Unit 13 & 14, Sandy Farm Business Centre, Sands Road, Farnham, GU10 1PX Email: [email protected] www.darwin-ecology.co.uk Ecological walkover and Information to inform a HRA Ivy Cottage, Bordon, Lindford GU35 0DE April 2021 Darwin Ecology Ltd Registered Office: 8 Layton Lane, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8EY Company No. 07654823 Ivy Cottage, Bordon - Information for HRA QUALITY CONTROL The information which we have prepared and provided is true, and has been prepared and provided in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Code of Professional Conduct. Prepared by Genevieve Labram- Ecologist March 2021 Checked by Holly Stanworth- Senior Ecologist April 2021 This report remains valid for 12 months from date of issue. Survey data are valid for 12-24 months from the date the survey was undertaken. Copyright Darwin Ecology Ltd. This report is intended for the commissioning party only and should not be copied or reproduced in any way without prior written permission from Darwin Ecology Ltd. This report has been prepared for the sole use of the client. Any third party referring to this report or relying on the information contained herein, does so entirely at their own risk. Whilst every effort has been made to guarantee the accuracy of this report, it should be noted that living creatures are capable of migration and whilst protected species may not have been located during the survey duration, their presence may be found on site at a later date. The views and opinions contained within the document are based on a reasonable timeframe between the completion of the survey and the commencement of any works. If there is any delay between the commencement of works that may conflict with timeframes laid out within this document, or have the potential to allow the ingress of protected species, a suitably qualified ecologist should be consulted. It is the duty of care of the landowner/developer to act responsibly and comply with current environmental legislation if protected species are suspected or found prior to works. 2 Ivy Cottage, Bordon - Information for HRA 1. Executive summary 1.1. Darwin Ecology Ltd. have been commissioned to provide a report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) for the proposed development at Ivy Cottage, Bordon, Surrey, This assessment was triggered as the site falls 1.63km south from the Wealden Heaths II Special Protection Area (SPA). The Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening report is carried out to assess for any likely significant effects of a proposed development on the integrity of Wealden Heaths II Special Protection Area (SPA). 1.2. A site visit was conducted in order to provide context to the site and surroundings, Ecologist Genevieve Labram MSc BSc (Hons) visited the site on 25th March 2021 to conduct an ecological assessment of the site. 1.3. Habitats on site included amenity grassland and species poor hedges typical of a garden. No habitats of significant ecological value were identified. A precautionary method for the possible presence of bats, hedgehog and breeding birds is recommended. No further protected species surveys are required. 1.4. The proposals will result in a net gain of 4 additional units, (a total of 5), with an anticipated 12 additional residents. 1.5. It is considered that the proposed development will not result in significant impacts during the construction or operational phases from direct land take, pressure, urbanisation or, hydrological changes. 1.6. The impacts of recreational and atmospheric pollution pressure are anticipated to be limited, but not significant to Wealden Heaths SPA. 1.7. East Hampshire’s new Local Plan Habitats Regulation Assessment is currently out for consultation and is not yet implemented. However as outlined in the Interim plan, it is anticipated that for dwellings less than a net gain of 20 units located between 400m and 5km of the Wealden hearths SPA, a financial contribution may be required for the upkeep or creation of a Suitable area of Natural Greenspaces (SANG). This would be inline requirements with similar SPAs (thames basin heaths) however confirmation on this policy should come from Natural England and the local council. 1.8. Recommendations for biodiversity enhancements post development are provided as required under NPPF. 3 Ivy Cottage, Bordon - Information for HRA 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1. Darwin Ecology Ltd. have been commissioned to provide a report to inform a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) for the proposed development at Ivy Cottage, Bordon, Surrey, GU35 0DE. This report is required to provide East Hampshire District Council with the information they require to undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment in relation to the adjacent European designated sites in their role as a Competent Authority. 2.2. This assessment was triggered as the site falls 1.63km south from the Wealden Heaths II Special Protection Area (SPA). The Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening report is carried out to assess for any likely significant effects of a proposed development on the integrity of Wealden Heaths II Special Protection Area (SPA). This forms part of a planning application at the above address for the proposed development of two semi-detached houses, with associated access, car parking, and landscaping. This report aims to supply the council with sufficient information to conclude that there would not be an adverse effect on the integrity of the European designated sites in line with the tests under Regulation 63 of the Habitat & Species Regulation 2017 (as amended) so that an informed planning decision can be made. 2.3. The Wealden Heaths Phase I and II SPA was designated in 1994 and is protected from adverse impact under European and UK law. The Wealden Heaths II SPA network is a network of heathland sites which are designated for providing suitable habitat for breeding populations of the internationally important bird species including woodlark Lullula arborea, nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Dartford warbler Sylvia undata. The SPA is a strictly protected site classified in accordance with Article 7 of the EC Birds Directive. 2.4. In order to provide context to the site and surroundings, Ecologist Genevieve Labram MSc BSc (Hons) visited the site on 25th March 2021 to conduct an ecological assessment of the site. Site Overview 2.5. The site comprises approximately 700m2 of garden and hardstanding habitat within the existing residential area of Bordon. 2.6. The site is currently occupied by two tenants. The garden of the site is predominately vegetated with neutral grass and a single semi-mature tree. The site is surrounded by other residential properties and is delineated by 2m wooden fencing on all sides. Access is via Chalet Hill. 4 Ivy Cottage, Bordon - Information for HRA 2.7. The site is situated within the residential area of Bordon, Hampshire (Figures 1 & 2). The site is not located immediately near any significant connective ecological features, Dead-water Valley Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is present approximately 100m to the north, forming Alexandra Park. 2.8. Photos of the site and the habitats due to be impacted by the works, the sites context within the landscape and the proposed development plans are shown below: CHALET HILL 6384 902 3293 CHALET HILL 25267 © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 OS 100047474 REV. DATE DESCRIPTION CLIENT: Place Property Management Ivy Cottage 116 Chalet Hill, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0DE. Architectural Services t : 01428 879450 / 01243 767440 w: architectural.uk.com BLOCK PLAN (1:500) DRAWING: Location Plan 1:500 0 10 20 30 40 50 1:1250 0 10 20 30 40 50 NOTES DRG NO. DATE: SCALE: 1) All new and existing building work dimensions are critical to the construction process. 2) Cill and window heights indicated are taken internally and should be checked on site 3) This drawing is subject to copyright of Architectural Services. Reproduction only with written authority. 4) Drawing dimensions and scales to be checked prior to commencement of work. 5) All structural work where mentioned on this drawing is subject to a qualified structural and civil engineer calculations before building work commences. 6) These plans may be subject to Planning and/or Building Regulation approval, or any other statute in law before the commencement of building works. 7) All materials to match existing unless otherwise stated. 07/100-008 04/05/20 A3: 1:1250 Illustration 1: Copy of proposed and existing development plans provided by Architecture Services as of April 2021. Provided for context only. 5 Ivy Cottage, Bordon - Information for HRA Map 1: The site is located within the town of Bordon and outlined in the red boundary. Map 2: The site is located within the town of Lindford and outlined in the red boundary. 6 Ivy Cottage, Bordon - Information for HRA 3. LEGISLATION & PLANNING POLICY 3.1. Article 6 of EU Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) states: ‘Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives... competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the public’. 3.2. Article 6 of the Habitats Directive has been transposed into UK law through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and has developed through the planning system, case law and guidance originally prepared by David Tyldesley and Associates into a process known as a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).