Ecological Appraisal in Hampshire

Background

A local developer contacted LHB Ecology seeking ecological advice to support their development proposals. The client was interested in ecology and wanted to ensure that protected species and habitats were fully considered prior to submitting their planning application to Southampton City Council. The survey site consisted of a detached dwelling in Southampton which had become overgrown with scrub.

What we did

A site walkover was undertaken by LHB Ecology along with a Phase 1 habitat survey as part of the ecological appraisal. During the site visit, the habitats present on site were identified and mapped and the buildings on site were inspected for bat and bird presence. Details were recorded on site to inform an assessment of the habitats and their importance for nature conservation. This involved recording any evidence of protected species activity and photographing suitable habitat for inclusion in the ecological report. Any notable plant species and plant assemblages were noted because their presence can indicate the importance of the habitats on site for nature conservation.

Following the site visit a desk study was carried out which involved a database search for protected species, priority habitats, designated sites and other ecological receptors within a 1 km radius of the development site. This information was then used as part of the assessment of the site which considered any impacts on habitats, protected species and designated sites located either on site or within the zone of influence of the proposed development. Because the proposed development included the clearance of large areas of scrub there were potential constraints for certain species which may use the habitats including birds and mammals. Birds and their nests are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 therefore a working method statement was included within the report to ensure that birds and their nests are protected during construction. Similarly, with the potential for badgers and other mammals to be impacted by construction activities a working method statement was included in the report.

Ecological enhancements for the developed site were also included in the final report. These included creating new nesting opportunities for local birds and creation of gaps in boundary fences to enable hedgehogs to enter and exit the site to benefit local hedgehogs. Additionally, some recommendations for new native planting, including tree and hedgerow planting were provided to compensate for any losses and to enable the site to achieve biodiversity net gain.

Further bat emergence surveys were required on the buildings on site due to their being roosting features such as hanging tiles which bats tend to roost in.

What the outcome was

The client was provided with an Ecological Appraisal report within a few days of their survey. The report is to be submitted along with their planning application and will accompany the stage 2 bat survey report which showed an absence of bat roosts in the buildings.