Page 166 - Eden Meadow 35 houses application as of 12 October

Page 25 11th Setember 2020
10.9 Will impacts to vegetation and log piles be unavoidable between March and September, then the
following mitigation will be undertaken:

• A nesting bird survey will be undertaken by a suitably experienced ecologist within at least
48hours prior to any impacts to vegetation and log piles.
• A watching brief will be carried out by a suitably experienced ecologist during any works that
impact suitable vegetation within the site.

• If nesting/nest-building birds are found, no works will commence/continue that are likely to
damage or significantly disturb a nest until the young have fully fledged.

Works undertaken during the bird nesting season may result in significant delays to the
development programme should activities need to cease due the presence of an active nest.
It should be noted that some bird species, such as blackbirds and robins are multiple brooders
and may therefore nest within the Site for a number of months.

Reptiles

10.10 In order to avoid harm to reptiles during development works, a programme of capture and relocation
to an on-site receptor area will be undertaken following best practice guidelines.

Receptor area

10.11 The current proposals allow for the reptile population to remain in-situ and include a receptor area
located within the south-eastern corner of the Site. The receptor area comprises approximately
0.06ha of tussocky neutral grassland with small patches of scrub.

10.12 The receptor area offers a significantly smaller area of habitat for reptiles. However, this is considered
sufficient for the following reasons:

• Only common lizard were recorded within the Site.
• The population of common lizard recorded was small.

• Common lizard were not widespread across the Site. Individual common lizards were mainly
associated with a small area within the north-western boundary of the Site, with only occasional
individuals recorded within the central portion of the Site.

• The receptor area lies adjacent to suitable reptile habitat that is well connected to the wider
area.

• The boundaries of the development site will be suitably planted to provide further habitat
corridors.

• The receptor area will provide high suitability habitat, comprising rough, tussocky grassland.
• A hibernacula created within the receptor area will measure at least 10m long. This will provide
excellent basking, foraging and hibernation opportunities for common lizard.
• In addition to the large hibernacula, log piles will also enhance this area for common lizards.

• The receptor area will remain undisturbed by residents and protected with appropriate fencing.

• An information sign will inform local residents of the importance of this area and the requirement
for suitable long-term management.

0444_R02_REV A_ECIA_LAND REAR OF EDEN MEADOWS, NEWINGTON