place Blakelow Farm, Matlock
Elton Ecology were commissioned to carry out ecology work to inform a full planning application for the demolition of an existing stable block and the creation of two replacement buildings. The site included a stable block, hardstanding and amenity grassland. The following surveys were provided:
The stable block building supported active swallow nests.
The Peak District National Park Planning Authority ecology consultee stated that additional information was required, as on their database was a record of great crested newt (GCN) 250m away from the site.
Elton Ecology provided the following solutions:
Informed by a Natural England method statement template risk assessment, and an assessment of habitat connectivity of the site to the GCN record, a GCN PWMS was produced which prevented the need for great crested newt surveys and Natural England mitigation licensing. The PWMS set out simple and low-cost measures during construction works to prevent the killing & injury of GCN and set out what to do should GCN be found during works, in the highly unlikely event that this species should be present on site.
A mitigation strategy for nesting birds was presented comprising the installation of swallow nest cups on the proposed dwelling. Site enhancements were recommended as bat & bird boxes. The mitigation and enhancement measures were supported by a Bat & Nesting Bird Enhancement Plan, showing the location and types of bat & bird boxes to be installed within the proposed scheme.
Our ecology reports including avoidance, mitigation, and enhancement measures for bats, GCN and nesting birds were accepted by the Peak District National Park Planning Authority ecology consultee.