Page 162 - Eden Meadow 35 houses application as of 12 October

Page 21 11th Setember 2020

9. ECOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS

9.1 The potential impacts of the proposed development on those Ecological Features that have not been
scoped out in Section 7 are considered below.

DESIGNATED SITES

Statutory Sites of International Importance

9.2 The habitats within the Site are not suitable for the bird species listed as qualifying features for the
Swale SPA and Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA and Ramsar Sites. Given the distance between
the Site and the SPA / Ramsar and the unsuitable habitats within the Site, it is very unlikely that it
comprises functionally connected habitat supporting the qualifying features of the designated sites.

9.3 The development proposals include new dwellings within the 6km zone of influence for the Swale
SPA and Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA and Ramsar Sites. As a result, although direct impacts are
unlikely, the proposed development may result in indirect and in-combination impacts, including an
increase in visitor pressure to the designated sites (mitigation overview provided in Section 11).

PROTECTED AND NOTABLE SPECIES

Bats

Roosting bats

9.4 The cherry trees within the south-eastern corner are to be retained as part of development proposals.
Therefore, no further survey work is recommended.

9.5 Should plans alter to include the cherry trees, then further survey work to include an elevated
inspection and / or possible presence / likely absence surveys for roosting bats will be required.

Foraging and commuting habitat

9.6 Proposals do not include the severance of any potential foraging or commuting corridors for bats.

9.7 Habitats, including boundary dense scrub provide low-moderate suitability for foraging and commuting
bats. However, the Site is relatively small with larger areas of suitable habitat, including woodland
and scrub, present within the surrounding area. With the retention and enhancement of boundary
vegetation, any potential impacts to foraging and commuting bats can be minimised.

9.8 In addition, mitigation to avoid impacts through the careful design of lighting is detailed within Section
11.

Badger

9.9 During the survey, no signs of badger were present within the Site or within the immediate adjacent
land. Therefore, any impacts to a badger whilst it is occupying its sett is unlikely.

0444_R02_REV A_ECIA_LAND REAR OF EDEN MEADOWS, NEWINGTON