Page 141 - Eden Meadow 35 houses application as of 12 October

Page 4 11th Setember 2020
1. SUMMARY

S.1 This report details an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) undertaken in respect of proposed
development at Land rear of Eden Meadows, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent.

S.2 Proposals include the construction of 40no. residential dwellings with associated access, gardens,
landscaping and a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS).

S.3 A preliminary ecological appraisal site visit was undertaken by Native Ecology on 20th February 2020.

S.4 Habitats within the Site comprise predominantly other neutral grassland (semi-improved), with small
areas of dense scrub around the margins of the site. A single mature tree is present within the site
close to the eastern site boundary. Areas of artificial unvegetated, unsealed surface and ruderal/
ephemeral habitat are present within the northern portion of the Site, associated with the adjacent
residential development.

S.5 There are no Habitats of Principal Importance within the Site.

S.6 A reptile presence / likely absence survey was undertaken by Native Ecology in March and April 2020.

S.7 A small population of common lizard was found within the Site. A peak count of four adults was
recorded, mainly within the north-west corner of the Site. A small number of individuals were recorded
towards the centre of the Site.

S.8 Mitigation, without the requirement for further survey work will be undertaken for foraging and
commuting bats, badger, hedgehog, nesting birds and reptiles (detailed in Section 10).

S.9 The site lies within the 6km zone of influence for the Swale and Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA and
Ramsar Sites. Although very unlikely to provide functionally linked habitat for the qualifying features
of to the Designated sites, there is potential for indirect and in-combination impacts, including an
increase in recreational pressure. Given that the proposals qualify for contribution towards the
North Kent SAMMS, the Local Authority will need to carry out an Appropriate Assessment to confirm
appropriate mitigation measures.

S.10 Section 11 includes appropriate biodiversity enhancement measures that will be included within
development proposals.

S.11 Appendix 1 gives an overview of relevant legislation, which should be read in conjunction with this
report.

S.12 Appendix 2 includes a habitat plan of the Site.

0444_R02_REV A_ECIA_LAND REAR OF EDEN MEADOWS, NEWINGTON