ECOLOGICAL_IMPACT_ASSESSMENT-1335968.pdf

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ECOLOGICAL_IMPACT_ASSESSMENT-1335968

Summary

Key Points:

Surveys conducted between 2018 and 2024, including habitat and species-specific surveys. Identified 25 Important Ecological Features (IEFs), including habitats and species of local and regional importance. Recommendations include habitat protection, creation of wildlife corridors, and mitigation measures for light and noise pollution.

Summary:

The ecological impact assessment highlights the need for careful planning to protect local wildlife. Recommendations focus on minimising disturbance to habitats and implementing strategies to enhance biodiversity.

Weak Points:

  • Some data, including tube tests, are from 2018, raising concerns about their current relevance and accuracy.
  • Potential biases in survey methods and interpretations to favour the developer’s outcomes.
  • Mitigation measures may be optimistic and require thorough verification.

What aspects should be evaluated in relation to this document?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Biodiversity and Habitat Preservation:

  • Evaluate how the development affects local biodiversity, including flora and fauna. Assess measures for preserving and enhancing habitats within the site.

Ecological Connectivity:

  • Review the impact on ecological corridors and connectivity between habitats. Ensure that wildlife movement and genetic exchange are not disrupted by the development.

Protected Species and Sites:

  • Identify any protected species and designated conservation areas within or near the development site. Evaluate the measures proposed to mitigate impacts on these protected entities.

Mitigation Measures:

  • Assess the effectiveness of proposed habitat creation and restoration efforts. Ensure that these measures will compensate for any habitat loss or degradation caused by the development.
  • Review the long-term management plans for maintaining and monitoring ecological features. Ensure that there are clear strategies for managing habitats and species over the lifetime of the development.
  • Evaluate the commitment to achieving biodiversity net gain. Ensure that the development will result in a measurable improvement in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline.

Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Review the plans for monitoring the ecological impacts of the development over time. Ensure that there are clear indicators and methods for assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
  • Ensure that there are provisions for regular reporting to relevant authorities and stakeholders on the ecological performance of the development.

DESIGN AND APPEARANCE

Integration of Green Infrastructure:

  • Assess how green infrastructure, such as green roofs, walls, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), is integrated into the design of the development. Ensure that these features contribute to ecological enhancement.

Landscape Design:

  • Review the landscape design for its contribution to ecological value. Ensure that native species are used, and that landscaping enhances habitat diversity and connectivity.

LOCAL AND NATIONAL PLANNING POLICIES

Local and National Planning Policies:

  • Verify that the ecological impact assessment aligns with relevant local and national planning policies, including those related to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Legislation and Regulations:

  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Habitats Regulations. Review any required licenses and permits for working with protected species and habitats.

RESIDENTIAL AMENITY

Community Engagement:

  • Evaluate the extent of stakeholder and community involvement in the ecological assessment process. Ensure that local knowledge and concerns have been incorporated into the assessment and mitigation plans.
  • Assess opportunities for using the development to promote environmental education and recreation. Ensure that the design includes features that can engage and benefit the local community, such as nature trails and information boards.

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