Gladman plan benefits wildlife claim

Biodiversity will be greatly enhanced and wildlife value improved if plans for a new housing estate on land near Audlem get the go-ahead, it is claimed

Derby-based consultants FPCR Environment and Design Ltd found little evidence of biodiversity when experts visited the 5.5 acre site off Audlem Road in May 2012 and again in April this year.

The ecological appraisal and habitat survey was commissioned by Gladman Developments Ltd as part of its outline planning application to build 120 new homes on the green field site.

Consultants say they carried out a standard extended habitat survey as recommended by Natural England to identify specific habitats and features of ecological interest at Little Heath.

Their report dismissed the green field site as of "negligible biodiversity value" and suggests that plans to build 120 homes could actually enhance local biodiversity.

The report described the application site as dominated by intensively managed agricultural land consisting of improved grassland and arable land of "negligible nature conservation value."

Investigators found no evidence of badgers, great crested newts or other protected species. To determine the presence of great crested newts, they carried out four individual survey visits between March and June using a variety of search techniques.

No badger setts or latrines were found on or near the site although a few badger prints were recorded in the wider area near to the tree belt and brook to the north.

Consultants suggest building a new housing estate could actually improve the area's value for wildlife through "habitat creation measures" such as filling in hedgerow gaps, new native shrub and tree planting, introducing species-rich grasses and the erection of bat and bird boxes.

They say wildlife will benefit from the creation of areas of species-rich grassland containing red clover, common bird's foot trefoil, ox-eye daisy, common knapweed and common sorrel.

Although a few small hedges may be lost during construction, says the report, there will be compensation through the incorporation of some stretches of hedgerow into residential boundaries and additional native species planting and "significant" additional planting to gap up retained hedgerows and improve their structure.

The report adds: "New hedgerow trees will also be incorporated every 15-25 metres. Shrub and tree species will include hawthorn, holly, dog rose, hazel, crab apple, oak, rowan, wild cherry and blackthorn. Climbing species including honeysuckle and ivy will also be used. Where non-natives are used these will be selected for their value to wildlife including supply of nectar and autumn fruits."

Villagers have until July 24th to comment of the application for consent to build up to 120 homes on the green field site

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