Plan Appendix 3). Scattered throughout movement and is connected through strong linear features to the site but found predominantly within the north in other open green space adjacent to the west. The habitats within the northern section and to the west in the central the site and its position within an urban area may not prove section were a number of mature trees with a heavy suitable for aOZ
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22 Table 4 - Assessment of potential presence of protected, notifiable and BAP priority species and habitats within Site A01 and surrounding land.

Main legislation and policy Species (see Appendix 4) Reason for consideration Likelihood of occurrence

Reptiles Wildlife and Countryside Act, There were seen to be a number of open grassy HIGH. The open grassy areas provide a high value habitat for 1981 (as amended). areas that provided suitable cover, foraging and slow worms which habituate to gardens, allotments and other Schedule 5 (partial basking opportunities that could be exploited by similar urban green space. The surrounding domestic gardens protection) slow worms and common lizards. These areas were and the close proximity of a data search record to the site also found mainly at the northern edges of the northern make their present more likely. However, the areas that are section (See constraints Plan Appendix 3). There suitable cover only a few selected areas mainly along the are some restricted areas of rubble and a mosaic of northern boundary. Overall the site is likely to be too shaded and edge vegetation more favoured by common lizards densely overgrown to be suitable for reptiles which are likely to in the southern section of the site. absent from anywhere other than edge habitats. The site is unsuitable for adders and grass snakes as there are no suitable foraging areas for these species. Badger Protection of Badgers Act, Widespread species in UK. Site located in open Text Removed 1992 green space within the urban area of Hastings that is known to have a high population density of badgers. The extensive and well vegetated slopes that form much of the northern and southern sections provide ideal locations for sett building. The woodland within the site and the adjacent domestic gardens provide suitable cover and foraging areas.

23 Table 4 - Assessment of potential presence of protected, notifiable and BAP priority species and habitats within Site A01 and surrounding land.

Main legislation and policy Species (see Appendix 4) Reason for consideration Likelihood of occurrence

Great crested Wildlife and Countryside Act Much of the site provides suitable terrestrial habitat LOW. There were not seen to be any water bodies suitable for a newt 1981 (as amended). for great crested newts including foraging habitat breeding population of great crested newts anywhere within the Schedule 5. Schedule 2 of and hibernation sites. There are a number of ponds site. The nearest potentially suitable ponds were over 500m from the Conservation (Natural and other patches of standing water within 1Km of the site and there are numerous barriers to movement such as Habitats, & c.) Regulations the site. This includes a small number of ponds just both major and minor roads. 1994 outside a 500m buffer of the site to the south east. Breeding birds Wildlife and Countryside Act There is good breeding habitat at the site suitable HIGH/PRESENT. A number of old (i.e. not from this breeding 1981 (as amended) for common scrub-nesting, woodland and garden season) nests were seen during the current survey and there associated species. The relatively undisturbed were generally high activity levels throughout the site. The old nature of the site and the density of overgrown nests were built by a variety of species including blackbird and vegetation and unmanaged trees provide a valuable blue tit. resource for birds within an urban setting. Dormouse Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Dormouse will utilise mature hedgerows and broad- LOW. The tree and scrub species that were recorded during the and Countryside Act 1981 leaved woodland, but have been known to occupy, Phase One survey would provide only a very limited resource for (as amended) and Schedule conifer forest, scrub and reed-bed. The species dormouse in terms of cover and foraging. The relatively recent 2 of The Conservation composition and the density of scrub and trees on formation of the woodland is likely to preclude the presence of (Natural Habitats, &c) the site provide suitable cover and foraging historic populations. Regulations 1994 (as opportunities. Dormouse are known to occur amended). regularly within woodland and hedgerows in East Sussex. Japanese Section 14 and Part II of Japanese knotweed widespread in many habitats, PRESENT. There were extensive stands of Japanese Knotweed knotweed Schedule 9 of the Wildlife commonly found on disturbed sites, old gardens throughout the site. Over 50% of the northern section was seen Fallopia japonica and Countryside Act 1981 and herb/grassland/scrub mosaics around to be completely covered with further significant stands found (as amended). woodland and stream/ditch edges. Giant hogweed throughout the western side of the Central Section. There was Giant hogweed common along water courses. also seen to be significant stands in the north west of the Heracleum Southern Section. Smaller isolated stands were present in other mantegazzianum areas. 24 A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 25 s rry is sed ould in in the rms of largely reptiles. n largely veloped veloped lings lings and sufficient size zed area in the

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s k r a m e R The main woodland disturbed, the mature lime, ash and species, willow trees on the site sycamore not if lost be c readily regenerates replaced. Grassland and quickly scrub ruderal habitats vegetation are when and not pioneer vulnerable competitive species to that will regenerate naturally disturbance following most fo as are compriseddisturbance. of The secondary woodland that forms the main habitat on site compri The principle habitat on the site is immature secondary woodland of much it resulting from self seeding sycamore as well as oak sap There were no particularly rare or exceptional features recorded with The site is approximately 3.6ha in extent and is therefore of to have potential to support some large species groups numbers such and as birds moderate and smaller diversity populations There of is of enough suitable terrain and habitat to provide territory for than more one social group ofcovers the badgers. majority The of main the habitatimmediate site and type local is (woodland) a context. significantly ofwoodland a greater and size in aroundHastings. si Although, there are numerous A limited number patches of vegetation types of were present, including woodland, scattered trees, scrub, and grassland, short perennial, bare ground. Plant species richness was approximately half moderate the site (111 was habitats on the weresite species dominated rich. species by woodland. recorded) None of given the that more mature lime and ash trees. The character of the area takeis from overgrown domestic gardens and plants that were well recorded in all areas. This included the Spanish are bluebell, che garden escapes laurel and buddleia. The site was of recent origin through natural colonisation. but had arisen site during the current widespread survey and in the the main conservation concern habitat were local recorded is during the common area. survey and andrecorded none of No the plant species bird are potential or for particularly invertebrate rare or species (slow worm, grass snake) to be present exceptional. on the site. Slow of worms would if There present be restricted to small areas in also the some Northern suitable Section. roosting There sites are that could although the rarer bat UK species would be very unlikely to occur. be utilised by bat specie a i r e t i r

C Typicalness Fragility Rare or Exceptional feature Naturalness Diversity Size orExtent DEFRA: LOCAL SITES SELECTION SITES LOCAL DEFRA: national and regional Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs), an evaluation of the nature conservation value of the site (see Table 5 below) using standard criteria de by the Department for Environment below. provided Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA, 2006) is

Evaluation criteria Sites Local on based evaluation Site - 5 Table

4.1 On the basis of the information available from the survey and from a review of 4 A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 26

n e m if an outh f the ite ite by main uth of land land is sidents n space y on the whole site of the site ove access NCI) NCI) on the bought into of common and protected species, and the

s k r a m e R To the west, the site is a short distance from a large open gree that is dominated by Broomgrove corridor in the Hastings Local Plan. This corridor radiates north SNCI and s and designated as along a the rail wildlife corridor from the Broomgrove/Ore area. Site SNCI A01 are and currently th partially connected via a linear green space betwee the gardens of Valley currently Side an area of Road open green and space of scrub Ticehurst. andDeepdene grassland In so addition Gardens. there It is designated for is housing as Site understood A02 permission. Both of these features are and partially separated from the s that is subject to the outline Frederick Road. planning latter area is The other parts of the site are also separated from other green space by and secondary and roads the surrounding urban conurbation. There are clear opportunities and potential for educational use Much Much of the site provides a valuable area of open green space within urban setting and is readily accessible by This the large surrounding site households. also provides anoverlooking or passing by the site. The biodiversity value important of the visual amenity for could re be improved greatly through the management Japanese and eradication Knotweed, of the cessation of domestic refuse,and by implementing woodland management. The active fly tipping of green management and use of waste the site would and accord with the objectives o Sussex BAP for urban habitats. by local schools or community groups but only if the site andactive formal management. is species commonly present species recorded along in the course recent of the side habitat. stream broadleaved are typical of woodland. strea Plant The site does not include any known than one ancient notable mature white trees willow in but the Centre Section there and a are row of more mature hawthorn and hornbeam pollards Section. are present in the Southern a i r e t i r C Value for learning Value for appreciation of nature Connectivity within the landscape Recorded andhistory cultural associations basis basis of the current and survey the above criteria. This situation could be reviewed the site was managed to eradication of Japanese Knotweed and control of increase fly tipping, and to impr diversity and habitat and interpretation. quality, including the considered considered to be of ecological value in the local TJUFnT
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context, based primaril site of the use public and management increased for potential 4.2 On the basis of the above criteria (DEFRA 2006) Site A01 and the intervening 4.3 The site is not considered suitable for selection as a local wildlife site (S A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 27 n al al le le nd nd d to onal onal which which ational ational Habitats Habitats grity grity of the have been recorded on 9 troy the breeding site or resting place of 94, 94, implement EC Directive 92/43/EEC, and makes it an offence deliberately to kill, of of International importance in the vicinity is

Directive Directive 1992. The closest site Hastings Cliff SAC primarily designated for maritime habitats such as shing and sea cliffs. None of these habitats are replicated does within not site provide A01 any supporting habitat that maintains the SAC. inte Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Act such(as amended) 1981 as well as species and Countryside as common Wildlife reptile species which are subject to national legislation. legislation rather than internati Features of National Importance National of Features IEEM EVALUATION IEEM Importance International of Features the the site or in close proximity to it. None of the habitats on the site are considere species. II Annex any support to be likely during the current survey. There does remain the potential thrush. song and starling including present be to for species some red list bird for adverse effects as a result of a development at the site. There are site. the of 2km within Reserves Nature no N Special Special Protection Areas (SPAs). However, newts. crested great and bats including fauna and of flora species they also give protection to certai legislation legislation or conventions. The Habitats Regulations implements the Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EC) (Habitats Directive) in England and Wales. The Regulations mainly deal with the protection of sites conservation that are in important a for European nature context (Special Areas for Conservation (SACs) a In In the UK the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 19 4.5 No species listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive 1992 9 9 4.8 The closest SSSI, is Hastings Cliff 1km away from the site, and there is no potenti 4.7 Features of national importance include SSSIs which are designated under the 4.4 There are no habitats within the site that are included in Annex 1 of the 4.4 Features of international importance are principally sites covered by international 4.6 No IUCN red list species or Red List Birds of Conservation Concern were noted

known as The Habitats Directive. This has been law capture, or since disturb a European Protected or Species, to or damage des 1994 an animal. such A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 28

t ain ain does does n the ria ria for space space limited limited t is very unlikely Plecotus auritus Pipistrellus pygmaeus

Passer domesticus Bufo bufo Nyctalus noctula Lucanus cervus Sturnus vulgaris Common toad toad Common worm Slow beetle Stag Noctule bat Noctule pipistrelle Soprano bat eared long Brown House sparrow sparrow House Starling recorded recorded on the UK BAP priority list were found during the Phase One survey. There is the potential for amongst others the following site: at the present animal be to list priority species on the UK BAP habitat on the site is secondary woodland and does not fit within the woodland BAP category. The Sussex BAP for Urban natural Habitats habitats and focuses those remaining on from, remnants pre-industrial rural of landscapes. It ancient not include recent, partially planted and largely unmanaged the open green found within the site. No vascular or non vascular plant species that are listed i survey. habitat One Phase the during recorded were BAP Sussex OVNCFST
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WBMVF designation as a Local Wildlife Site using Defra criteria. Similarly, i that the site supports rare species, or populations or assemblages of species tha level. at this significant are extent extent any suitable habitat only low species numbers are of likely. one In terms or of possibly the two only. level local at the significant conservation common of these species, this would be Features of Regional Value Regional of Features 4.13 There are no habitats on the site that are identified in the Sussex BAP. The m 4.10 There no UK BAP priority habitats within the site and no vascular plants that are 4.12 It is considered that none of the habitats present at the site would meet crite 4.11 While the above species may occur at the site, they would be present in very low 4.9 The given a of support the site However, reptiles. could population potentially A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 29

al al on as be n the de any ikely ikely to species nd relatively e e on site are

surrounding surrounding and adjoining streets. It is well used by children and young adults and socialise. they can which in area provides an value. economic their for exploited value value as all the habitats present are common and widespread, and thos quality. of poor present at the site may be of significance at this level. level. at this of significance be may site the present at Economic Value Economic Social Value Social wider area. There is unlikely to be any ecological receptors on site that provi Features of Secondary and Supporting Value Supporting and Secondary of Features Features of Value within the Zone of Influence of the Project of the Influence of Zone the within Value of Features significant supporting value to any off site receptors. However, the site may acting as a corridor for green space. open local other and SNCI Broomgrove movement for badgers and bats to suitable habitat within Features of Local (i.e. Hastings District) Importance District) Hastings (i.e. Local of Features premises overlook the site and for passers by. by. passers and for site the overlook premises the the basis of the current survey unless brought regime. into an appropriate management being being of value in a local context. The site provides a significantly large a undisturbed area of woodland that affords cover and foraging opportunities l significance. of populations local bird support 4.20 The site is also of value in the local landscape for those nearby residents whose 4.15 The breeding bird assemblage likely to be present within the site is regarded 4.21 The habitats and species within the site do not provide a resource that could 4.19 The primary value of this site is in its social and amenity value to residents i 4.18 the in habitats to similar value supporting and secondary providesome does site The 4.17 The habitats present are considered to have a Low to Moderate intrinsic ecologic 4.14 As noted above, any populations of reptiles, bats or national or local BAP 4.16 The site is not likely to be selected as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 30 n a n a e t i s e h t o t e c n a v e l e R The site was observed to support or is considered to have potential for national and/or species and habitats. local BAP

: General Planning Requirements Hastings Local Plan polices relevant to the site. the to relevant polices Plan Local Hastings 8 r C context only. only. context l

N a y y c c c i l i o l o LOCAL PLANNING POLICY PLANNING LOCAL considered that three of the saved local plan policies relating to nature conservation and contained in the, Statutory below. 6 Table See site. to relevant are Conservation, Hastings Local Plan 2004 Chapter 8a Nature EVALUATION L o P P Development proposals will be required to minimise damage to wildlife and should:- habitats. Wherever possible, (a) development Retain features woodland, trees, of hedgerows, biodiversitygrassland, wetland importance habitats, watercourses, herb natural such geological rich as features features construction; or and (b) Avoid habitats other fragmenting species; (c) and habitats Where and the protect isolating loss geological of them existing features wildlife is habitats minimum during and or provide unavoidable, compensation through the creation keep of replacement the habitats loss or Incorporate, to other wherever a appropriate measures which contribute measures; to a net appropriate, gain in biodiversity such (d) creative as conservation the development of new wildlife habitats; the (e) Incorporate greatest vegetation possible in any proportion landscaping orwhere planting of special requirements scheme, of except appropriate otherwise; purpose or native location Incorporate dictate permeable the ground maximum surface necessary to regulate and possible surface water flows from take impermeable area such surfaces in the steps interests of of nature as conservation; incorporate (g) wildlife are Seek habitats to in the design of built structures; and (h) Positively conservation address interests. adjacent These or through measures proximate the will nature use be agreements where appropriate. of achieved planning conditions or Section 106 Table 6 Table 4.23 On the basis of the Phase One survey and protected species assessment it is 4.22 When judged against above the the criteria A01 Site is assessed having as value i A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 31 d d k, eded main resent. by by a lack te almost te almost orridor for ent ent to any e e dense and Apodemus sylvaticus is is likely. A study carried out in 2007 (WSP . Clethrionomys glareolus

immature immature sycamore with occasional mature trees, and which is largely unmanaged. The overall plant diversity was moderate, but no uncommon species were recorde and there were a number of garden escapes and other non-native the throughout noted knotweed were Japanese species plant of invasive the stands Extensive p northern and western parts of the site. The site is characterised in the main of management and the dumping of garden and household refuse. Its main wildlife value is the presence of a large number of active badger setts with at least one sett and possibly more than one social grouping. Badgers and badger setts type in this of urban setting often do not conform setting. It is not identify which therefore always settspossible to correctly to belong to a the behaviour exhibited in a rural group social particular statutory statutory or non-statutory designated land. The nearest statutory designated site is Hastings Cliffs, sections of which are designated as SSSI, SAC and and Country Par which is located approximately 1km to the south east of the site. non-statutory There are designated five sites within a 2km radius of on impact to any of the have a significant unlikely Site A01 highly considered is within Site A01. Any development sites designated statutory non or statutory area. local the in reasonable density of small mammals such as wood mouse and and bank voles CONCLUSION Overview Conclusions and recommendations undisturbed nature of the woodland providing ideal nesting and foraging habitat. habitat. and foraging nesting ideal providing woodland of the nature undisturbed certainly serves a greater value for bats as foraging habitat and as a dark c environment. urban the through movement 2007) 2007) proved that bats use the site potential for for a bat to roost be present within the site although there were only a foraging small and commuting. There is ofnumber which a roostin trees suitable some be located.potentially could si The

5.2 The primary habitat on the site is secondary woodland dominated by self se 5.3 There were few signs of use of the site by other mammal species although a Text Removed.

5.1 The site is not designated for its nature conservation interest nor is it adjac 5 5.4 The site provides good habitat for a variety of common bird species, th A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 32 the the movement of plant and animal species through the urban landscape. The wider countryside is less than 400m distant heading either north or east and Site A01 may residents and if bought into active and sympathetic management thismanagement and boughtsympathetic could resource and if residents active into be enhanced. If Site A01 is developed for housing then the Central Section that is development The managed. being from greatly could benefit be retained to expected of areas within Site A01 could be used to provide the funding needed to bring the Central Section into management. The eradication of Japanese knotweed and other management practises potentially being funded through developer contribution. In the absence of management and with the development Section of Site A01, will the Central degrade further compounded if the through Japanese knotweed isolation. in the Central This Section and remains untreated situation allowed to will take over be more accessible of to further the the local residents site. who currently make The use of Central the area, Section and not residents of should just any new development on Site A01. This could be remain facilitated through the use of green corridors leading through the Northern and Southern Sections into the Central Section (See Constraints Plan, Appendix 2). The provision of green corridors would have the additional bonus of providing a of the the centre and in habitats space the green link nearby other and gardens domestic between the habitats of the site. the the survey results and site details being judged against selection of local wildlife accepted sites. The site criteria could be suitable for for selection as an SNCI if the bought into sympathetic management. Site A01 and the intervening land are judged to be of local value when considered on a geographical scale. This assessment is based upon the lack of any significant ecological receptors such as rare habitats or species that at are a important regional scale or presence above. the of Disregarding Japanese knotweed there was not perceived to be any significant changes in plant community composition between the different sections Northern nor Southern Sections of were judged to have a higher the ecological value than site. Neither the species. protected for potential greater a provide nor other the for slow worms although the presence of other reptile species is less likely. If slow only. numbers low present in be will they that likely is site it on the are worms 5.8At present the site is likely to provide some functionality as green corridor and allow 5.7 The site clearly provides an important social resource and visual amenity for local 5.6 The site would not currently be suitable for selection as an SNCI. This is based upon 5.5 The few discrete patches of grassland the throughout site do provide habitat suitable A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 33

of of on ing ing itat itat any any entre. entre. impacts impacts ng units. either either the badger setts badger setts nt trees such as as nt such trees

and enhancement, as well as any additional surveys. surveys. as additional any well as and enhancement, the the white willows that are plan. habitat One recommended Phase the with along Appendices the in presented for retention. The constraints plan is development around the site. The main issues for consideration are the badger setts, setts, badger the are consideration for issues The main site. the around development and significa potential bat with trees habitat, reptile potential of areas provide provide a stepping stone with significant areas of open green space such as Broom Vale. Clive and grove main setts main or of others will be importance primary retained, and other all such in be must designed development Any future possible. wherever be retained will a way as to allow the continued movement of badgers between setts and foraging areas. This may necessitate the provision of buffer strips along developed the areas boundaries of in addition to any green corridors. Any future hard landscap Northern Northern Section will occupy most of practicable, some the effort could eastern be made to part retain a of green pathway the along boundary. northern or pathway This be could southern linked hab up with retained site. However, if c the into leading corridors green retained any and/or Section the Central within Central Central Section it is suggested that a series of green corridors be designed into master planning for the site. These corridors should remain without any significant hard landscaping or light additional spillage from street lighting or new housi 6m. be approximately should corridor retained of any The width RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS protection and retention Habitat be retained as currently planned Measures to protect this area from adverse caused by the proximity of new housing should be employed during construction and and during employed of construction bynew housing be caused proximity the should operations. This should include intercepting run off and prevent further pollution the open stream both during and Section. Central the onto spillage post construction and the prevention of light 5.13 Any future development within the site should proceed on the assumption that any 5.12 It is understood that the development which has full planning permission in the 5.10 The Central Section of the site that sits between the two sections of Site A01 should 5.10 The following section outlines recommendations for habitat retention and protecti 5.11 To enable the continued movement of both wildlife and people into the retained 5.9 The current survey has been used to produce an outline plan of likely constraints to A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 34 The mature white willow trees trees willow white The mature tree ash A mature trees hawthorn and hornbeam of The row trees lime of mature A series arried arried out. Due to the density and extent of the knotweed this may have to be should should be designed in sympathy with the presence of badgers and their setts. This may include measures to avoid impacting setts directly or interrupting badger any pathways. known Hard landscaping should also avoid separating setts from each other and keep any busy roads away from areas of high badger activity. It may prove necessary to erect badger fencing or under passes to minimise the risk accidents. traffic road from fatalities of badger Vegetation clearance clearance Vegetation management management plan must take place outside of the bird breeding season, taken to run August. late to March from early carried carried out over the course of more than one growing season. Herbicides Tordon 22K or Picloram such should not be used due to the as proximity of the water course. and dead the company by out a specialist be carried should programme Any spraying material removed from the site or burnt in situ. Any control measures for Japanese knotweed should take account of the surrounding Net Regulations produced by the 2006). Agency (Environment Agency Environment features features that are worthy of retention under any development scheme. These features as follows: are and plan constraints the onto marked been have the the development sections so as to be ecologically sensitive. Bats in sensitive particular to are excess levels of artificial light during benefit the from night the (IEEM retained 2006) area and remaining may free from should be to made to high proximity light avoid in trees levels any for suitable are that light pollution. Particular effort roosts. artificial new any or roost a bat c 5.17 Any vegetation clearance whether to facilitate development or as part of a woodland 5.15 Although the habitats on the site are of limited ecological value there are isolated 5.14 Effort should be made to guide the design of any future lighting schemes in either of 5.16 Ongoing control of Japanese knotweed using an approved herbicide should be A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 35 of of The retention of standing and fallen dead wood wood dead fallen and of standing The retention Enhancement and management of the woodland woodland of the and management Enhancement stream of the and management Enhancement refuse domestic of Removal waste green dumped of Removal boxes bat and bird of Installation access public Managing setts badger of The protection Eradication of Japanese knotweed knotweed Japanese of Eradication Potential Potential partnerships with the Council and other landowners within the site, groups conservation voluntary local and residents period year ten or over a five activities of management Timing Management objectives objectives Management principles General Detailed management prescriptions, including specific recommendations for; evelopment evelopment for their wildlife value a Management Plan should be drawn up to guide Enhancement Enhancement Bird and Bat Boxes Boxes Bat and Bird available available nesting habitat, artificial bird and populations of bat some bird species, especially boxes hole-nesting species, can be limited should by be employed. The the availability of suitable nest sites. It would therefore be worthwhile erecting nest boxes on some of the larger trees. The British starting Trust with an assortment of for 10 well spaced, Ornithology small bird boxes recommends per hectare (du Feu, 1989). A number of boxes of different designs should be employed (e.g. hole fronted, open fronted, etc) to maximise the number of species that use them. Boxes should erected above 2m, on semi-mature trees disturbance. and away from potential predation or works over a five or ten year period. period. year ten or a five over works d 5.19 sections; following the include should Plan The Management 5.18 To enhance the Central Section of the site and any other areas retained free from 5.20 To enhance the site as a whole for nesting birds and to compensate for any loss A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 36 and and wall. wall. mixed mixed Further Further that to the planted ds thatds boxes are attached Central Central Section. They invertebrates. value and recommended firmly is wildlife It is birds for which of known scented). habitat framework night of plants nesting are strong a plants with if increasing comprised bats wall, walls and supported green be n the site through the provision of green roofs roofs walls. and of green provision the through n the site potentially i Green Roofs Roofs Green should should be at least 4m from the ground and as a general rule should be sited with their front facing southwest to southeast. A more common practice is to have 3 boxes facing different aspects seasonal on one and individual tree to species mXPPEDSFUFn
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SFDPNNFO in English This This should be so constructed that a ofminimum a 10cm gap is present between the framework information on green walls is given in Building Green - roofs, a guide to using plants on walls and pavements (Johnston & Newton, 1992). trained trained onto suitable wall space e.g. along the boundary of the should species residents, residents, green walls also provide foraging and nesting habitat for insects and birds (and with and and bat boxes attached to or integral to, any new housing units. Those units which were to designed back onto the Section Central or along any corridorsgreen retained would be best. Artificial bird boxes recessed into walls the of a new further although should building advice be sought on can be placed onto trees final positioning. Bat or boxes can fencelines be designed or into the upper walls of new using proprietary roost buildings boxes (Schwegler 2008). Additional roosting opportunities for bats could be easily designed into the points. bat access of provision the through pitched roof space of any new buildings 5.25 In addition to providing screening, building insulation and enhancing green space for 5.22 5.23 Any new housing development on the site could provide additional provision of bird 5.21 5.24 There is a good opportunity to compensate for the loss of any open green space A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 37 uate uate the Additional Survey Survey Additional take take place outside of the times when bats are most vulnerable i.e. either maternity or hibernation seasons. The best time for work on trees with bat potential is November. late and September early or between May early and March whole whole of the site, including the use of the site as a commuting or foraging area and the presence of any roosts. Surveys should assess both the immediate footprint of the development concerned as well as the site as a whole, Surveys would follow the 2007). Trust Conservation (Bat Guidelines Survey Bat badger badger setts present and assess their status i.e. active or unused. Any to disturbance a badger sett is a contravention of National legislation (The Badgers Act Appendix 1992 see 4) and any proposed activities carried that out under could licence to Natural cause England. disturbance If any must badger setts are be proposed closure for to facilitate future development, a detailed bait marking carried out to more assess the accurately status of one or more groups badger survey social should be on the site and the affiliation of different setts. The aim of this would be to produce a sett closures. any and layout site inform could that map territory wildlife wildlife interest at the site a series of further surveys are recommended. This will also ensure that any potential future works has minimal impact on less-common species or protected species, to inform mitigation and future management plans at the site and assess the success of habitat creation boxes. and enhancement schemes e.g. bird Areas of biodiverse living roof and sedum green roof could be constructed on roofs throughout each section potentially of compensate the for habitat site. loss Green would and otherwise be bio-diverse retain lost. roofs some The system biodiversity will proposed that for extensive substrate-based a system with biodiverse a variety of roof depths ranging is from 100- an 150mm to include bare areas and a variety of vegetation types including plug- planted sedums and native wildflower seed mixes. The sedum green roof also should also be area.local the indigenousness to supplemented with plug planting of native species 5.30 Any works either felling or remedial, to any fully mature trees on the site may have to 5.29 Bat surveys should be carried out in order to assess the status of bats across the 5.28 A detailed badger survey should be carried out, in order to accurately map any 5.27 To comply ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and to fully eval 5.26 A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 38 discrete areas within the Northern Section. A targeted reptile survey should be carried be carried survey should reptile ASection. targeted the Northern within areas discrete present. be to found if designed plan mitigation a suitable out and 5.31 If reptiles are present on the site they are likely to only be found a small number of A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 39 J., s, J.,

in s in (1) s r East . East s the . , Hughe on: Site London. London. . tus of Bird nt site

. ILE and the Bat . (1999) Local

8, Edinburgh. wn, A.F. on Sta . DEFRA, Consultation

t he Environment , Bro (2006). : T (2007). , J.A. sory Committee d on developme A Technique for Environmental pter 6 Bats and Lighting . The Populati Managemen Affairs. ng Advi Rural Affairs. . (2002) , Robinson Rural se knotwee Using Local Stock For Planting Native Trees

And on And . British Trust Ornithology for

c Planni Plan (Cm 2428) HMSO, London. and Bats and Lighting in the UK th, C.A , D.G. . Cha an 1991-2011 Food Boxes g Japane Food Selecti . Defra, London. . Defra, London. nt Strategi

, Noble and Rights of Way Act (CRoW). nd Galbrai Managin l Joi . a and Countryside Act (WCA) (as amended). 6) Bristol . EA Bristol

Patterson, G. (1999). n, N.I. Environment, e Structure Pl ove Structure & Environment, , D.W Identification, y (200 for nt For on & H BTO Guide 20: Nest nty Counci Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey r , Wilkinso . Forestry Commission Practice Note e of practic

, Gibbons x Cou nt Agenc On Their d cod , R.D.

, D.A. Department and Bright x and by Joint Nature . England Field Unit, Nature Conservancy Council. Reprinted - Departme -

ast Susse HMSO. (2000). The Countryside HMSO. (1981). The Wildlife 1994 (as amended), HMSO. (1994). Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. (2006). Environme Susse http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/environment/planning/development/localplanning Procter UK Action HMSO. (1994). Biodiversity r the Gregory Defra Herbert, R., Samuel, S. JNCC. (1993). www.defra.gov.uk E and Isle of Man: An Analysis of Conservation The United Kingdom, Channel Islands r450. Concern 2002r2007. British Birds 95: 410 Institute of Lighting Engineers. (2007). Conservation Trust. Du Feu, C. (1989).

Defra References Sale of Certain Non-native Plants The Review of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and (2) The Ban on The knotwee & Shrubs Audit Guidance Conservation Committee, Peterborough. A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 40

[On- April April . for Site 08 Their Impact [Accessed: Land off Victoria Avenue Trust. . Bat Conservation

Desktop Biodiversity Report

Victoria Avenue Hastings. Land off Victoria Avenue Land off Victoria Avenue Hastings. From Rio To Sussex: Sussex Biodiversity Action [On-line]. Available from [On-line]. Available With Wildlife: A Resource and Training Pack for the Park Lane Group, Hawthorn Road Reptile and Bat Ref:ESD/09/135. Woods Mill, Henfield. Unpublished report for Working SSSI Citations. CIRIA London. Table 6.1 - Guidance on the optimal timing for Impact of Lighting on Bats http://www.ukbap.org.uk/NewPriorityList.aspx from [Accessed: 18 May 2009]. www.magic.gov.uk + 2km Radius UK Biodiversity Action Plan: New List of Priority Species and Habitats

Bat tree assessment and emergence survey Badger licence, MethodEcological Statement Constraints Report Planning System. Government Circular. - Sussex Biodiversity Records Centre. (2007). Unpublished Available WSP (2006) WSP (2006) Hastings. WSP (2006) Sussex Biodiversity Partnership. (2001). (2009). Natural England. SxBRC J. (2000). Jones, [On-line]. for the Countryside. Multi-Agency Geographic Information MAGIC (2009). Available from Newton, J. et al. (2004). of the British Isles (2nd Ed.). Cambridge University Press, Stace, C.A. (1997). New Flora Cambridge. The Ecology Consultancy (2006) 2009]. https://www.bats.org.uk/downloads/Helpline/lighting.pdf https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ 2009]. [Accessed: 08 April Construction Industry. Within The Conservation Products. No.65. [On-line]. Available from Schwegler. (2008). Bird and Nature [Accessed: 08 April 2009]. http://www.schwegler-nature.com/Main/index.htm Plan. http://www.biodiversitysussex.org Conservation: Statutory Obligations & ODPM. (2005). Biodiversity & geological carrying out specialist surveys and mitigation. carrying out specialist surveys and JNCC. JNCC. (2009). line]. ECL. A01, Hastings Surveys

A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings 41

Appendix 1: Habitat Plan A01 Ore Valley Hastings / Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 42 42 / /

A01 Ore Valley Hastings Phase One Survey Report for Hastings 43 Plan Removed Appendix 2: Constraints Plan

A01 Ore Valley Hastings / /Report for Hastings Borough Council 45 Phase One Survey Appendix 3: Photographs A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 46

: 3 2 1 h h h p p p a a a r r r Avenue Avenue g g planting. g o o o t t t o o o h h in foreground in h P P P South-eastern boundary boundary South-eastern Looking west across the the across west Looking vegetation featuring locally locally featuring vegetation remnant feature from former former from feature remnant north-western slope of site, a site, slope of north-western abundant Japanese knotweed knotweed Japanese abundant Line of hornbeams on terraced terraced on of Line hornbeams Northern Section from Victoria Victoria from Section Northern A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 47

6 5 4 h h h p p p a a a r r r g g g o o o t t t sycamore. sycamore. o o o h h h P P P area close to stream to close area featuring open areas and areas open featuring the northeast corner of the of the corner northeast the Northern section of the site site the of section Northern proposed development area development proposed Crack willows in the central the central in willows Crack dominated by self-established self-established by dominated White willows and ground flora flora and ground willows White dominated by common nettle in in nettle common by dominated

A01 Ore Valley Hastings / /Report for Hastings Borough Council 50 Phase One Survey Appendix 4: Plant Species List A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 51 t l & u o lease lease d e i r r a

t t t c e e g g g g survey, does t, y y e Qualifier v r u S 1 e s a h f f f r r r r r lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf o o o o o o o o o o P : d s e 9 d Abundance w 0 n o l 0 e l t o 2 x f y s E a e a h M e l h t t a 0 m c o 2 s r d f R n d O a e l F h i t A p 8 ENGLISH D m e e h o h t c t n y g o e l n l i a Hemlock Rape Hedge bindweed bellflowerTrailing Bitter-cress bitter-cressWavy Pendulous sedge Hornbeam Rosebay willow-herb Creeping thistle Enchanter's-nightshade Barren brome parsleyCow Columbine Lesser burdock LordsItalian Ladiesand Lords-and-Ladies Spotted-laurel Daisy Silver birch Hard fern Sycamore Ground-elder Horse chestnut Creeping bent Garlic mustard Meadow foxtail s V u e d r e t O a r o m i f t t s s i e s L s a e i w c e e c BINOMIAL p n a S t d n n a u l b P Circaea lutetianaConium maculatum ChamerionCirsium angustifolium arvense CardamineCarex flexuosa pendula Carpinus betulus CampanulaCardamine poscharskyana sp. Blechnum spicantBrassica napaCalystegia sepium Bellis perennisBetula pendula Arum italicumArum neglectum maculatumAucuba japonica Aquilegia vulgarisArctium minor AlopecurusAnisantha pratense sterilisAnthriscus sylvestris Agrostis stoloniferaAlliaria petiolata Acer pseudoplatanusAegopodium Aesculus podagraria hippocastanum c=clumped, c=clumped, e=edge only, g=garden origin, p=planted, s=seedling or sucker, t=tree, h uncertain identification ? = hedge, = D = dominant, A = abundant, F = frequent, O = occasional, R = rare R = = occasional, O frequent, F = abundant, A = dominant, D = Scientific Scientific nomenclature follows Stace (1997) for vascular plant species and Blockee A Long (1998) for bryophyte species. Vascular plant common names follow Society the of Botanical the British Isles 2003 list, published on its web site, www.bsbi.org.uk. P note that this plant species list was generated as part of a Phase 1 Habitat not survey constitute a and botanical full should be read in the with conjunction associated Report. 1 Phase A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 52

t t t y y g g g g g g g t,y t,y Qualifier f f f f f r r r r r r r r r r lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o la Abundance ENGLISH Perennial rye-grass Wilson's honeysuckle Honeysuckle Honesty Apple crab apple forget-me-notField Wood forget-me-not Pink garden sorrel Common poppy Bluebell Tutsan Common cat's-ear Highclere holly Holly rushHard Kerria Bay Hoary cress privetGarden Goat's Goat's rue Cleavers Dove's-foot crane's-bill Wood Crane's-bill Herb-Robert Wood avens Ivy Hogweed Yorkshire-fog Spanish bluebell Cock's-foot buckler-fernBroad Male-fern Great willow-herb Evergreen spindle Hemp agrimony Beech beechCopper Japanese knotweed Ash Field bindweedField Dogwood Hazel Hawthorn Pink hawthorn BINOMIAL Papaver rhoeas Myosotis arvensisMyosotis sylvaticaOxalis latifolia Malus domesticaMalus sylvatica Lonicera nitidaLonicera periclymenumLunaria annua Ligustrum ovalifoliumLolium perenne Kerria japonicaLaurus nobilisLepidium draba Ilex aquifoliumJuncus inflexus HypericumHypochaeris androsaemumIlex radicata x altaclerensis HyacinthoidesHyacinthoides hispanica non-scripta Hedera helixHeracleum Holcus sphondylium lanatus Geranium robertianumGeum urbanum Galium aparineGeranium molleGeranium sylvaticum Fraxinus excelsiorGalega officinalis Fagus sylvaticaFagus sylvaticaFallopia purpurea japonica Euonymus Eupatoriumjaponicus cannabinum Dryopteris Dryopterisdilatata Epilobiumfilix-mas hirsutum Crataegus Dactylissp glomerata Cornus sanguineaCorylus avellanaCrataegus monogyna Convolvulus arvensis A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 53

t t t t t y t,y t,y t,y t,y Qualifier f f f r r r r r r r r lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf lf o o o o o o o o o o o o o o la la la Abundance ENGLISH Thyme-leaved speedwell Great mullein Guelder-rose Bush vetch Alexanders Smooth sow-thistle Hedge woundwort Snowberry Dandelion Common lime cloverRed White clover Common nettle Ivy-leaved speedwell Bramble Broad-leaved dock dockWood White willow Goat willow Crack-willow Osier Elder Common ragwort Hedge mustard White poplar Hybrid black-poplar Cherry plum Cherry laurel Selfheal oakHolm Pedunculate oak Meadow buttercup Lesser celandine Creeping buttercup Green alkanet Hart's-tongue Ribwort plantain Greater plantain Rough meadow-grass BINOMIAL VerbascumViburnum thapsus opulusVicia sepium Veronica hederifoliaVeronica serpyllifolia Trifolium pratenseTrifolium repensUrtica dioica TaraxacumTilia sp. x vulgaris Sonchus oleraceusStachys sylvaticaSymphoricarpos albus SisymbriumSmyrnium officinalis olusatrum Salix viminalisSambucus Senecionigra jacobaea Salix capreaSalix fragilis Rumex obtusifoliusRumex sanguineus Salix alba RanunculusRubus repens fruticosus agg. Quercus roburRanunculus Ranunculus acris ficaria Prunella vulgarisQuercus ilex Populus x canadensisPrunus cerasiferaPrunus laurocerasus Poa trivialisPopulus alba Phyllitis scolopendriumPlantago lanceolataPlantago major Pentaglottis sempervirens

A01 Ore Valley Hastings / /Report for Hastings Borough Council 54 Phase One Survey Appendix 5: andLegislation Policy A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 55 t st as as a er er the oups oups is ile ile every Epidalea egislation egislation e e affected into into UK law : : badger, bats, nd, nd, the Republic r vole and white , natterjack toad . Key amendments have been receive full protection of Schedule 2 of was also afforded full protection under Coronella austriaca is to conserve the various species of plant and www.opsi.gov.uk 1 Triturus cristatus Pelophylax lessonae , smooth snake This section contains details of legislation and planning policy : a) to impair their ability: ability: their to impair a) killing, injuring or taking of species listed on Schedule 2 Schedule on listed of species taking or injuring killing, as: species 2 Schedule of any disturbance 2 2 Lacerta agilis o and great crested newt Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 Act 1996 (Protection) Mammals Wild Deer Act 1991 Act 1991 Deer 2000 Act (CRoW) of Way Rights and Countryside Act 2006 (NERC) Communities Rural & Environment Natural 1992 Act Badgers of Protection Deliberate Deliberate October 2008, the pool frog HERPETOFAUNA (AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES) REPTILES) AND (AMPHIBIANS HERPETOFAUNA The sand lizard Species Species and species aforementioned domestic and European legislation, and groups that are most likely to b that are by development activities, protected include herpetofauna (amphibians or and reptiles), birds, otherwise dormouse, invasive plant regulated species, otter, plants, und red squirrel, clawed crayfish. A wate summary of the protection afforded these species or species gr below. given The The objective of the EC Habitats Directive A SPECIES TO AFFORDED LEGISLATION NATIONAL IMPORTANT NOTICE the same legislation. Regulation 39 prohibits: prohibits: 39 Regulation legislation. same the The The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). From the 1 The The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is a key piece of national l Since the passing of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, various amendments have been made, details of which can be found on include habitats and their wildlife to protection affording Acts Other legislative animal animal which are considered rare across Europe. The Directive is transposed by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations referred 1994 to (as as amended) the (commonly Habitats Regulations) and (as amended). The 2007 Regulations &c.) Habitats, Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural which implements the Convention on the Conservation of European Habitats Wildlife (Bern and Convention) and Natural implements the species protection obligations of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation Britain. of Wild Birds (EC Birds Directive) in Grea made through the Act 2004. (Scotland) Conservation Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000) and Nature applicable applicable in Britain only (i.e. not including the Isle of Man, Northern Irela of Ireland or the Channel Islands) and is provided for general guidance effort only. Wh has been made to ensure accuracy, law. of the statement definitive this section should not be relied upon calamita A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 56 are nable nable nate). nate). , thus dead gency gency on , grass se se of sale. r ability to to prevent equired equired for additionally additionally Conservation Conservation Schedule 5 of Schedule 5 of of the Wildlife nt works? e monitored. e monitored. Anguis fragilis Lissotriton vulgaris Vipera berus d to:d , smooth newt and slow-worm Bufo bufo 3 Zootoca vivipara , common toad are listed in respect to Section 9(5) only respect to 9(5) in Section affordslisted are which them (i) to survive, breed, or reproduce, or to rear or nurture young; young; rearnurture or to or reproduce, or breed, to survive, (i) (ii) in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to migrate or hibernate will be required for works liable to affect the breeding sites or 4 ƒ ƒ ƒ , common lizard L. helveticus b) b) to affect significantly species the local distribution or abundance of the taking or destroying of the eggs of a Schedule 2 species 2 species Schedule of a eggs the of destroying or taking 2 o Rana temporaria Sell, Sell, offer or expose for thereof. part any or species, sale, possess or transport for purpose of sale these Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) kill or injure these species species these injure or kill Scotland) in recklessly (or Intentionally Intentional or reckless disturbance (at any level) (at any level) disturbance reckless or Intentional protecti or shelter of place any to access of obstruction reckless or Intentional purpo for or transporting possession sale, for exposing or offering Selling, Keeping, Keeping, transporting, selling, exchanging or offering for sale whether live or thereof. part of orany Deliberate place resting or site a breeding of destruction or Damage Natrix natrix (e.g. (e.g. Natural England) A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence issued by the relevant countryside a Common Common frog How is the legislation pertaining to herpetofauna liable to affect developme and palmate newt and palmate the the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Under this Act, they are from: protected With the exception of the pool frog, these species are also currently listed on listed currently also are species these pool frog, of the exception the With Other Other native species of herpetofauna are protected solely under Schedule 5 & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Species such as the adder listed in respect to Section 9(1) & (5). For these species, it is prohibite is it species, these For (5). & 9(1) Section to respect in listed resting resting places of those amphibian and reptile species protected under The snake snake protection against sale, offering or sale. of purpose exposing for sale, possession or transport for the (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). A licence will also operations be r liable to result in undertake above mentioned those activities (e.g. survive, breed, rear young and a hiber level of disturbance which The might licences impair are thei to b to efficacy and their place in put be to allow measures mitigation appropriate derogation from the relevant legislation but also to e Although not licensable, appropriate mitigation measures may also be required the intentional killing or injury of adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow worm (as amended). 1981 Act and Countryside the Wildlife of contravention avoiding A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 57 d or 4 to: dead on obtain obtain 4 tionally tionally re re is no tats, &c.) se se of sale. or to disturb orks? 4 . N.B. there is no provision in law for 7 3 (i) to survive, breed, or reproduce, or to rear or nurture young; young; nurture or rear to or reproduce, or breed, to survive, (i) or migrate to hibernate (ii) (e.g. Natural will be agency required countryside relevant from the 6 ƒ ƒ receive protection under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 which a) to impair their ability: ability: their to impair a) b) to affect significantly species the local distribution or abundance of the killing, injuring or taking (capture) of Schedule 2 species (e.g. bats) (e.g. 2 species Schedule of (capture) taking or injuring killing, as: species of bat disturbance 2 2 o o Meles meles Intentional or reckless obstruction of access to any place of shelter or protecti or shelter of place any to access of obstruction reckless or Intentional purpo for or transporting possession sale, for exposing or offering Selling, Intentional or reckless disturbance (at any level) (at any level) disturbance reckless or Intentional Damage or destruction of a breeding site or resting place resting or site a breeding of destruction or Damage Keeping, transporting, selling, exchanging or offering for sale whether live or Deliberate thereof. part of orany Deliberate Intentionally or recklessly disturb a badger when it is occupying a badger sett badger a occupying is it when badger a disturb recklessly or Intentionally badger sett a enter dog to a cause recklessly or Intentionally badger live a control, his under has or possesses sale, for offers or Sell Wilfully kill, injure, take, or attempt to kill, injure or take a badger badger a or take injure kill, to or take, attempt injure, kill, Wilfully digging and of tongs use including a badger, ill-treat Cruelly thereof part any or badger dead a control or Possess Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a badger sett any part thereof thereof part any protected from: from: protected Bats Bats are also currently amended) through protected their inclusion under on the Schedule 5. Wildlife Under and this Act, Countryside they Act are addi 1981 (as A Development A Licence Development How is the legislation pertaining to badgers liable to affect development w BADGER BADGER Badgers consolidates the previous Badger Acts of 1973 and 1991. The Act makes it an offence offence an it Act makes The 1991. and of 1973 Acts Badger previous the consolidates England) for any development works liable to affect an active badger sett, BATS BATS All species of bat are fully protected under The Conservation (Natural Habi badgers badgers whilst in the sett. Depending on the nature of the works and the specifics sett of and the its environs, badgers could be disturbed by work near the sett even if the direct interference or damage to the guidelines on sett what constitutes itself. a licensable The activity countryside agencies the capture of badgers have for development purposes and therefore it is not possible to issue another. to one area from badgers to translocate a licence Regulations 1994 (as amended) through prohibits: their inclusion on Schedule 2. Regulation 39 A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 58 e an an r r a ability ability t ose of rnate). rnate). ging or ging or agency regarded regarded sturbance sturbance ability to typically typically runs and and Annex 1 of e monitored. e monitored. ks? orks? , hobby, bittern and under Sections 1-8 of also be interpreted such that, in may protection, for example, where it can be proven that the will be required for works liable to affect a bat roost or for 4 . Where this is not feasible, it will be necessary to have any areas of 9 de facto . . 8 In Scotland only, intentional or reckless disturbance whilst lekking lekking whilst disturbance reckless or intentional only, In Scotland harassment reckless or intentional only, In Scotland Intentional Intentional or reckless disturbance while it is building a nest or is young or eggs containing nest in, on or nea bird a of such young dependent of disturbance reckless or Intentional In Scotland only, intentionally or recklessly obstruct or prevent any wild bird nest its using from Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) kill, injure or take any wild bird wild any or take injure kill, Scotland) in recklessly (or Intentionally Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) take, damage buil being or use in is it while bird wild or any the of nest with) interfere otherwise destroy (or, in Scotland, bird wild any of egg an destroy or take Intentionally Sell, offer or expose for sale, have in his possession or transport for the purp sale any wild bird (dead or alive) or bird egg or part thereof.part or egg bird or or alive) (dead bird wild any sale To avoid contravention of the Wildlife should wild be to bird, of any orplanned killing avoid possibility the injuring or dama and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), works kingfisher receive additional special protection additional special kingfisher receive under Schedule 1 of the Act the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). This against: protection them affords How is the legislation pertaining destroying their nests. The most effective way to reduce the likelihood of nest destruction to in particular is to work undertake outside the bird main nesting season which birds liable from March to August to affect development w Certain Certain species of bird, for example the barn owl, black redstart A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence issued by the relevant countryside How is the legislation pertaining to bats liable to affect development wor (e.g. Natural England) Those species of bird listed on Schedule 1 are additionally protected against di suitable habitat thoroughly checked for nests prior to vegetation clearance. clearance. vegetation to prior nests for checked thoroughly habitat suitable during the nesting season. disturbing works are undertaken in the vicinity of the nest. The most Thus, effective way to avoid it will be necessary to ensure that no potentially certain circumstances, importantcan and/or be routes commuting circumstances, certain foraging areas as being afforded continued continued usage of such areas is crucial to maintaining the integrity and long-term vi operations operations likely to result in undertake above mentioned those activities (e.g. survive, breed, rear young and hibe a level of disturbance which The might licence impair their is b to efficacy and their place to in put be to measures mitigation appropriate allow derogation from the relevant legislation but Though also there is no case to law to date, the enabl legislation roost bat of a BIRDS BIRDS With certain all exceptions, birds, their nests and eggs are protected the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Among other things, this makes it to: offence A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 59 e e nd nd ove ove wild gency gency ohibits ohibits it may n, drag ying out out ying purpose can can be the live or dead live person to ly ly protected appropriate ment works? eof eof fe fe and Countryside e e also fully protected will be required for works liable to affect species of plant listed 4 pick, collect, cut, uproot or destroy a wild Schedule 4 species 4 species Schedule a wild destroy or uproot cut, pick, collect, 2 Schedule Schedule 8 species (or seed or spore attached to any such wild plant in Scotla only) only) ther part or species plant 8 Schedule dead or live wild any of sale, Keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange any wild wild any or exchange orforoffer or sale exchange, sell Keep, transport, Deliberately 4 species Schedule Intentionally Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) picking, uprooting or destruction of any wild Selling, offering or exposing for sale, or possessing or transporting for the or asphyxiate any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering. suffering. unnecessary to inflict with intent mammal wild any or asphyxiate Mutilate, Mutilate, kick, beat, nail or otherwise impale, stab, burn, stone, crush, drow person: person: wild mammals are protected against intentional acts of cruelty under the ab A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence issued by the relevant countryside a How is the legislation (e.g. Natural England) pertaining to protected plants liable to affect develop any PLANTS PLANTS With certain exceptions, all wild plants are protected under the Wildli Certain rare species of plant, for example some species of orchid, ar To avoid possible contravention, due care and attention due should Tobe when care taken contravention, and possible attention carr avoid works (for example operations near burrows or nests) with the potential to affect any mammal in this way, or not. legislation conservation regardless of whether they are legally protected through other "DU

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Countryside Act Countryside 1981 in (as amended) respect to Section are 14(2). generallySuch species non-natives whose establishment or spread wildlife. in Inclusion the on wild Part may II wild. the in grow to species these cause otherwise be of detrimental Schedule to 9 native therefore makes it an offence to plant or This includes seasonally used setts and latest guidance from Natural England Natural from guidance and latest setts used seasonally includes This been have there if use current hogweed hogweed common common ragwort Countryside Council for Wales (date) Badgers: A Guide for Developers. Guide Badgers: A (date) for Wales Countryside Council A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 61 s na na sm are are As As The The and and onal onal strial strial n UK ations ations which s rsh, fen, e Directive) Directive) to that that to v r , for which ts Directive e s system system also tant tant within a (SACs) form s rs out to 12 e n e v r o i Directive within e R t ir ir flora, fauna, or ng the range and s e a r ary. Wetlands may e v rest rest (SSSIs) and as r u t e R a s e n r N l o u t a a C n f o i N t o e a s n a i r e r a A l a i c e p (SSSIs) under the National Parks and Access to to Access Parks and under National the (SSSIs) t s e r e t n I c i f i t n , , which prohibit the disturbance and removal of limestone e s i r c e 200 nm). nm). 200 d S (SPAs), together with S l r ̂ s a i a c O e t r e n p A e n S network. The Government is obliged to identify and classify SPAs under m f o i e 0 t o v 0 c s a 0 e e t t i 2 P o r a e r n sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International u P r l t o t a a a i s s c e e m m a p i Importance, agreed Importance, in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Convention covers The all aspects of wetl conservation and wise use, in globally particular important for biodiversity conservation. Wetlands can include recognizing areas of ma wetlands as ecosystems thatpeatland or water and may are be natural or artificial, permanent or tempor also incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent underpinned to through prior notification as Sites of Special the Scientific Inte wetlands. Ramsar sites such receive statutory protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) with further protection provided by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. Policy statements have been issued by the Government in England and Wales highlighting protection of level the extends This effectively sites. of Ramsar status special the STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: NATIONAL NATIONAL DESIGNATIONS: STATUTORY Nationally important areas of special scientific interest, by reason of the B HABITATS TO AFFORDED LEGISLATION EUROPEAN AND NATIONAL geological geological or physiographical features, S statutory are notified by the countryside agencies a STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL DESIGNATIONS: STATUTORY S byelaws must be made to protect them. protect to made be must byelaws the N from from such designated areas, and the designation of M The The Wildlife & Countryside L Act 1981 (as amended) also provides for the making of the Countryside Act 1949 and latterly the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). 1981 Act & Countryside Wildlife the and latterly Act 1949 Countryside the well as underpinning other national designations (such as N are declared by the countryside agencies provides under statutory protection the for terrestrial and same coastal sites legislation), which are the impor European context (Natura 2000 network) and globally (such as Importance). Wetlands of Internati See subsequent provisions sections for the for protection and details management Countryside of and of SSSIs have Rights these been Act 2004. introduced (Scotland) of Conservation designations. by Way the Improved Act 2000 (in England and Wales) and the Nature the the EC Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild SPAs Birds). are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I of the and and migratory birds within the European areas Union. Protection and afforded SPAs territorial in Conservation marine terre (Natural Habitats, &c. Regulations 1994 waters (as amended). The Offshore out Marine Conservation (Natural to Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 (as amended) provide a mechani 12 nautical 12-200 nm). (from waters offshore UK in SPAs of protection and designation for the miles (nm) is given The Government is obliged to identify and SACs designate under the EC Habita by (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of and Flora). Wild These are areas which Fau have been identified as best representi variety of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the the European Union. SACs in nautical terrestrial miles are areas protected and under The territorial Conservation (Natural marine 1994 (as amended). Habitats, The wate Offshore &c.) Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, Regul &c.) Regulations 2007 (as provide foramended) a mechanism the designation and of protection SACs i 12 (from waters offshore R A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 62 l s s e a r e c u i to v ans ans has has t r g es. 2005 2005 a e o l s ch ch and N (CWS), (CWS), e o f i s e Directives Directives R o ountryside ountryside t B i s e f r or aesthetic e t S u i o t SPAs), LNRs, SPAs), e s ct ct these sites, f a i d to these sites l e t i d N eeding eeding of horses, l l interest at a local i a c ria ria listed in Part II of ation ation when planning W o y 'within or marking the t n (RIGS) are the most u s o e (SINCs), or S t i (LNCS), S n s o i e t S t l i a a v r c S i e n g s o o i n l t o o a h v C r p r e e r o s u are not. are n t m o a o e N C r e o r G u f t d e a n c n N a a l l t a r a c o c i o p g m o , , under a of such variety as names C l I e o f t (SNCIs). The criteria for designation may vary between counties. counties. between vary may designation for The criteria (SNCIs). i e o e S s c e e G n f t t i i a (LWS), L l n t s r d a l e i t o t r i p o p m S I e m f n i l (SBIs), S o I i e d l t y i c l a l n v a a r W t n e r d o s i o e n t g p s o e i m Guidance Guidance on nature conservation is issued by Policy Statement the 9: Biodiversity Government & in Geological Conservation the (PPS 9) form and Circular of 06/ Planning C POLICY PLANNING NATIONAL on biodiversity and geological conservation within the planning system. The key principle in this guidance include biodiversity. the aim that all planning decisions should prevent harm NON-STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS DESIGNATIONS NON-STATUTORY Areas considered to be as authorities a W of local conservation interest may be designated by local agency. agency. LNRs are declared for sites holding wildlife special or geological level and are managed for nature conservation, and provide opportunities for resear of nature. enjoyment and education I C (LNRs) (LNRs) may be by declared authorities local with consultation after c the relevant afforded to sites which have been designated under the EC Birds and Habitats STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: LOCAL LOCAL DESIGNATIONS: STATUTORY Under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 L as part of the Natura 2000 network (e.g. SACs & SPAs). & SACs (e.g. network 2000 Natura the of as part boundary of the curtilage of a dwelling-house' L THE HEDGEROW REGULATIONS 1997 1997 REGULATIONS HEDGEROW THE 5IF
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bodies actively pursue opportunities shall to achieve a avoid QB net gain a across the region. net They must loss give highest of biodiversity level of (European sites protection (6)). Plans or projects implementing policies in this RSS to are sites Habitats Directive. Where of a likely significant effect of international a plan or project nature on cannot Eu be conservation excluded, an appropriate importance assessment in be required. will regulations associated line with the Habit authorities and other bodies are unable to conclude that there will be no ad the integrity of any European sites, the plan or project will not be approved, i ii. If after completing an appropriate assessment of a plan or conformity project with l other policies in the RSS, unless otherwise in compliance with 6(4) of the Directive. Habitats planning authorities should consider a range of alternative and distributions within should the distribute an iii. allocation in For such example integrity a of when way European sites. that deciding In it the on avoids event the adversely that affecting a cannot distribution distribute local an the allocation accordingly, planning of or authorityotherwise avoid housing or conclude adequately allocations, local adverse effect, it should make provision up to the level closest to its original a affecti adversely without distributed be can it that be it concluded can which sites. European of any and seek to ensure that damage to county wildlife sites and locally important wildlife geological sites is avoided, including scientific additional special of sites important toareas nationally damage avoid shall iv. They outside the boundaries 6 sites UK either through legislation or policy. These are Special Areas candidate of SACs Conservati (cSACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), proposed SP Ramsar sites. Natural Resource Management 919 The South East Plan - Regional Spatial In general, planning authorities should also; also; should authorities planning In general, 114

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mXBTUFMB PPS PPS 9 offers the following guidance on Species and Habitats of Principal Impor Biodiversity Biodiversity defined under section 74 spec of habitats priority Plan Action Biodiversity UK comprise generally (which the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning con obligations. Planning authorities should refuse permission where harm to the speci their habitats would result unless the need for and benefits of the development cl PVUXFJHI
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IBSNp A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 64 h d d the the tats. tats. scale scale lopment lopment tion tion Plans , identifying , identifying ractices to: ractices c c opportunity for implemented implemented uce uce diffuse pollution al al resources and commits to developing ) ) contains the following policies from Chapter : General Planning Requirements Requirements Planning General : Seek to incorporate wildlife habitats in the design of built structures; structures; built of design the habitats in wildlife incorporate Seek to nature proximate or adjacent address Positively Incorporate Incorporate the greatest possible proportion of appropriate native vegetation in any landscaping or planting scheme, purpose or except location dictate where otherwise; Incorporate the special maximum possible area requirements of of permeable ground surface and take such steps as are necessary to regulate surface water flows from conservation; impermeable surfaces in the interests of nature Where Where the loss of existing wildlife habitats or features geological is unavoidable, keep the loss to a minimum and provide compensation through the creation of measures; other appropriate or habitats replacement Incorporate, wherever appropriate, contribute to a net gain creative in biodiversity such as the development of new conservation wildlife habitats; measures which Retain Retain features of biodiversity such importance as woodland, trees, hedgerows, wetland habitats, herb rich grassland, watercourses, construction; during them protect and habitats or features other natural geological features and species; isolating and habitats fragmenting Avoid 8 C N y c i l o detailed detailed plans to conserve these recourses. The UK BAP comprises Habitat Ac The The UK BAP was initiated to comply with obligations under the Convention on Biological %JWFSTJUZ

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 E E POLICY PLANNING LOCAL Strategy Strategy for the South East of European sites where these support the species for whic that site has been selected. been selected. has site that areas and of reflecting improvement setting biodiversity opportunity for targets those in table importance of wildlife areas to access appropriate headed ensure They shall v. 'Regional Biodiversity Opportunities Targets for - biodiversity improvement, Summary habitat restoration, including enhancement for and re-creation in connection 2010 the areas of of strategi and pursued be should NRM3) (Diagram improvement biodiversity sites, 2026' large- below. p management other land and sites extraction mineral of restoration defence, deliver biodiversity vi. targets They increase shall the resources. soil protect influence wildlife and value applying of agri-environment schemes, land forestry, red floo deve resultant of implications potential the with agriculture in place taking changes the countryside. in vi. They shall and developed identified, be to infrastructure green require shall They vii. promote policies that integrate development. the with new conjunction in need to accommodate the Development Development proposals will be required to minimise damage to wildlife and habi Wherever possible, development should:- should:- development possible, Wherever A01 Ore Valley Hastings /Phase One Survey/Report for Hastings Borough Council 65 of of s). Lucanus ote habitat and vant vant to the site ude; nclude; -eared) -eared) site, include; site, nt to the site include;nt to site the In locations which enhance the near-natural functioning of landscape the scale forest (this matrix requires at an a approach based on the interconnectedness In locations which will deliver the greatest ecological gains and which do not cause damage to existing interest (examples linkages might between be existing locations which woods fill and woodland). riverine example gaps, which form recreate rare woodland types, for an area). within diversity structural and of habitat volume woodland, Ensure woodland and forestry management fully considers non-wooded habitats. habitats. non-wooded considers fully management forestry and woodland Ensure Maintain the existing area of ancient semi-natural woodland. woodland. semi-natural of ancient area the existing Maintain management. appropriate through woodlands in condition favourable Achieve value. conservation their to enhance outcrops sandrock and woods gill Restore woods: native new of area the Expand To minimise the unnecessary destruction of colonies. colonies. of destruction unnecessary the To minimise Raise awareness of the European importance and habitat requirements of To improve our knowledge of the status and biology of the stag beetle. beetle. stag of the and biology status the of knowledge our To improve Maintain and enhance existing populations and ranges of pipistrelles in Sussex. Sussex. in pipistrelles of ranges and populations existing and enhance Maintain Work with development developers does and not Sussex. in pipistrelles other cause significant stakeholders local to reductions ensure in the large-scale populations building of Amphibians i.e. great crested newt and common toad common and newt great crested i.e. Amphibians Mammals i.e. hedgehog and bats (soprano pipistrelle and brown long and brown pipistrelle bats (soprano and i.e. hedgehog Mammals skylark starling, dunnock, i.e. Birds lizard) common snake, grass worm, (slow reptiles Common hedgerows and reedbeds rivers, ponds, i.e. Habitats cervus. Objectives in the action plan for woodland, that are relevant to the site, incl site, the to relevant are that woodland, for plan the action in Objectives Objectives in the action plan for pipistrelle bats, that are relevant to the to relevant are that bats, pipistrelle for plan the action in Objectives i site, to the relevant are that beetle, stag for plan the action in Objectives include; include; Sussex Priority BAP (2001) species and habitats, that are potentially rele G PLAN ACTION BIODIVERSITY LOCAL (HAPs) (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs). In addition, local authorities prom species conservation at a regional level through development of Local BAPs (LBAP BAPs of Local development through level a regional at conservation species releva potentially are that and habitats, species BAP Priority UK