Habitat Loss - BUILDING WITHIN 10 METRES OF GCN PonD

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BUILDING WITHIN 10 METRES OF GCN PonD

Printed From: Reptiles and Amphibians of the UK
Category: Conservation
Forum Name: Habitat Loss
Forum Description: Use this forum to highlight harmful development projects and other issues involving habitat destruction
URL: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1277
Printed Date: 18 Apr 2024 at 8:24am
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Topic: BUILDING WITHIN 10 METRES OF GCN PonD

Posted By: Gra_Hal
Subject: BUILDING WITHIN 10 METRES OF GCN PonD
Date Posted: 07 Dec 2005 at 3:23pm

Hi each

Plans have been deposited at my Local Authority by a National Developer for building works within 15 metres and gardens within 10 metres of a known / recent ecological surveyed pond containing a thriving population of GCNs.

Anyone out there know anybody who has been successful in getting such development to be re-sited at a greater minimum distance from a GCN Pond?

The site is in Flintshire, N Wales ... further information provided if required.

I am willing to pay for assistance in putting a case to the Planners to not approve development so close to the GCN Pond.

Thanks

Graham

Replies:

Posted By: herpetologic2
Date Posted: 07 Dec 2005 at 6:20pm

The Local Authority cannot determine the application without first recieving an ecological survey of the development - See the current English Nature Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines - the applicant has to show that the development is not deterimental to the newt population - by providing detailed ecological information and how the development will be designed to prevent any conservation loss and how any impact will be mitigated

Otherwise they should refuse the application or defer for the required surveys to be undertaken over the spring months....

I am sure other people would add other items to consider

Posted By: Gra_Hal
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2005 at 3:26pm

JC ... thanks

The WDA commissioned an ecological survey before sale of the land to the Developer. The current Plans deposited with the LA are not in accord with the Eco Report Recommendations re closeness of building to the Pond etc.

From my research there does not appear to be any laid down definitive minimum distance to a proven GCN Pond that building must not occur Tons of words about not affecting future population No's / habitat etc but at the end of the day words without `measures` are open to (mis) interpretation.

If you `can't measure it you can't manage it` and by the time there is a realisation that the GCN population has dwindled it is too late.

If the development goes ahead as planned with loss of valuable GCN foraging ground it will prove that LA Planners need more definitive statements in the `English Nature Guidance on GCN Mitigation`.

I feel a letter to my Local Paper coming on.

Thanks

Graham