Restrop Road, Purton Reptile Receptor Site

Transcription

Persimmon Homes Wessex
Restrop Road, Purton
Reptile Receptor Site Appraisal
December 2011
Keystone Environmental Ltd
The Old Barn, Park Farm Buildings
Beverston, Tetbury,
Gloucestershire, GL8 8TT
Tel: +44 (0) 1666 503687
Fax: +44 (0) 1666 503118
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.keyenv.co.uk
Persimmon Homes Wessex
December 2011
Revision
0
Date
05/01/2012
Author
G Reynolds
Checked
M Nixon
Approved
S Bracken
Disclaimer
Copyright Keystone Environmental Limited. All rights reserved.
No part of this report may be copied or reproduced by any means without prior written permission from Keystone Environmental Limited. If you
have received this report in error, please destroy all copies in your possession or control and notify Keystone Environmental Limited.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the commissioning party and unless otherwise agreed in writing by Keystone
Environmental, no other party may use, make use of or rely on the contents of the report. No liability is accepted by Keystone Environmental
Limited for any use of this report, other than for the purposes for which it was originally prepared and provided.
Opinions and information provided in the report are on the basis of Keystone Environmental Limited using due skill, care and diligence in the
preparation of the same and no explicit warranty is provided as to their accuracy. It should be noted and it is expressly stated that no
independent verification of any of the documents or information supplied to Keystone Environmental Limited has been made.
Keystone Environmental Ltd
The Old Barn, Park Farm Buildings
Beverston, Tetbury,
Gloucestershire, GL8 8TT
Tel: +44 (0) 1666 503687
Fax: +44 (0) 1666 503118
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.keyenv.co.uk
December 2011
Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
Introduction
1
Background
1
Aims and Objectives
1
Site Characteristics of Development Site
1
Legislation and Policy
2
Methodology
4
Habitat Suitability Assessment
4
Receptor Site Assessment
4
Limitations
5
Nomenclature
5
Survey Results and Evaluation
6
6
9
4.0
Conclusions
12
5.0
References
13
Plans
Figure 1
Drawing Number: AA11; Southwick Country
Park
Figure 2
Double Bridge, Lackham
Figure 3
Land at Wootton Bassett
Keystone Environmental
111295/5/8
December 2011
1.0 Introduction
Background
1.1
The proposal is for a residential development and associated infrastructure at Land off
Restrop Road, Purton, Wiltshire (central grid reference: SU 083 872).
1.2
An Extended Phase I Habitat Survey of the site was undertaken by Keystone Environmental
in August 2011. The mosaic of grassland and scrub located on site was identified as being
optimal habitat for common reptile species, in particular Slow Worm (Keystone
Environmental, 2011a). Good connectivity to off-site habitats including allotments, coarse
grassland and hedgerows was also identified. The Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records
Centre (WSBRC), which were contacted as part of the Extended Phase I Habitat Survey
(Keystone Environmental, 2011), held records of Common Lizard and Grass Snake within
500 metres of the site.
1.3
Subsequently, Keystone Environmental was commissioned to undertake a Reptile Survey of
the site. This identified the presence of a Good population (Froglife, 1999) of Slow Worm
throughout the 1.2 hectare site (Keystone Environmental, 2011b).
1.4
The proposed development of the site would result in the permanent loss of the majority of
on-site reptile habitat. Therefore, opportunities to translocate the on-site reptile population to a
suitable off-site receptor site were investigated.
1.5
Consultation with Wiltshire County Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust lead to the
identification of 2 potential council-owned reptile receptor sites. These are Southwick Country
Park, Trowbridge and Double Bridge, Lackham. A third potential reptile receptor site, owned
by the proposed developer (Persimmon Homes) has also been identified. This is known as
Land at Wootton Bassett.
1.6
Keystone Environmental was commissioned by Persimmon Homes to undertake an initial
appraisal of the 3 potential reptile receptor sites.
Aims and Objectives
1.7
Aims and objectives of the appraisal were as follows:

to assess the suitability of each site as a receptor for reptiles translocated from the
proposed development footprint;

to identify whether further survey of the potential receptor sites would be required to
determine whether it currently supports a population of reptiles; and

to identify what, if any, habitat creation and enhancement would be required prior to
the sites’ use as a reptile receptor site.
Site Characteristics of Development Site
1.8
The approximate 1.2 hectare development site is in a sub-urban/semi-rural location to the
south-west of the village of Purton (to the west of Swindon), Wiltshire.
1
December 2011
1.9
The development site comprises coarse grassland with patches of dense Bramble scrub and
is bounded on all four sides by species-rich hedgerows. Along most boundaries, the
hedgerows are unmanaged, approximately 4-5 metres in height and 2-3 metres wide. Where
the development site borders the residential houses to the north, the hedgerows are partially
managed.
1.10
To the north and west of the development site is residential development and to the east are
allotments, one field of pasture and further residential development. To the south, south-east
and south-west is farmland dominated by pasture with boundary hedgerows. The wider
landscape is dominated by farmland (predominantly pasture) with some large patches of
woodland to the north-west and south-west.
Legislation and Policy
1.11
1.12
The native species of common reptiles (Common or Viviparous Lizard, Adder, Grass Snake
and Slow Worm) are partially protected under Schedule 5 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act
(1981), under part of Section 9(1) and all of Section 9(5). As such it is an offence to;

intentionally kill or injure an individual of these species

transport for sale or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange a live or dead an
individual or any part of an individual of these species.
Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9): Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (ODPM, 2005)
states that:
‘The aim of planning decisions should be to prevent harm to biodiversity and geological
conservation interests. Where granting planning permission would result in significant harm
to those interests, local planning authorities will need to be satisfied that the development
cannot reasonably be located on any alternative sites that would result in less or no harm. In
the absence of any such alternatives, local planning authorities should ensure that, before
planning permission is granted, adequate mitigation measures are put in place. Where a
planning decision would result in significant harm to biodiversity and geological interests
which cannot be prevented or adequately mitigated against, appropriate compensation
measures should be sought. If that significant harm cannot be prevented, adequately
mitigated against, or compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.’
1.13
Under PPS9 the presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a planning
authority is considering a development proposal that, if carried out, would be likely to result in
harm to the species or its habitat.
1.14
Under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) public
bodies, including Local and Regional Planning Authorities have a duty to ‘have regard’ to the
conservation of biodiversity in England when carrying out their normal functions, which
includes consideration of planning applications. In compliance with Section 41 of the Act the
Secretary of State has published a list of species considered to be of principal importance for
conserving biodiversity in England. This is known as The England Biodiversity List of which
there are 941 species, all of which make up the UK BAP Priority Species. Regional Planning
Bodies and Local Planning Authorities will use it to identify the species that should be
2
December 2011
afforded priority when applying the requirements of PPS9 to maintain, restore and enhance
species and habitats.
1.15
All native reptile species are UK BAP Priority Species. Slow Worm, Adder and Grass Snake
are also Wiltshire BAP species (Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, 2008).
3
December 2011
2.0 Methodology
2.1
2.2
An experienced reptile surveyor undertook a Habitat Suitability Assessment of each potential
th
reptile receptor site on 28 December 2011, in line with the draft Reptile Mitigation Guidelines
1
(Natural England, 2011) . The following reptile habitat characteristics were noted:

Location in relation to species range;

Vegetation structure;

Insolation (sun exposure);

Aspect;

Topography;

Surface Geology;

Connectivity to Nearby Good Quality Habitat;

Prey Abundance;

Refuge Opportunity;

Hibernation Habitat Potential; and

Disturbance.
Each potential reptile receptor site was then rated as having ‘poor’, ‘good’ or ‘exceptional’
suitability to support reptiles (Natural England, 2011).
2.3
Each potential receptor site was then evaluated against the Receptor Site Checklist (Natural
England, 2011) in order to assess their suitability as a reptile receptor site and to identify a
preferred receptor site. The following factors were assessed:

Location

Ownership and Protection Status

Size

Habitat Status and Connectivity

Prey Availability

Reptile Status

Number of Receptor Sites

Site Safeguard and Long-term management
1
The methodology follows that given in the Reptile Mitigation Guidelines (Natural England, 2011). Natural England has
currently withdrawn these guidelines pending further review. However, in the absence of any other published methodology for
site assessment and receptor site selection, the current study has followed these draft guidelines.
4

December 2011
Requirement for habitat creation, restoration and enhancement
Limitations
2.4
The results of the survey and assessment work undertaken by Keystone Environmental are
representative at the time of surveying.
2.5
Keystone Environmental staff and their sub-consultants will endeavour to identify the
presence of protected species wherever possible on site, where this falls within the agreed
scope of works.
2.6
Up to date standard methodologies were used, which are accepted by Natural England and
other statutory conservation bodies. No responsibility will be accepted where these
methodologies fail to identify the presence of a protected species on site. Keystone
Environmental cannot take responsibility where Government, national bodies or industry
subsequently modify standards.
2.7
Keystone Environmental cannot accept responsibility for data collected from third parties.
Nomenclature
2.8
The English names of flora and fauna species are given in the main text of this report.
Scientific names are used only in the absence of English names. Vascular plants and
Charophytes follow the nomenclature of The Botanical Society for the British Isles database
(2008) with all other flora and fauna following the National Biodiversity Network (NBN)
Gateway (NBN, 2011).
5
December 2011
3.0 Survey Results and Evaluation
3.1
The location of the potential receptor sites are shown on Drawing Numbers: 111295/5/8/wor1wor3.
3.2
Table 1 presents the results of the Habitat Suitability Assessment for each potential site.
Photographs of the receptor sites are presented in Plate 1.
Plate 1: Photographs of potential receptor sites
Southwick Country Park:
Double Bridge, Lackham:
Land at Wootton Bassett:
6
December 2011
Table 1: Habitat Suitability Assessment
Reptile Habitat
Characteristic
Southwick Country
Park
Double Bridge,
Lackham
Land at Wootton
Bassett
General Description
Country Park
comprising numerous
fields of well-managed
improved grassland with
boundary hedgerows,
patches of woodland
and small areas of
scrub
A linear strip of
unmanaged coarse
grassland and scrub
between River Avon
and a disused section of
the Kennet and Avon
Canal. A newly dug
pond is also present.
An area of unmanaged
coarse grassland with
dense patches of
bramble scrub and
scattered trees. Two
ponds are also present
and an area of
woodland to the south
of the site.
Location in relation
to species range
Within known species
range (Amphibian and
Reptile Group, undated)
Vegetation
structure
Majority of site
comprises heavily
managed grassland
with a short sward and
poor structural diversity.
Diverse vegetation
structure comprising a
mosaic of coarse
grassland (including
tussocks) and scrub
with a tree line along
the north-western
boundary.
Diverse vegetation
structure comprising a
mosaic of coarse
grassland (including
tussocks), scrub and
woodland along with
standing open water (2
ponds).
Good insolation within
fields due to lack of
shading. Large number
of hedgerows and
patches of woodland
providing some southfacing edge habitats.
Poor insolation along
eastern edge of site
which is a steep northwest facing slope
Some areas are heavily
shaded by expanses of
dense scrub and/or
trees. Dense grassland
sward further reduces
insolation to ground
layer.
Aspect and
topography
Relatively flat, sloping
north-eastwards in the
north of the site.
Steep north-west facing
bank along eastern
edge of site. Becomes
flatter towards western
side of the site
The site slopes in a
westerly direction with a
steep west-facing bank
along the eastern site
boundary.
Surface Geology
Thought to be Oxford
Clay
Clay
Clay
Greater structural
diversity at field
boundaries (hedgerow
base) and around
woodland edge.
Insolation (sun
exposure)
Partial shading
throughout from dense
patches of scrub and
from trees along northwestern boundary.
Dense grassland sward
further reduces
insolation to ground
layer.
7
December 2011
Reptile Habitat
Characteristic
Southwick Country
Park
Double Bridge,
Lackham
Land at Wootton
Bassett
Connectivity to
Nearby Good
Quality Habitat
Good connectivity to
surrounding countryside
through network of
hedgerows
surrounding countryside
including coarse
grassland, patches of
woodland and
hedgerows.
countryside to north and
west (farmland divided
by network of
hedgerows). Town of
Wootton Bassett lies to
south and east.
Prey Abundance
Likely to be low in open
grassland due to poor
structural and species
diversity of habitat.
Improved prey
abundance likely at
hedgerow bases and
woodland edge.
Likely to be good due to
structural diversity of
habitat and varied
topography and
drainage.
Likely to be good due to
structural diversity of
habitat and varied
topography and
drainage.
Refuge Opportunity
No or very few
opportunities within
grassland. Scrub at
base of hedgerows and
woodland edge
provides refuge
opportunities
Dense patches of
bramble scrub, grass
tussocks and rubble pile
(one noted)
Dense patches of
bramble scrub and
grass tussocks
Hibernation Habitat
Potential
Potential hibernation
areas limited to areas of
woodland but these
areas are heavily
managed for recreation
and, therefore, there is
little fallen wood etc.
Grass tussocks and
rubble pile. Risk of
flooding at lower part of
site adjacent to the river
(north-western part)
reducing suitability for
hibernating reptiles.
Grass tussocks, fallen
deadwood within
grassland (limited) and
woodland.
Disturbance
Heavily disturbed by
walkers and dog
walkers. Network of
footpaths throughout
and open access within
fields.
A Public Right of Way
forms the eastern
boundary of the site (top
of the steep slope) and
there is a single
informal footpath
through the centre of
the site.
Informal public access
only.
Poor (grassland)
Good
Good
Habitat Suitability
Good (hedgerows and
woodland edge)
3.3
The Double Bridge, Lackham and Land at Wootton Bassett sites currently have good
suitability to support reptiles. However, the value of both sites for reptiles is limited by a lack
of management which has resulted in the sites becoming heavily overgrown, reducing
insolation and limiting basking opportunities. The Double Bridge, Lackham site is also northwest facing, further reducing insolation.
8
3.4
December 2011
Suitability for reptiles at the Southwick Country Park site is limited to the base of hedgerows
and woodland edge. The majority of the site is currently unsuitable for reptiles, comprising
heavily managed grassland which is heavily disturbed by walkers and dog walkers.
3.5
An assessment of each site against the Receptor Site Checklist (Natural England, 2011) is
provided in Table 2.
Table 2: Receptor Site Assessment
Site
Assessment
Location
Ownership and
Protection
Status
Size
Southwick Country
Park
Double Bridge,
Lackham
Land at Wootton
Bassett
The site is located within
the same Local Planning
Authority area as the
donor site (Wiltshire
County Council).
County Council).
County Council).
The site is approximately
38 kilometres from the
donor site.
23 kilometres from the
donor site.
4.5 kilometres from the
donor site.
The site is owned by
Wiltshire County Council.
The council have agreed
in principal to reptiles
being released at the site
and for the needs of
reptiles to be
accommodated in the
future (i.e. through site
management).
The site is owned by
Wiltshire County Council.
The council have agreed
in principal to reptiles
being released at the site
and for the needs of
reptiles to be
accommodated in the
management).
The land is owned by the
proposed developer,
Persimmon Homes.
Persimmon Homes have
agreed in principal to
reptiles being released at
the site and for the needs
of reptiles to be
accommodated in the
management).
The total site area is
approximately 40.5
hectares.
approximately 2.6
hectares.
approximately 3.04
hectares.
Habitat creation,
restoration and/or
enhancement would
include at least 1.2
hectares of land (same as
area to be lost) or greater
if the receptor area
already supports a reptile
population.
Habitat creation,
restoration and/or
enhancement would
population.
Habitat creation,
restoration and/or
enhancement would
population.
9
Site
Assessment
December 2011
Southwick Country
Park
Double Bridge,
Lackham
Land at Wootton
Bassett
The existing areas of
grassland have been
assessed as having ‘poor’
suitability to support
reptiles (refer to Table 1).
The site has been
assessed as having
‘good’ suitability to
support reptiles.
The site has been
assessed as having
‘good’ suitability to
support reptiles.
Habitat enhancement
would be required to
increase the carrying
capacity of the site for
reptiles (see below).
Habitat enhancement
increase the carrying
capacity of the site for
reptiles (see below).
The site is well connected
to suitable surrounding
habitats via
hedgerows/tree lines and
a continuation of
grassland habitats.
The site is well connected
to suitable surrounding
habitats via
hedgerows/tree lines and
a continuation of
grassland habitats.
Once a suitable sward
has been created then
prey availability is likely to
be adequate as long as
habitat quality is high
(Natural England, 2011)
Likely to be adequate as
long as habitat quality is
high (Natural England,
2011)
Likely to be adequate as
long as habitat quality is
high (Natural England,
2011)
Reptile Status
Likely absent from
grassland areas due to
poor habitat suitability
(refer to Table 1). No
further survey required
Further reptile surveys
required to determine
species
presence/absence and
population size.
Further reptile surveys
required to determine
species
presence/absence and
population size.
Number of
Receptor Sites
Single receptor site
Habitat Status
and
Connectivity
Habitat management
create a grassland sward
more suitable for reptiles
(see below). This newly
created reptile habitat
would need to be fenced
off to prevent public
disturbance.
The grassland area
chosen as a receptor site
should be located
adjacent to an existing
hedgerow to provide
connectivity with the
surrounding landscape.
Site Prey
Availability
10
Site
Assessment
Site Safeguard
and Long-term
Management
Southwick Country
Park
Double Bridge,
Lackham
Land at Wootton
Bassett
The site is owned by the
council and protected as
a Country Park.
council and is not
identified as a strategic
site for development in
the Wiltshire Local
Development Framework
Strategic sites
Background paper
(Wiltshire County Council,
2009).
proposed developer
(Persimmon Homes).
The land is not identified
as a strategic site for
development in the
Wiltshire Local
Strategic sites
Background paper
2009)
Requirement
for Habitat
Creation,
Restoration
and/or
Enhancement
December 2011
This would include (but
may not be limited to):
fencing off area to
exclude the public for 1-2
years, leaving grassland
unmanaged to develop a
tussocky sward, planting
species-rich hedgerows
around the boundary,
planting irregular areas of
scrub with undulating
edges dominated by
Bramble, and hibernacula
creation which would
double-up as basking
mounds.
However, the site is
located adjacent to the
old Kennet and Avon
canal which is proposed
for restoration. The
restoration of the canal
has the potential to
damage the on-site
habitats.
scrub clearance to
improve insolation; reprofiling to create mounds
with south-facing slopes
(particularly where
existing slope is more
gentle), topsoil scrapes to
create more open areas
of low-nutrient grassland;
installation of hibernacula
and log piles.
The land is not identified
as a strategic site for
development in the
Wiltshire Local
Strategic sites
Background paper
2009)
partial scrub clearance to
improve insolation; reprofiling to create mounds
with south-facing slopes
(particularly where
existing slope is more
gentle), topsoil scrapes to
create more open areas
of low-nutrient grassland;
installation of hibernacula
and log piles.
11
December 2011
4.0 Conclusions
4.1
Reptiles should not be translocated to sites over 20 kilometres away, unless all other options
for translocation have been exhausted (Natural England, 2011). Southwick Country Park and
Double Bridge, Lackham are greater than 20 kilometres away from the proposed
development site and, therefore, should only be used as a receptor site as a last resort. Land
at Wootton Bassett is the most suitable receptor site due to its location within 5 kilometres of
the proposed development site.
4.2
Land at Wootton Bassett has been assessed as having ‘good’ habitat suitability to support
reptiles. Therefore, Reptile Surveys of the site are required to determine whether reptiles are
currently present on site. If absent, the reasons for absence need to be identified and
addressed prior to the use of the site as a reptile receptor site. If present, opportunities to
enhance the site for reptiles (i.e. to increase the carrying capacity) need to be identified and
enhancements undertaken prior to reptile translocation.
12
December 2011
5.0 References
Amphibian and Reptile Group (undated). Slow Worm [Online]. Available at: www.arguk.org/
th
[accessed 28 December 2011]
Keystone Environmental (2011a). Restrop Road Purton: Extended Phase I Habitat and
Preliminary Survey Report. Keystone Environmental, Tetbury.
Keystone Environmental (2011b). Restrop Road Purton: Reptile Survey Report. Keystone
Environmental, Tetbury.
NBN Gateway (2011). National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary [Online] Available at:
th
(http://data.nbn.org.uk/) [Accessed on 18 October 2010]
Natural England (2011). Technical Advice Note TIN102. Reptile Mitigation Guidelines. Natural
England, Peterborough.
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, (c.16), London: HMSO.
ODPM (2005). Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
(PPS9). ODPM: London.
UK Biodiversity Action Plan (2007). UK List of Priority Species [Online]. Available at:
www.ukbap.org.uk/NewPriorityList.aspx [Accessed on 29/12/2011].
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (2008). The Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2008. Wiltshire Wildlife
Trust on behalf of the Wiltshire Biodiversity Partnership.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and amendments), (c.69), London: HMSO.
13
Plans
December 2011
/
Date:
18th October 2010
Scale:
NTS
Drawing No:
AA11
Title:
Southwick Country Park
This map is based on Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf
of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office
© Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Wiltshire Council 100049050 (2010).
Dr Carlton Brand BA MSc EngD
Corporate Director, Resources
Telephone 0300 456 0100
C
R
FB
7m
Track
r
1.3
Path (
u
m)
ve
Ri
RH
Lackham Wood
D ra
in
50.3m
Cy
cl
e
Tr
a
ck
Tr
a
ck
of
O
ld
Ca
na
l
Pond
C
Old
ana
l
Title:
Double Bridge, Lackham
Date:
9th May 2011
Scale:
NTS
Drawing No:
.
Dr Carlton Brand BA MSc EngD
Corporate Director, Resources
Telephone 0300 456 0100
Crown copyright and
database rights 2011
Ordnance Survey 100049050

Restrop Road, Purton Reptile Receptor Site

Transcription

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