MAYBANKS FARM, TOOT HILL, ESSEX PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT A Report to: Nicolas Tye Architects Report No: RT-MME-121505 Date: February 2016 Triumph House, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AZ Tel: 01676 525880 Fax: 01676 521400 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.middlemarch-environmental.com Maybanks Farm, Toot Hill, Essex RT-MME-121505 Preliminary Ecological Assessment REPORT VERIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE This study has been undertaken in accordance with British Standard 42020:2013 “Biodiversity, Code of practice for planning and development”. Report Date Completed by: Checked by: Approved by: Version Paul Roebuck MSc MCIEEM (Senior Dr Philip Fermor Ecological Consultant) Colin Bundy MCIEEM Final 15/02/2016 MCIEEM CEnv and Ella Robinson BSc (Associate Director) (Managing Director) (Hons) (Ecological Project Assistant) The information which we have prepared is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. We confirm that the opinions expressed are our true and professional bona fide opinions. DISCLAIMER The contents of this report are the responsibility of Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. It should be noted that, whilst every effort is made to meet the client’s brief, no site investigation can ensure complete assessment or prediction of the natural environment. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any use that is made of this document other than by the client for the purposes for which it was originally commissioned and prepared. VALIDITY OF DATA The findings of this study are valid for a period of 24 months from the date of survey. If works have not commenced by this date, an updated site visit should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist to assess any changes in the habitats present on site, and to inform a review of the conclusions and recommendations made. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 1 Maybanks Farm, Toot Hill, Essex RT-MME-121505 Preliminary Ecological Assessment NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY Middlemarch Environmental Ltd was commissioned by Nicolas Tye Architects to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Assessment at the site of a proposed residential property at Maybanks Farm, Toot Hill, in Essex. To fulfil this brief an ecological desk study and a walkover survey (in accordance with Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology) were undertaken. The desk study exercise identified no European statutory sites within 5 km of the survey area, no UK statutory sites within 2 km and five non-statutory sites within 1 km. The site is not located within 10 km of a statutory site designated for bats. The closest non-statutory site is ‘Byway 26, Stanford Rivers’ LWS located 200 m west from the development site. The desk study also provided records of protected and notable species including bats, hedgehog, harvest mouse, birds, invertebrates and plants. The walkover survey was undertaken on 1st February 2016 by Paul Roebuck, Senior Ecological Consultant. The study area is dominated by two semi-improved grassland fields, with a pond surrounded by scrub located in the centre of the site. The southern, eastern and western boundaries of the study area are predominantly delineated by hedgerows, whilst the northernmost boundary of the study area is Epping Road itself. The key ecological features on site in relation to the works proposed are trees, hedgerows and standing water. The site also has the potential to support bats, badgers, great crested newts and nesting birds. In order to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation and relevant planning policy, the following recommendations are made: R1 Habitat Loss and Enhancement: In accordance with the provision of Chapter 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework (Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment) and Local Planning Policy, biodiversity enhancement measures should be incorporated into the landscaping scheme of any proposed works to maximise the ecological value of the site. R2 Trees and Hedgerows: Any trees and hedgerows on site, or overhanging the site, which are to be retained as a part of any proposed works should be protected in accordance with British Standard 5837: 2012 "Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - recommendations". Protection should be installed on site prior to the commencement of any works on site. R3 Protect Watercourse: All works should be undertaken in accordance with best practice, e.g. the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines, to ensure that the waterbodies within the survey area are not adversely impacted by the proposed works. R4 Foraging Bats: In line with paragraph 125 of the National Planning Policy Framework, the development should aim to limit the impact of light pollution on bats. No lighting should impact on the hedgerow and tree lines. Lighting should be designed using guidance from ‘Landscape and Urban Design for Bats and Biodiversity’ (Gunnell et al, 2012, Bat Conservation Trust). R5 Badger: It is recommended that a badger survey is undertaken to determine whether any setts are located within 30 m of the proposed development area. Should badger setts be identified a badger activity survey may be required. R6 Terrestrial Mammals including Badger and Hedgehog: Any excavations that need to be left overnight should be covered or fitted with mammal ramps to ensure that any animals that enter can safely escape. Any open pipework with an outside diameter of greater than 120 mm must be covered at the end of each work day to prevent animals entering/becoming trapped. R7 Great Crested Newt: A great crested newt Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment should be undertaken for all ponds identified within 500 m of the edge of the proposed development where considered necessary. Great crested newt Habitat Suitability Index assessments can be carried out at any time of year, although if possible it is preferable to carry out the assessments between March and October. R8 Nesting Birds: Vegetation and building clearance should be undertaken outside the nesting bird season. The nesting bird season is weather dependent but generally extends between March and September inclusive. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Page 2 Maybanks Farm, Toot Hill, Essex RT-MME-121505 Preliminary Ecological Assessment CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................ 4 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CONTEXT .......................................................................................................... 4 1.3 DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED .................................................................................................................. 4 2. METHODOLOGIES.................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 DESK STUDY ......................................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY ..................................................................................................................... 5 3. DESK STUDY RESULTS .......................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES .............................................................................................................. 6 3.3 PROTECTED / NOTABLE SPECIES ............................................................................................................ 7 3.4 INVASIVE SPECIES .................................................................................................................................. 9 4. PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY ................................................................................................................. 10 4.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 10 4.2 SURVEY CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS .............................................................................................. 10 4.3 HABITATS ............................................................................................................................................ 10 4.4 FAUNA ................................................................................................................................................ 11 4.5 INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES .................................................................................................................... 11 5. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................... 12 5.1 SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS ................................................................................................................... 12 5.2 NATURE CONSERVATION SITES ............................................................................................................ 12 5.3 HABITATS ...........................................................................................................................................