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Forest of Dean District Council, September 2011 (Core Document 5a)

Keynote - Biodiversity and Nature Conservation CinderfordNorthern Quarter

PrefaceThis keynote update is prepared in advance of the Examination of Local DevelopmentDocuments, Forest of Dean District Core Strategy and Cinderford Northern QuarterArea Action Plan.

This update is prepared with reference to Keynote – Biodiversity and NatureConservation Cinderford Northern Quarter July 2011 (Core Document 5).

1Keynote - Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Cinderford Northern Quarter Forestof Dean District Council, September 2011 (Core Document 5a)

Preface

Non-Technical SummaryAdditional bat surveys, including radio tracking, have been undertaken during thesummer (2011). This identifies that the primary foraging areas are not within the AAParea. There are four important bat flight corridors from the three roosts located inand around the Northern United site.

The Habitat Regulations Screening Assessment (March 2011) identified six potentialimpacts on European designated nature conservation sites. Further analysis hasidentified that there are only potential significant effects in relation to the Wye Valleyand Forest of Dean Bat SAC's.

An Appropriate Assessment in accordance with the Habitats Directive, in relation totheWye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat SAC's, has been undertaken. The AppropriateAssessments recommends five changes to the AAP to ensure that there are nosignificant negative effects on the bat populations.

Great Crested Newts have not been recorded within the areas identified fordevelopment in the AAP; they are found nearby. An area for habitat enhancementfor Great Crested Newts has been identified and a change to the AAP has beenmade to ensure the enhancement is linked to the AAP.

Working with the Forestry Commission a Butterfly Distribution Corridor has beenproposed as an enhancement for butterfly habitat. The corridor will be phased in itsdelivery and is linked to both the AAP and Forestry Design Plans.

Forest of Dean District Council, September 2011 (Core Document 5a) Keynote- Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Cinderford Northern Quarter2

Non-Technical Summary

1 Introduction 4

2 Bat Surveys 5

3 Habitat Regulations Screening Assessment (HRSA) 6

4 HRSA Update 74.1 Potential Disturbance directly from Construction and OperationActivities 74.2 Potential Effects from Habitat Loss 84.3 Potential Nutrient Enrichment and Air Pollution 84.4 Potential Smothering Effects from Dust and Debris 84.5 Potential Toxic Contamination and Pollution via Water 94.6 Pollution Siltation of Watercourses 94.7 Changes to the AAP 9

5 Design Specifications to enhance Bat Corridors through the AAP Area 10

6 Design Specifications for Great Crested Newts 11

7 Strategy Framework to enhance Habitats for Butterflies 13

Appendices 14Appendix A: Appropriate Assessment 14Appendix B: Key Findings of Summer 2011 Bat Surveys 28Appendix C: Butterfly Distribution Corridor Enhancement 31

Keynote - Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Cinderford Northern Quarter Forestof Dean District Council, September 2011 (Core Document 5a)

Contents

1 Introduction1.1 In July 2011 the Council published its Keynote – Biodiversity and NatureConservation – Northern Quarter (Core Document (CD) 5) as part of the submissiondocuments in relation to the examination of the Forest of Dean District Core Strategy.

1.2 In CD 5 the Council identified the following:

1. That the Council had commissioned additional bat surveys that would bereporting at the end of September 2011 (2.0.3). In light of the additionalsurveys the Council would review the submitted Habitat RegulationsScreening Assessment (HRSA) (March 2011) and if appropriate undertakean Appropriate Assessment (2.0.4).

2. The Council would also prepare a number of design specifications toenhance bat corridors through the AAP area in response to updatedinformation (2.1.1)

3. The Council would prepare a number of design specifications for GreatCrested Newt (GCN) habitats for use across the AAP (3.1.1.1)

4. The Council would prepare a strategy framework to enhance habitats forButterflies within a distribution corridor (3.2.3.1)

1.3 This keynote update sets out how the Council has addressed all the aboveissues.


Introduction1

2 Bat Surveys2.1 Extensive additional bat surveys of bats utilising three roost sites, includingthe use of radio tracking, have been undertaken between June and September 2011.Due to the complexity of this additional survey work and weather conditions the fullreport will not be published by the Council until early October. A summary of thefindings is provided in Appendix B of this report.

2.2 This summary identifies:

Areas proposed for development in the AAP are not the main foragingareas for Lesser Horseshoe Bats (LHB) found roosting in buildings atNorthern United or the purpose built (PB) roost to the south of the A4136.Main foraging activity takes place in established woodland away from theroost sites.

Of the eight important areas identified there are four primary exit corridorsfrom the PB roost. North across the A4136; South following a line betweenthe lake and the brick works; West crossing the current entrance to theNorthern United area and South West covering an area to the south ofNorthern United.

There is significant East – West corridor activity across the forestry roadto the east of the Northern United area.

There is noticeable activity in the deciduous woodland (predominantly Oak)to the north of Bungalow and garages at Hawkwell Green.

LHB’s do not appear to be loyal to just one of the three roost sites, the PBand two at Northern United. Fluctuating numbers suggests they roost duringthe day in any of the three sites.

The two Northern United roosts are only used during the summer months.The PB is mainly used during the summer months but is known to alsosupport wintering roosting (hibernation).


2Bat Surveys

3 Habitat Regulations Screening Assessment (HRSA)3.1 The HRSA (CD121) has been undertaken at the appropriate level for thePlanning Policy Document (AAP). As AAP Policy 26 identifies, this does not removethe requirement for future HRSA / Appropriate Assessment for plans or projects atlower stages, i.e. planning applications. HRSA / Appropriate Assessment may / willneed to be undertaken at the relevant detailed level relevant to that plan or projectdepending on factors such as scale, location and activity.

3.2 The HRSA (CD121) identified six potential impacts (6.2):

Potential disturbance directly from construction and operationactivities, indirectly through interruption of flight lines and fragmentationof the population, and through increased visitor pressure to Wye Valleyand Forest of Dean Bat Sites and the Wye Valley Woodlands via effectsto the Northern United roosts, which may be necessary to the integrity ofthe SACs and including consideration of in-combination effects;

Potential effects from habitat loss to Wye Valley and Forest of DeanBat Sites and the Wye Valley Woodland, from loss of woodland edgehabitats for the Northern United bat roosts, which may be necessary to theintegrity of the SACs and including consideration of in-combination effects;

Potential nutrient enrichment and air pollution effects on all identifiedEuropean sites from the proposed energy centre (assuming it is bio-fuelled),and from traffic and including consideration of in-combination effects;

Potential smothering effects from dust and debris during constructionto the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites and the Wye ValleyWoodlands via effects to the Northern United roosts, which may benecessary to the integrity of the SACs and including consideration ofin-combination effects;

Potential toxic contamination and pollution via water links to the WyeValley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites and the Wye Valley Woodlands viaeffects to the Northern United roosts, which may be necessary to theintegrity of the SACs and the Severn Estuary and including considerationof in-combination effects; and

Potential siltation of watercourses via water links to the Severn Estuaryand including consideration of in-combination effects.


Habitat Regulations Screening Assessment(HRSA)3

4 HRSA UpdateTurning to each potential impact in turn.

4.1 Potential Disturbance directly from Construction and OperationActivities

4.1.1 The Council has undertaken an Appropriate Assessment in accordance withthe Habitats directive, in consultation with Natural England, to address this issue(Appendix A).

4.1.2 The Appropriate Assessment identifies the need for five policy changes inthe AAP:

4.1.3 Text Change: Addition

Policy 7 after 5.31. “5.32 In areas of importance for protected species andhabitats, the design code will need to take account of the particular requirementsof the relevant species and be in accordance with Policy 10.”

4.1.4 Policy Change: Amendment

Policy 15 after Spine Road second bullet point. “The design of the street sectionmust demonstrate to a high standard how the four primary bat corridor routes,from the roost sites, will be maintained and protected during and after theconstruction of the spine road. Key factors will include:

i. Proposals to retain and protection of existing tree and vegetation structurewherever possible.

ii. Minimal lighting levels, for example by using shrouded, bollard lighting andmotion activated lighting”.

iii. Minimum surface path and road widths, appropriate to the function of theroad, within primary bat corridor areas

iv. Comprehensive landscaping proposals to establish early tree structure forbats

v. Where appropriate create new structures such as culverts and gantries tomaintain primary bat corridors.

vi. Establish a programme of monitoring for no less than three summersfollowing construction in each of the primary bat corridor areas.

4.1.5 Policy Change: Addition


4HRSA Update

Policy 15 after ‘Junction onto A4136’. “The design of the junction mustdemonstrate to a high standard how the primary bat corridors at the entranceto the Northern United site and crossing the A4136 from the roost sites, will bemaintained and protected as dark crossing points during and after theconstruction of the junction”.

4.1.6 Policy Change: Addition

Policy 21 “Proposals for development at the Northern United site will be requiredto retain and enhance the bat roost in the former Office building. If it isdemonstrated that this cannot be achieved a replacement roost must be providedprior to its closure. In addition, prior to the closure of the Bath House roost anew summer and winter roost in a suitable location, to a standard which clearlydemonstrates an enhancement for the bat roost it replaces, must be availablefor use by bats. Proposals must also demonstrate how the bat corridor crossingthe current access from the A4136 will be maintained, protected and kept dark.

4.1.7 Policy Change: Amendment

Figure 11. Change to show spine road located away from forestry road to theeast of Northern United and the deciduous woodland to the north of HawkwellGreen.

4.2 Potential Effects from Habitat Loss

4.2.1 The additional survey data has confirmed there will be no significant loss ofhabitat which will affect the integrity for the Forest of Dean Bat SAC’s. LHB’s undertakeforaging activity away from the proposed development areas. Connectivity betweensummer roost sites and foraging areas are addressed in the Appropriate Assessment(above).

4.2.2 No change to the HRSA or AAP

4.3 Potential Nutrient Enrichment and Air Pollution

4.3.1 The AAP no longer proposes a specific energy centre. Therefore the potentiallikely significant effect identified has been eliminated.

4.4 Potential Smothering Effects from Dust and Debris

4.4.1 Existing environmental legislation controls these types of emissions. AAPpolicies provide additional, higher standards leading to the conclusion that there areunlikely to be significant effects.

4.4.2 No change to the HRSA or AAP.


HRSA Update4

4.5 Potential Toxic Contamination and Pollution via Water



4.6 Pollution Siltation of Watercourses



4.7 Changes to the AAP

4.7.1 In addition to the six identified potential effects in the HRSA, proposedchanges to the AAP have been reviewed to identify if any of the changes could giverise to new areas for potential significant effects.

4.7.2 The proposed changes have been only minor in effect and any potentialeffects are covered by those identified in the six areas above.

4.7.3 No change to the HRSA or AAP


4HRSA Update

5 Design Specifications to enhance Bat Corridors throughthe AAP Area5.1 Designs have been prepared (Appendix A) and key elements have beenreflected in the policy changes outlined as a result of the Appropriate Assessment.


Design Specifications to enhance Bat Corridorsthrough the AAP Area5

6 Design Specifications for Great Crested Newts6.1 Areas identified as 'Wetland Corridors and Habitat Enhancement' in Figure 15(CD20) and the 'Phase One Habitat Corridor Area', will be designed to incorporateaquatic and terrestrial habitats for GCN’s.

6.2 In the 'Phase One Habitat Corridor Area' (Appendix C) works will involve thefelling and thinning of the pine woodland, mimicking that of the known good GCNhabitat to the south of the area. Overall this will lead to an enhancement of GCNhabitat.

6.3 Within the 'Phase One Habitat Corridor Area' two new ponds will be createdand designed to be suitable for GCN breeding habitat. Each pond will be:

Between 150 and 250sqm

Profiled to provide varying depths p to 1.5m.

Constructed with Shallow slopes

Generally unplanted to allow for natural colonisation

No more than 30% shaded by trees or shrubs

6.4 Refugia should be created by using excavated soil to cover log piles locatedclose by; but in areas not prone to flooding.

6.5 Further advice on GCN habitat creation is provided by Froglife (www.froglife.org) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

6.6 In order to maximise the opportunities for habitat enhancement to favour GCNthe Council has proposed adding to Policy 20.

6.7 Additional bullet point:

“Biodiversity enhancements; as set out in the Biodiversity Keynote (September2011(CD5)), on land to the south of the campus car park are brought forwardin an integrated way and in parallel with the campus development.”

6.8 In considering the biodiversity enhancement measures set out above theCouncil evaluated the guidance onGCN habitat creation and concluded that extensiveguidance exists (cited above). Therefore the Council has not set design specificationsas referred to in the Biodiversity Keynote (July 2011(CD5a)). The Council considersthat it is better to identify the objective and purpose of the enhancement in the AAP


6Design Specifications for Great Crested Newts

http://www.froglife.org

and allow flexibility in the design. This will enable the enhancement to maximiseopportunities without being constrained by detailed design which may not reflectground conditions at the time of implementation.


Design Specifications for Great Crested Newts6

7 Strategy Framework to enhance Habitats for Butterflies7.1 In partnership with the Forestry Commission the Council has developed aphased plan to enhance a butterfly distribution corridor in connection with thedevelopment of the AAP area. See Appendix C for a plan of the area.

7.2 Works will involve the felling of coniferous woodland areas promoting woodlandride and glade habitats of benefit to a number of species, including butterflies.

7.3 In CD 5 (3.2.2.1) the Council has demonstrated that butterfly species in theAAP area will not be adversely affected. Furthermore AAP Policy 10 ensures themaintenance and enhancement of suitable habitat for these species.

7.4 The distribution corridor is therefore considered a biodiversity enhancement;as it provides an additional 5ha of improved habitat for butterflies, amongst otherspecies.

7.5 The delivery of the Phase One area has been linked to the delivery of thecollege campus, see previous section.

7.6 The Council proposes to link the Phase Two area to the development atNorthern United by changing Policy 6 to:

Policy Change: Amendment:

Policy 6 last sentence of Northern United Enterprise section:

“It is important that the development is sensitive to the forest context, miningheritage, miners’ memorial, and the need to maintain public access to andthrough the site. Proposals for development will be expected to demonstratehow area B1 of the butterfly distribution corridor (Biodiversity Keynote September2011) will be brought forward.”

7.7 The remainder of Phase 2 and Phase 3 will be delivered as a result of changesto the Forestry Commission design plans.


7Strategy Framework to enhance Habitats for Butterflies

Appendices

Appendix A: Appropriate Assessment


Appendices

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT UNDER REGULATION 61 OF THE CONSERVATION OF HABITATS & SPECIES

REGULATIONS 2010 AND ARTICLE 6 OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE

(Council Directive 92/43/EEC)

Title of Plan: Cinderford Area Action Plan (AAP).

Application Reference / Stage: Pre examination

Description of Plan: Proposals for mixed used development allocating land for 175 dwellings, 3.5ha of mixed use development, 6ha of employment development and a new access spine road.

Plan area: Land to the North of Cinderford between Steam Mills and Northern United..

International Nature Conservation Site: Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Bat SAC.

Is the proposal directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site? NO

Natural England consultations:

Natural England have been consulted throughout the development of the AAP.

The latest NE position is dated 15th June 2011 and can be found in the Keynote on Biodiversity and Nature Conservation July 2011.

Information Sources used: HRSA Cinderford Northern Quarter (March 2011) Interim bat survey update 6th September 2011 Cinderford Ecological Appraisal Report (May 2009)

Publication:

The AAP has been advertised in local press on a number of occasions most recently on 27th April 2011 when the AAP was submitted for Examination.


Appendices

Consideration of Alternatives:

The strategic vision for regeneration in Cinderford is set out in the Core Strategy. Established forest and the topography of the area restrict development led regeneration areas to those of the AAP.

Route options for accesses roads, have through a masterplan process (See section three Masterplan & Design Code), have considered the potential impacts on bats within the objectives for the AAP and other constraints. Of the 4 route options considered (3.4 of the Masterplan). The selected option removes residential development close to the bats roosts and avoids road structures on all sides of the woodland containing the purpose built roost.

Further changes to the road alignment are recommended below providing an additional alternative option to reduce likely significant effects.

Identification of Potential In Combination Effects:

The Core Strategy HRSA did not identify any likely in combination significant effects of the overall strategic proposals in the Core Strategy.

The Cinderford AAP HRSA has not identified any projects that are likely to have an effect on the bat populations. The AAP HRSA identifies only localised in combination effects which are addressed through this Appropriate Assessment

Assessment:

The site‟s conservation objectives have been taken into account, including consideration of the citation for the site and information supplied by Natural England. The likely effects of the proposal on the international nature conservation interests for which the site was designated are be summarised in Table 1The assessment has concluded that:

The plan as proposed could adversely affect the integrity of the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Bat

SAC. The following policy changes outline below (taken from table 1 overleaf) would avoid adverse effects

on the integrity of the site:

Text Change: Addition Policy 7 after 5.31. “5.32 In areas of importance for protected species and habitats, the design code will need to take account of the particular requirements of the relevant species and be in accordance with Policy 10.” Policy Change: Amendment Policy 15 after „Spine Road‟ second bullet point. “The design of the street section must demonstrate to a high standard how the four primary bat corridor routes, from the roost sites, will be maintained and protected during and after the construction of the spine road. Key factors will include

i. Proposals to retain and protection of existing tree and vegetation structure wherever possible.

ii. Minimal lighting levels, for example by using shrouded, bollard lighting and motion activated

lighting”.

iii. Minimum surface path and road widths, appropriate to the function of the road, within primary

bat corridor areas

iv. Comprehensive landscaping proposals to establish early tree structure for bats

v. Where appropriate create new structures such as culverts and gantries to maintain primary bat

corridors.

vi. Establish a programme of monitoring for no less than three summers following construction in

each of the primary bat corridor areas.


Appendices

Policy Change: Addition Policy 15 after „Junction onto A4136‟. “The design of the junction must demonstrate to a high standard how the primary bat corridors at the entrance to the Northern United site and crossing the A4136 from the roost sites, will be maintained and protected as dark crossing points during and after the construction of the junction”. Policy 21 “Proposals for development at the Northern United site will be required to retain and enhance the bat roost in the former office building. If it is demonstrated that this cannot be achieved a replacement roost must be provided prior to its closure. In addition, prior to the closure of the Bath House roost a new summer and winter roost in a suitable location, to a standard which clearly demonstrates an enhancement for the bat roost it replaces, must be available for use by bats. Proposals must also demonstrate how the bat corridor crossing the current access from the A4136 will be maintained, protected and kept dark. Policy Change: Amendment Figure 11. Change to show spine road located away from forestry road to the east of Northern United and the deciduous woodland to the north of Hawkwell Green.

Consultation Response from Natural England is awaited.


Appendices

A

Sit

e’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

Wye V

all

ey &

Fo

rest

of

Dean

Bat

Sit

es

To m

ain

tain

in f

avoura

ble

conditio

n, th

e:

Lesser

hors

eshoe b

at

(Rhin

olo

ph

us h

ipposid

ero

s)

and

Gre

ate

r hors

eshoe b

at

(R

hin

olo

ph

us

ferr

um

equin

um

)

This

com

ple

x o

f sites

on t

he b

ord

er

betw

ee

n E

ngla

nd a

nd

Wale

s c

onta

ins b

y f

ar

the g

reate

st

concentr

ation o

f le

sser

hors

eshoe b

at

Rhin

olo

phus

hip

posid

ero

s in t

he

UK

, to

talli

ng a

bout

26%

of

the n

ational

popula

tion. It h

as

been s

ele

cte

d o

n t

he

gro

und

s o

f th

e

exceptional bre

edin

g

popula

tion, and t

he

majo

rity

of

sites w

ithin

th

e c

om

ple

x a

re

On a

nd a

dja

cent to

the

pla

n a

rea a

re t

hre

e

sum

mer

roosts

for

the

specie

s.

None o

f th

e r

oost

sites a

re f

orm

ally

desig

nate

d a

s p

art

of

the

SA

C.

Dir

ect im

pact th

rough

loss o

f r

oost

sites

One r

oost

site (

Form

er

Bath

House)

will be lost.

In 2

004 a

purp

ose b

uilt (P

B)

roost

wa

s

constr

ucte

d b

y t

he R

egio

nal D

evelo

pm

ent

Agency w

ithin

300m

of

the k

now

n r

oost

sites a

t N

ort

hern

United.

The P

B r

oost

now

support

s a

sig

nific

ant

popula

tion o

f LH

B‟s

. E

vid

ence indic

ate

s t

hat

indiv

idual bats

are

not

specific

ally

loyal to

any

one o

f th

e thre

e r

oosts

and m

ove b

etw

een

them

. T

here

fore

the loss o

f one r

oost

is u

nlik

ely

to

negatively

aff

ect

the a

vaila

bili

ty o

f fa

voura

ble

ro

ost

in t

he a

rea.

The e

sta

blishm

ent

of

a r

epla

cem

ent

PB

roost

in a

dvance o

f develo

pm

ent is

dem

onstr

ate

d t

o

have b

een s

uccessfu

l. .

NE

consid

er

that th

e

PB

roost

cannot

be r

egard

ed a

s m

itig

ation for

this

vers

ion o

f th

e p

lan.

If

a r

epla

cem

ent

roost

were

con

str

ucte

d f

or

this

schem

e, it w

ould

not

be p

ositio

ned w

here

the P

B r

oost

is.

The r

oost

in the f

orm

er

min

e o

ffic

e b

uild

ing w

ill

be r

eta

ined w

ith a

section e

nhanced a

s r

oost

for

bats

.

Due t

o t

he p

oor

conditio

n a

nd h

ealth r

isks o

f th

e m

ate

rials

of

the B

ath

house r

e-u

se /

futu

re

main

tenance is n

ot

possib

le a

nd t

here

fore

the

buildin

g is t

o b

e d

em

olis

hed.

The P

B r

oost is

a

dir

ect re

pla

cem

ent fo

r lo

ss o

f th

is r

oost.

NE

consid

er

an a

dditio

nal ro

ost

to r

epla

ce the B

ath

H

ouse r

oo

st

will be r

equir

ed, fo

r th

e r

easons

set

out

above. T

he P

B r

oost

is n

ot

regard

ed a

s

suitable

mitig

ation f

or

loss o

f th

e B

ath

House.


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

mate

rnity r

oosts

. T

he

bats

are

believed to

hib

ern

ate

in t

he m

any

dis

use

d m

ines in the

are

a.

Gre

ate

r hors

eshoe

bat

Rhin

olo

phus

ferr

um

equin

um

T

his

com

ple

x o

f sites

on t

he b

ord

er

betw

ee

n E

ngla

nd a

nd

Wale

s r

epre

sents

gre

ate

r hors

eshoe b

at

Rhin

olo

phus

ferr

um

equin

um

in the

nort

hern

part

of

its

range,

with a

bout

6%

of

the U

K p

opula

tion.

The s

ite c

onta

ins t

he

main

mate

rnity r

oost

for

bats

in this

are

a,

whic

h a

re b

elieved to

hib

ern

ate

in t

he m

any

dis

use

d m

ines in the

Fore

st.

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

In

terr

uption o

f flig

ht

corr

idors

betw

een

roosts

an

d f

ora

gin

g

are

as.

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

C

onstr

uction o

f buildin

gs

and infr

astr

uctu

re

(Roads)

Polic

y C

hange:

Additio

n

Polic

y 2

1 “

Pro

posals

for

develo

pm

ent

at

the

Nort

hern

United s

ite w

ill b

e r

equir

ed to r

eta

in

and e

nhance t

he b

at

roost

in the f

orm

er

off

ice

buildin

g. If it is

dem

onstr

ate

d that

this

cannot

be a

chie

ved a

repla

cem

ent

roost m

ust

be

pro

vid

ed p

rior

to its

clo

sure

. In

additio

n,

prior

to

the c

losure

of

the B

ath

House r

oost

a n

ew

sum

mer

and w

inte

r ro

ost in

a s

uitable

location,

to a

sta

ndard

whic

h c

learly d

em

onstr

ate

s a

n

enhancem

ent fo

r th

e b

at ro

ost

it r

epla

ces, m

ust

be a

vailable

for

use b

y b

ats

. P

roposals

must

als

o d

em

onstr

ate

how

the b

at

corr

idor

cro

ssin

g

the c

urr

ent

access f

rom

the A

4136 w

ill b

e

main

tain

ed,

pro

tecte

d a

nd k

ept

dark

. --

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

---

Surv

ey info

rmation h

as s

ho

wn:

a.

There

are

four

prim

ary

corr

idors

used

by b

ats

fro

m the t

hre

e r

oost

sites;

Nort

h a

cro

ss t

he A

4136,

South

fo

llow

ing a

lin

e b

etw

een t

he lake a

nd

the b

rick w

ork

s, W

est

cro

ssin

g t

he

curr

ent

entr

ance t

o t

he N

ort

hern

United

are

a a

nd S

outh

West

covering a

n a

rea

to t

he s

outh

of

Nort

hern

United.

b.

There

is a

lso s

ignific

ant

East

– W

est

corr

idor

activity a

cro

ss t

he f

ore

str

y

road t

o t

he e

ast

of

the N

ort

hern

United

are

a,

and

c.

There

is n

oticeable

activity in t

he

decid

uous w

oodla

nd (

pre

dom

inantly


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

Oak)

to t

he n

ort

h o

f B

ungalo

w a

nd

gara

ge

s a

t H

aw

kw

ell G

reen.

Outlin

e b

at

cro

ssin

g p

roposals

(att

ached)

have

dem

onstr

ate

d t

hat la

ndscape a

nd e

ngin

eeri

ng

solu

tions w

ill be n

eeded t

o m

ain

tain

the thre

e

prim

ary

road c

rossin

g p

oin

ts (

a)

aff

ecte

d b

y the

develo

pm

ent.

Polic

y C

hange:

Additio

n

Polic

y 2

1 “

Pro

posals

for

develo

pm

ent

at

the

Nort

hern

United s

ite w

ill b

e r

equir

ed to r

eta

in

and e

nhance t

he b

at

roost

in the f

orm

er

off

ice

buildin

g. If it is

dem

onstr

ate

d that

this

cannot

be a

chie

ved a

repla

cem

ent

roost m

ust

be

pro

vid

ed p

rior

to its

clo

sure

. In

additio

n,

prior

to

the c

losure

of

the B

ath

House r

oost

a n

ew

sum

mer

and w

inte

r ro

ost in

a s

uitable

location,

to a

sta

ndard

whic

h c

learly d

em

onstr

ate

s a

n

enhancem

ent fo

r th

e b

at ro

ost

it r

epla

ces, m

ust

be a

vailable

for

use b

y b

ats

. P

roposals

must

als

o d

em

onstr

ate

how

the b

at

corr

idor

cro

ssin

g

the c

urr

ent

access f

rom

the A

4136 w

ill b

e

main

tain

ed,

pro

tecte

d a

nd k

ept

dark

. P

olic

y C

hange:

Am

endm

ent

Polic

y 1

5 a

fter

„Spin

e R

oad‟ second b

ullet

poin

t. “

The d

esig

n o

f th

e s

treet

section m

ust

dem

onstr

ate

to a

hig

h s

tandard

how

the f

our

prim

ary

bat

corr

idor

route

s, fr

om

the r

oost

sites,

will be m

ain

tain

ed a

nd p

rote

cte

d d

uring

and a

fter

the c

onstr

uction o

f th

e s

pin

e r

oad.

Key f

acto

rs w

ill inclu

de

i.

P

roposals

to r

eta

in a

nd p

rote

ction o

f exis

ting tre

e a

nd v

egeta

tion s

tructu

re


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

where

ver

possib

le.

ii. M

inim

al lighting levels

, fo

r exam

ple

by

usin

g s

hro

uded,

bollard

lig

hting

and m

otion

activate

d lig

hting”.

iii

.

Min

imum

surf

ace p

ath

and r

oad

wid

ths,

appro

pri

ate

to the f

unction o

f th

e

road,

within

prim

ary

bat corr

idor

are

as

iv. C

om

pre

hensiv

e landscapin

g p

roposals

to

esta

blish e

arl

y t

ree s

tructu

re f

or

bats

v. W

here

appro

pri

ate

cre

ate

new

str

uctu

res s

uch a

s c

ulv

ert

s a

nd g

antr

ies t

o

main

tain

prim

ary

bat

corr

idors

. vi.

Esta

blis

h a

pro

gra

mm

e o

f m

onitoring

for

no less t

han t

hre

e s

um

mers

follo

win

g

constr

uction in e

ach o

f th

e p

rim

ary

bat

corr

idor

are

as.

Polic

y C

hange:

Additio

n

Polic

y 1

5 a

fter

„Junction o

nto

A4136‟. “

The

desig

n o

f th

e junction m

ust

dem

onstr

ate

to a

hig

h s

tandard

how

the p

rim

ary

bat corr

idors

at

the e

ntr

ance t

o the N

ort

hern

United s

ite a

nd

cro

ssin

g t

he A

4136 f

rom

the r

oost

sites,

will

be

main

tain

ed a

nd p

rote

cte

d a

s d

ark

cro

ssin

g

poin

ts d

uri

ng a

nd a

fter

the c

onstr

uction o

f th

e

junction”.

T

ext

Change: A

dditio

n

Polic

y 7

aft

er

5.3

1. “5

.32 I

n a

reas o

f im

port

ance for

pro

tecte

d s

pecie

s a

nd h

abitats

, th

e d

esig

n c

ode w

ill need t

o take a

ccount

of

the p

art

icula

r re

quir

em

ents

of

the r

ele

vant


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

D

irect lo

ss o

f w

oo

dla

nd h

abitat

and

fora

gin

g a

reas

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

C

onstr

uction o

f buildin

gs

and infr

astr

uctu

re

(Roads)

specie

s a

nd b

e in a

ccord

ance w

ith P

olic

y 1

0.”

M

inor

am

endm

ents

to t

he s

pin

e r

oad a

lignm

ent

would

reduce t

he lik

ely

im

pact on b

ats

(b &

c

above).

P

olic

y C

hange:

Am

endm

ent

Fig

ure

11. C

hange t

o s

how

spin

e r

oad locate

d

aw

ay f

rom

fore

str

y r

oad t

o t

he e

ast

of

Nort

hern

U

nited a

nd t

he d

ecid

uous w

oo

dla

nd t

o t

he

nort

h o

f H

aw

kw

ell G

reen.

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

---

Surv

ey info

rmation (

radio

tra

ckin

g)

has s

ho

wn

that

prim

ary

fora

gin

g a

reas a

re locate

d in

esta

blished w

oodla

nd a

way f

rom

the r

oosts

and t

he p

lan a

rea.

There

will

be a

sm

all

loss o

f habitat

where

the

pro

posed s

pin

e r

oad c

rosse

s im

port

ant

corr

idors

. T

his

im

pact

can b

e r

educed b

y m

inor

am

endm

ents

to the s

pin

e r

oad a

lignm

ent

and

safe

guard

ing o

f im

port

ant

corr

idors

thro

ugh

appro

pri

ate

road d

esig

n.

Polic

y C

hange:

Am

endm

ent

Fig

ure

11. C

hange t

o s

how

spin

e r

oad locate

d

aw

ay f

rom

fore

str

y r

oad t

o t

he e

ast

of

Nort

hern

U

nited a

nd t

he d

ecid

uous w

oo

dla

nd t

o t

he

nort

h o

f H

aw

kw

ell G

reen.

Polic

y C

hange:

Additio

n

Polic

y 2

1 “

Pro

posals

for

develo

pm

ent

at

the

Nort

hern

United s

ite w

ill b

e r

equir

ed to r

eta

in

and e

nhance t

he b

at

roost

in the f

orm

er

off

ice

buildin

g. If it is

dem

onstr

ate

d that

this

cannot


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

be a

chie

ved a

repla

cem

ent

roost m

ust

be

pro

vid

ed p

rior

to its

clo

sure

. In

additio

n,

prior

to

the c

losure

of

the B

ath

House r

oost

a n

ew

sum

mer

and w

inte

r ro

ost in

a s

uitable

location,

to a

sta

ndard

whic

h c

learly d

em

onstr

ate

s a

n

enhancem

ent fo

r th

e b

at ro

ost

it r

epla

ces, m

ust

be a

vailable

for

use b

y b

ats

. P

roposals

must

als

o d

em

onstr

ate

how

the b

at

corr

idor

cro

ssin

g

the c

urr

ent

access f

rom

the A

4136 w

ill b

e

main

tain

ed,

pro

tecte

d a

nd k

ept

dark

. P

olic

y C

hange:

Am

endm

ent

Polic

y 1

5 a

fter

„Spin

e R

oad‟ second b

ullet

poin

t. “

The d

esig

n o

f th

e s

treet

section m

ust

dem

onstr

ate

to a

hig

h s

tandard

how

the f

our

prim

ary

bat

corr

idor

route

s, fr

om

the r

oost

sites,

will be m

ain

tain

ed a

nd p

rote

cte

d d

uring

and a

fter

the c

onstr

uction o

f th

e s

pin

e r

oad.

Key f

acto

rs w

ill inclu

de

i.

Pro

posals

to r

eta

in a

nd

pro

tection o

f exis

ting tre

e a

nd

vegeta

tion s

tructu

re w

here

ver

possib

le.

ii.

Min

imal lighting levels

, fo

r

exam

ple

by u

sin

g s

hro

uded,

bollard

lig

hting a

nd m

otion

activate

d lig

hting”.

iii.

Min

imum

surf

ace p

ath

and

road w

idth

s,

appro

pri

ate

to the

function o

f th

e r

oad,

within

prim

ary

bat

corr

idor

are

as


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

iv.

Com

pre

hensiv

e landscapin

g

pro

posals

to e

sta

blish e

arl

y

tree s

tructu

re f

or

bats

v.

Where

appro

pri

ate

cre

ate

new

str

uctu

res s

uch a

s c

ulv

ert

s a

nd

gantr

ies t

o m

ain

tain

prim

ary

bat

corr

idors

.

vi.

Esta

blish a

pro

gra

mm

e o

f

monitoring f

or

no less t

han

thre

e s

um

mers

follow

ing

constr

uction in e

ach o

f th

e

prim

ary

bat

corr

idor

are

as.

Esta

blish a

pro

gra

mm

e o

f

monitoring f

or

no less t

han

thre

e s

um

mers

follow

ing

constr

uction in e

ach o

f th

e

prim

ary

bat

corr

idor

are

as.

Polic

y C

hange:

Additio

n

Polic

y 1

5 a

fter

„Junction o

nto

A4136‟. “

The

desig

n o

f th

e junction m

ust

dem

onstr

ate

to a

hig

h s

tandard

how

the p

rim

ary

bat corr

idors

at

the e

ntr

ance t

o the N

ort

hern

United s

ite a

nd

cro

ssin

g t

he A

4136 f

rom

the r

oost

sites,

will

be

main

tain

ed a

nd p

rote

cte

d a

s d

ark

cro

ssin

g

poin

ts d

uri

ng a

nd a

fter

the c

onstr

uction o

f th

e

junction”.

T

ext

Change: A

dditio

n

Polic

y 7

aft

er

5.3

1. “5

.32 I

n a

reas o

f im

port

ance for

pro

tecte

d s

pecie

s a

nd h

abitats

,


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

----

----

----

----

----

----

--

Dis

turb

ance f

rom

in

cre

ased h

um

an

activity in the a

rea.

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

D

istu

rbance t

o r

oost

sites a

s a

result o

f in

cre

ased h

um

an

activity in the a

rea.

the d

esig

n c

ode w

ill need t

o take a

ccount

of

the p

art

icula

r re

quir

em

ents

of

the r

ele

vant

specie

s a

nd b

e in a

ccord

ance w

ith P

olic

y 1

0.”

--

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

T

here

will

be incre

ased h

um

an a

ctivity a

round

the f

orm

er

off

ice b

uild

ing r

oost.

Pro

vid

ed the

bats

are

not

dis

turb

ed,

roosts

com

fort

ably

site

within

build

ings w

ith r

esid

ential and

em

plo

ym

ent uses.

Import

ant corr

idors

to a

nd

from

this

roost

will

need t

o b

e s

afe

guard

ed

and

lighting in the a

rea w

ill n

eed t

o b

e s

ensitiv

e to

the n

eeds o

f bats

. P

olic

y C

hange:

Additio

n

Polic

y 2

1 “

Pro

posals

for

develo

pm

ent

at

the

Nort

hern

United s

ite w

ill b

e r

equir

ed to r

eta

in

and e

nhance t

he b

at

roost

in the f

orm

er

off

ice

buildin

g. If it is

dem

onstr

ate

d that

this

cannot

be a

chie

ved a

repla

cem

ent

roost m

ust

be

pro

vid

ed p

rior

to its

clo

sure

. In

additio

n,

prior

to

the c

losure

of

the B

ath

House r

oost

a n

ew

sum

mer

and w

inte

r ro

ost in

a s

uitable

location,

to a

sta

ndard

whic

h c

learly d

em

onstr

ate

s a

n

enhancem

ent fo

r th

e b

at ro

ost

it r

epla

ces, m

ust

be a

vailable

for

use b

y b

ats

. P

roposals

must

als

o d

em

onstr

ate

how

the b

at

corr

idor

cro

ssin

g

the c

urr

ent

access f

rom

the A

4136 w

ill b

e

main

tain

ed,

pro

tecte

d a

nd k

ept

dark

. P

olic

y C

hange:

Am

endm

ent

Fig

ure

11. C

hange t

o s

how

spin

e r

oad locate

d

aw

ay f

rom

fore

str

y r

oad t

o t

he e

ast

of

Nort

hern

U

nited a

nd t

he d

ecid

uous w

oo

dla

nd t

o t

he

nort

h o

f H

aw

kw

ell G

reen.


Appendices

A

S

ite’s

Co

nserv

ati

on

O

bje

cti

ves

B

Inte

rnati

on

al

Natu

re

Co

nserv

ati

on

In

tere

sts

(R

ecep

tor)

C

Imp

act

Path

way

to R

ecep

tor

D

Imp

act

of

Pro

po

sals

on

A &

B

(li

st

eff

ects

)

E

Mit

igati

on

fo

r C

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

D

istu

rbance t

o f

ora

gin

g

are

as a

s a

result o

f in

cre

ased h

um

an

activity in the a

rea.

Sig

nific

ant in

cre

ases in d

istu

rbance a

round t

he

PB

roost

are

not consid

ere

d lik

ely

. D

evelo

pm

ent

pro

posal allo

cate

land f

or

develo

pm

ent som

e w

ay a

way f

rom

the P

B

roost.

The c

onnectivity a

nd location o

f th

e lake

will le

ad r

ecre

ational activity a

way f

rom

the

roost

sites t

o t

he S

outh

and S

outh

we

st.

The

majo

rity

of

recre

ational activity w

ill t

ake p

lace

duri

ng t

he d

ay w

hen t

he b

ats

are

in t

he r

oosts

and n

ot

the f

ora

gin

g a

reas w

hic

h a

re n

ot

lit..

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

----

---

The f

ocus f

or

info

rmal lo

cal re

cre

ational activity

will be a

round t

he s

team

mill

s lake.

Due to the

scale

of

adja

cent w

oodla

nd,

incre

ases in

recre

ational activity w

ill d

ispers

e n

atu

rally a

nd

rapid

ly t

o a

low

backgro

und level.


Appendices

Appendix A: Appropriate Assessment Bat Crossing Types

Please see separate document entitled 'Keynote - Biodiversity and NatureConservation Cinderford Northern Quarter Appendix A Figures A3'


Appendices

Appendix B: Key Findings of Summer 2011 Bat Surveys

CINDERFORD NORTHERN QUARTER - BAT SURVEY WORK UPDATE SUMMARY

Table1.1 Bat survey scope (agreed with Natural England) and summary of completed/ outstanding

elements to date (06/09/2011)

Survey Method

Survey Approach Duration

Survey Status Outstanding elements

Objective 1 surveys

Radio Tracking Original Scope 12 individuals: 9 adults (3 pregnant, 3 lactating and 3 post lactating) and 3 juveniles. Agreed Scope Following delays, amended scope agreed with Natural England - 12 individuals comprising 4x lactating females, 4x post-lactating females and 4x juveniles

May to October Revised timeframe- June to September

Ongoing 19 – 29/07/2011 4x lactating females caught and tracked. 16 – 28/08/2011 4x post-lactating females caught and tracked (1.5 nights lost to bad weather). Surveys commenced in June, therefore pregnant females not available for tracking. No juvenile tracking completed to date as juveniles currently under weight approx. 4.5g (required minimum weight 6g).

To complete the radio tracking data set, 4x juveniles will be caught next week (W/C 12/09/2011) with a view of undertaking radio tracking (if juveniles are of correct weight).

Objective 1 and 2 surveys

Roost Assessment of Northern United structures

Ongoing inspections and species counts

April to September

Ongoing Internal building survey and roost counts completed each month November 2010 to August 2011.

Roost counts in September to be completed

Evening Surveys: focused on lesser horseshoes (all data will be collated)

1 visit a month with 6 surveyors

May to September Revised timeframe -June to September + 2 additional as requested by NE

Ongoing Surveys commenced in June 2011. Walked transects/ bat activity surveys completed on: 29/06/2011 14/07/2011 09/08/2011 11/08/2011 01/09/2011

To complete data set, 1x walked transect/ bat activity survey to be completed W/C 06/09/2011 (weather dependant)

Automated Surveys

6 Anabat recorders to be placed out prior to 10 evening surveys

May to September Revised timeframe -June to September

Ongoing Surveys commenced in June 2011. To date, 6 Ananbats deployed over 7 nights (3 nights in June, 2 nights in July and 2 nights in August) at a total of 23 different locations around the site. > 1500 calls analysed so far.

To complete data set 6 Anabats will be deployed over 3 nights in September.


Appendices

Survey Method

Survey Approach Duration

Survey Status Outstanding elements

Roost Emergence Surveys Northern United

Original scope 3 evening emergence and 1 dawn re-entry survey by 5 surveyors.


Completed Surveys commenced in June 2011. Evening emergence survey undertaken: 27/06/2011 12/08/2011 26/08/2011 (rain) 27/08/2011 (art. roost and office) 28/08/2011 (other accessible areas of site) Dawn swarming survey undertaken: 13/08/2011

N/A

Objective 2 Surveys

Evening Surveys: All species of Bats, site wide (all data will be collated, including lesser horseshoe bats as identified)

1 visit a month with 4 surveyors, site wide transects


Completed Surveys commenced in June 2011. Walked transects/ bat activity surveys completed on: 25/06/2011 11/07/2011 10/08/2011 02/09/2011

N/A

Other building inspections and daytime tree assessment for bat roosts

Tree inspections completed in April 2011

N/A Completed

Survey Data Headlines

9+ bat species (Lesser Horseshoe (LHS), Great Horseshoe, Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Brown

Long-eared, Myotis sp., Barbastelle, Noctule and Serotine) recorded to date utilising the site during activity

surveys.

313+ LHS encounters recorded during walked transects to date.

336 + LHS peak roost count in 2011 (Northern United (126 LHS) and Artificial Roost (210 LHS) – Aug 2011).

Artificial roost utilised all year round, including winter months (peak count; 36 LHS in Dec 2009; 18 LHS Dec

2010). Northern United buildings utilised from March to November, peak usage recorded in summer

months (solitary LHS recorded Dec ’09).

8 Lesser Horseshoe (4 lactating + 4 post lactating females) successfully radio tracked and data collected

during July and August 2011.

8 main travel routes/ flyways identified during survey work to date.

Lesser Horseshoe bats roosting within Northern United and the artificial roost recorded to predominantly

forage in established off-site woodland to the east, north and south of the site.


Appendices


Appendices

App

endixC:B

utterflyDistributionCorrid

orEn

hanc

emen

t


Appendices


Appendices

Keynote - Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Cinderford Northern Quarter Forestof Dean District Council, September 2011 (Core Document 5a)

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