Otters seen near Gemmull Close

Some residents in Gemmull Close, very near the site of the proposed housing debvelopment proposed for the land adjacent to Moorsfield Avenue have reported sightings of otters in their garden.

We understand that there is standing advice from Natural England about the protected status of otters and the need for developers and Planning authorities to have regard to the fully protected status of otters under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the licensing regime.
Gemmull Close is off Tollgate Drive and is less than 100m from the Tollgate Drive access point to the proposed development. Given the proximity of Gemmull Close the Shropshire Union Canal, the nearby tributaries of the River Weaver and the social nature of the species, there is a distinct possibility of even further otter presence and activity on and around the proposed development site.

The two photos of the otters are inevitably a bit indistinct given the light conditions, but if you click on them, you can clearly see the animals.