Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 Protected Species Survey Gors Twr, Llaingoch, Holyhead Client Details Ann Parry Gors Twr, Llaingoch, Holyhead, Anglesey Grid Reference SH22838226 Planning Authority Anglesey County Council Planning Application No. Not known Date of Survey 30th August 2018 Architect Details Dafydd Edwards, 1 Trehwfa Road, Holyhead, LL65 1LE Report Version 0.1 Date of Report Writing September 2018 1 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 CONTENTS 1.0 SUMMARY 3 2.0 INTRODUCTION 3 2.1 Surveyor details 4 2.2 Purpose of survey 4 2.3 Proposed works 5 2.4 Legislation and policy guidance summary 6 3.0 SITE AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 8 4.0 METHODOLOGY 11 4.1 Desktop study 11 4.2 Daylight building inspection 11 4.3 Bat activity surveys 12 5.0 RESULTS 12 5.1 Desktop study 12 5.2 Daylight building inspection 12 5.3 Bat activity survey 12 6.0 SURVEY LIMITATIONS 13 7.0 CONCLUSIONS 14 8.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 14 9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS & RAM 15 10.0 REFERENCES 16 11.0 APPENDICES 16 2 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 1.0 SUMMARY Gors Twr is the subject of a planning application for conversion into a holiday let. As such a Protected Species Survey was commissioned to establish features with potential to support bats and other protected species and to determine past and present use of the building by bats and nesting birds The site has been assessed as having a high value to bats, as bats were observed and recorded commuting and foraging around the buildings. However no bats were observed emerging from the buildings during the survey. As such, at this present time the proposed works are presently classed as having no impact on the favourable conservation status (FCS) of bats within the immediate area Due to the roofing features of these buildings being either totally or partially absent, reducing their potential to support roosting bats and there was no evidence to suggest that bats have been using these buildings, it is estimated that no further survey is necessary There were no other protected species, either internally or externally, which would be impacted by the development As there is no proposal to remove any trees or hedgerows the proposed works will have no impact on the continued ecological functioning (CEF) of the habitat on the site concerned 2.0 INTRODUCTION A Protected Species Survey was commissioned by Mr Dafydd Edwards on behalf of Mrs Ann Parry on the property known as ‘Gors Twr’, Llaingoch, Holyhead, Anglesey. It is understood that the client proposes to convert the old cottage and adjoining outbuilding into a holiday let. The survey was carried out by ecological consultant Bev Plummer on 30th August 2018 in accordance with Bat Conservation Trust’s ‘Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines’, English Nature’s ‘Bat Mitigation Guidelines’ and the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management (CIEEM) ‘Codes of Professional Conduct’. Gors Twr is a derelict cottage with adjoining outbuilding located at approximately SH22838226 and sitting at the base of Holyhead Mountain, west of Holyhead town and port (Figure 1). 3 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 Figure 1 Aerial map of property location (red circle) 2.1 Surveyor Details Bev Plummer (surveyor 1) is an NRW licenced bat worker (licence no. 78879:OTH:CSAB:2018) with 6 years of experience in Ecology and Conservation. Ian Plummer (surveyor 2) is an assistant surveyor with 3 years of experience in emergence surveys. 2.2 Purpose of Survey The purpose of this survey was to establish whether any protected species may be impacted by the proposed works. With this in mind the objectives were to: Establish features on the site with potential to support bats and other protected species Look for and identify any past or present physical signs of bats and/or nesting birds using the buildings Identify presence/absence of protected species Provide advice and recommendations including, if applicable, any required reasonable avoidance measures (RAM) or mitigation 4 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 2.3 Proposed Works It is understood that the client proposes to convert the existing derelict cottage and adjoining outbuilding into a holiday let. Figure 2 Proposed site plan (A – existing outbuilding, B – existing derelict cottage) Figure 3 Proposed floor plan 5 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 2.4 Legislation and Policy Guidance Summary Bats All 17 UK bat species are afforded protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, under which (and along with European Legislation) it is an offence to: Intentionally kill, injure or capture a bat or a group of bats Destroy, damage or obstruct access to a known bat roosting or resting place, whether or not bats are present at the time of the incident Intentionally disturb a bat while it is occupying/using any place or structure for shelter and protection, as this can significantly affect its: ability to survive, breed and nurture young; abundance and local distribution Certain bat species are also afforded additional levels of conservation importance. Some species are included on the IUCN Red Data list of global Threatened Species while others are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to identify species of international (European) importance affected by rapid decline and risk. Protected Species Guidance A Protected Species Survey is required prior to any works being undertaken where there is a risk of any protected species being present and impacted by the works whether or not planning permission is required. Where bats are found within a potential development site and any works might result in committing an offence, a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) may be requested from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). This would be obtained only if NRW are satisfied that there is no other alternative to the derogation and that works will have no negative impact on the favourable conservation status of the species concerned. The said licence application would require a method statement detailing all mitigation and compensation measures that would be taken, to afford bats alternative roosting/resting opportunities. Due to the seasonal nature of bat activity and survey work, plenty of time must be allowed before commencement of any proposed works, to allow for survey work and the possibility of requiring an EPSL, which can take up to 40 days to apply for. Where planning permission is being pursued, the presence of a species which is protected under European or UK law is a material consideration in a planning authorities’ decision, if the proposed development works are likely to impact on that species. 6 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 Nesting birds Breeding/Nesting Birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to: Intentionally kill, injure or capture any wild bird Destroy, damage or take any wild bird’s eggs or nests (while in use or being built) Bats and nesting birds are also protected by: Environment (Wales) Act 2016 This Act sets out Wales' approach to planning and managing natural resources at a national and local level with a general purpose linked to statutory 'principles of sustainable management of natural resources' defined within the Act. The Environment (Wales) Act introduces a new, enhanced Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystem Duty on public bodies to ensure that biodiversity is an integral part of decision- making. The Duty will replace the existing Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Duty. Public authorities will be required to report on the actions they are taking to improve biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience. Section 6 of the Act places a duty on public authorities to seek to maintain and enhance biological diversity (referred to as biodiversity). All public bodies, statutory undertakers, Ministers of the Crown and other public office holders are required to apply the duty when they are carrying on any functions in Wales, or in relation to Wales. Section 7 of the Act is similar to the duty in section 42 of the NERC Act 2006 which it replaces. It places a duty on the Welsh Ministers to publish, review and revise lists of living organisms and types of habitat in Wales, which they consider are of key significance to sustain and improve biodiversity in relation to Wales. Biodiversity Policy Wales Biodiversity Partnership (WBP) has produced biodiversity checklists for local authority and public authority staff in Wales. The checklists will assist public and local authorities to take account of biodiversity in their operational activities and will help organisations to remain legal under the Environment (Wales) Act (2016) Biodiversity Duty, Habitats Regulations and other biodiversity related legislation. In addition, the implementation of the checklists and guidance will help build towards the biodiversity outcomes contained in the Environment Strategy for Wales. 7 Gors Twr, Llaingoch September, 2018 3.0 SITE AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The derelict property sits within a rural location, W of Holyhead town and port. The surrounding landscape (Figure 4) landscape consists of some pasture, heathland and rocky outcrops (particularly closer to Holyhead Mountain and the RSPB nature reserve). The immediate habitat provides some linear features in the form of hedgerows and trees which potentially provide connectivity for commuting and foraging bats. Figure 4 Aerial view of immediate surrounding habitat with property circled in red The nominated property is an adjoining derelict cottage and outbuilding facing E. Both sections are constructed of stone. The old cottage at the S end has virtually no remaining roof features (apart from a few slates at either end) and crumbling walls (Figure 5). It has many gaps in the remaining stone work and the interior is overgrown with vegetation (Figure 6).