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West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 1 December 2014
8.0 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION
Introduction
8.1 This chapter of the ES assesses the likely significant effects of the Proposed
Development in terms of the ecology and nature conservation interests of the Site
within its surroundings and other points of ecological interest within the geographic
frame of reference. It incorporates a summary of the ecological surveys undertaken at
the Site, the full details of which are included as Appendix 8.1.
8.2 The chapter describes the assessment methodology; the baseline conditions at the Site
and surroundings; the likely significant environmental effects; the mitigation measures
required to prevent, reduce or offset any significant adverse effects; and the likely
residual effects after these measures have been employed. This chapter has been
prepared by ESL (Ecological Services) Ltd.
Planning Policy Context
The EC Directive on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, 1992
(The ‘Habitats Directive’) i
8.3 This Directive gives legal force at EC level to the Convention on Conservation of
European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, 1979 (‘The Berne Convention’). It contributes to
the conservation of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to
maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at favourable conservation status
by the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). It increases the legal
protection given to selected species, and also modifies the Birds Directive.
Conservation of Species and Habitats Regulations, 2010 ii
8.4 These Regulations replace the 1994 Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations
(the ‘Habitats Regulations’). They revise UK implementation to the Habitats Directive by
amending planning legislation, including applications for planning permission and all
other consents and orders by which permission is given to develop land. They contain a
review procedure for plans and projects likely to significantly affect a European site,
and licensing requirements for developments that may affect European Protected
Species.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 2 December 2014
Circular 06/05 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation iii
8.5 The advice set out in this government circular gives guidance on the law affecting
European sites, protected species and SSSIs. It is soon to be replaced by updated
guidance from Defra covering the same subject areas.
Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services iv
8.6 This document sets out the biodiversity strategy for England and highlights the
Governments ambition to halt the decline in biodiversity, retain wel l functioning
ecosystems and establish ecological networks.
Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006v
8.7 The Countryside and Rights of Way CRoW Act was amended by the NERC Act 2006,
Section 41 (S41) of which requires the Secretary of State, after consulting Natural
England, to publish, and regularly revise, a list of the species and habitats of principal
importance for conserving biodiversity. There are 56 habitats and 943 species of
principal importance on the current S41 list (last reviewed 2010).
Protection of Badgers Act 1992vi
8.8 Subsumed and extended previous legislation protecting this species, making it unlawful
for an animal to be killed, injured or disturbed, or for its sett to be destroyed or
damaged, whether deliberately or recklessly.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)vii
8.9 In response to the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in Rio in 1992, the UK
government identified a number of habitats and species, each of which were to have a
detailed Action Plan for their protection and where necessary, restoration. The UK List
of Priority Species and Habitats now covers 1150 species and 65 habitats and the
conservation approach for these is now being developed by a partnership of statutory
and non-statutory agencies and bodies. The duties of government departments in
regard to the UK BAP were first set out in Section 74 of the CRoW Act 2000 and
accompanying guidance.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 3 December 2014
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)viii
8.10 The NPPF sets out the Governments policy on all aspects of planning based on the belief
that the purpose of planning is to help achieve sustainable development. A core
principle of the NPPF is the presumption in favour of sustainable development, but in
replacing Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9), it also incorporates measures to conserve
and enhance the natural and local environment, including ‘Biodiversity and Geological
Conservation’.
8.11 Paragraph 118 of the NPPF requires that in determining planning applications the
following principles are applied to conserve and enhance biodiversity:
Significant harm resulting from a development should be avoided, adequately
mitigated, or, as a last resort compensated for; and
Opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be
encouraged.
Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) Natural Environment ix
8.12 This Guidance details key issues in implementing policy to protect biodiversity. It covers
three areas: landscape; biodiversity, ecosystems and green infrastructure; and
brownfield land, soils and agricultural land. The guidance details the sources of further
policy and guidance.
Local Planning Policy
South Cambridgeshire District Council Core Strategy (January 2007) x
8.13 The adopted Core Strategy sets out the Council’s overall vision for future development
in the district. Protection of biodiversity and ecological assets and the requirement for
provision of biodiversity gain are addressed in objective ST/i which seeks:
To ensure that any new development results in appropriate provision for the
protection and enhancement of native biodiversity in order to contribute towards
biodiversity gain, whilst having regard to the site’s current biodiversity value.
Opportunities for increased access to the countryside and enjoyment of
biodiversity should be viewed as integral aspects of new development.
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 4 December 2014
South Cambridgeshire District Council Development Control Policies DPD (July 2007)xi
8.14 Relevant policies in the DPD relating to ecology and nature conservation are as follows:
DP/1 Sustainable Development which requires that development be consistent
with the principles of sustainable development, as appropriate to its location,
scale and form. Its 18 criteria for assessing this include the requirement to
conserve and where possible enhance biodiversity of both species and habitats;
DP/2 Design of New Development which states that development should be of
high quality design, and should conserve or enhance important environmental
assets of the site; and
NE/6 Biodiversity which requires that new development aims to maintain,
enhance, restore or add to biodiversity and that it takes opportunities to achieve
positive gain. It further states that development that would have an adverse
significant effect on a protected species or a priority species or habitat will be
refused unless such effects are adequately mitigated or compensated.
South Cambridgeshire District Council Trees and Development Sites SPD xii
8.15 This SPD expands on the Development Control Policy providing additional information on
how the policy of adequately addressing trees through the development process will be
implemented.
South Cambridgeshire District Council Biodiversity SPDxiii
8.16 This SPD expands on the Development Control Policy providing additional information on
how the policies which seek to ensure that biodiversity is adequate ly protected and
enhanced throughout the development process will be implemented.
South Cambridgeshire Local Plan Proposed Submission (July 2013) xiv
8.17 The Local Plan Proposed Submission includes the following policies relevant to the
Development:
S/2 Objectives of the Local Plan - Key Objective b states ‘New development
should enhance the area, and protect and enhance biodiversity ’;
S/8 Cambourne West Sustainable villages policy item 4 states that land is
allocated subject to ‘existing woods, hedges, unimproved grassland areas and
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 5 December 2014
water features will be retained which could contribute to the character and
amenity of Cambourne West, managed to enhance their ecological value and
linked together by areas of open space to provide a network of accessible green
infrastructure’;
CC/8 Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems includes a criterion to demonstrate
that ‘opportunities have been taken to integrate sustainable drainage within the
development, create amenity, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a network
of green open space’;
NH/4 Biodiversity sets out seven objectives which seek to maintain, enhance,
restore and add to biodiversity; and
NH/5 Sites of Biodiversity and Geological Importance sets out details of how
statutory and non statutory sites will be protected from adverse effects.
Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy (2011)xv
8.18 One of the four objectives of this strategy is to ‘reverse the decline in biodiversity’
through the county-wide creation of a strategic network of green infrastructure which
will amongst other things seek to ‘join up wildlife habitats’ and protect and enhance
habitats and wildlife sites and link key habitats.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough BAPxvi
8.19 Local Biodiversity Action Plans use a partnership approach to identify local prio rities and
to determine the contribution they can make to the delivery of national Species and
Action Plan targets. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough BAP, produced by the
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biodiversity Partnership, was first published in 2000.
Currently action plans have been prepared for 15 Priority Species, eight Priority Habitats
and five Broad Habitats included in the UK BAP, together with two species and 12
habitats of county importance.
Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria
8.20 Effects may be adverse, negligible or beneficial. In accordance with IEEM guidance
(2006)xvii, they are determined by first undertaking baseline surveys of the Site and
using the results of these surveys, with existing information gained by consultation or
desk study, to assess the nature conservation value of habitats, communities and
species (Valued Ecological Receptors or VERs) on, using or close to the Site, in local or
wider contexts. Consideration is then given to the extent to which any of these
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 6 December 2014
communities or species could be affected (e.g. lost, damaged, disturbed or subject to
severance such as to reduce their viability as a result of the development) and the
proportion of each community or species affected.
8.21 An ecologically significant impact is de fined as ‘an impact (negative or positive) on the
integrity of a defined site or ecosystem and/or the conservation status of habitat or
species within a geographical area’. In assessing the impact the following possible
outcomes have been taken into consideration: the VER will be removed or changed; the
extent, nature, structure or function of the VER habitat will be altered; the population
size or viability of a VER species will be altered.
Confidence in Predictions (Levels of Uncertainty)
8.22 The likelihood or probability that an impact will occur as predicted is described in one of
four categories, as follows:
Certain or near certain (probability estimated at 95% or higher);
Probable (probability estimated to be > 50% but < 95%);
Unlikely (probability estimated to be > 5% but < 50%);
Extremely unlikely (probability estimated to be <5%).
Duration and Reversibility
8.23 The duration of impact is defined as far as possible in terms of ecological
characteristics, such as lifetime of a species. A reversible impact is one for which
recovery is possible through natural regeneration or the working of the mitigation
measures within a reasonable timescale. Where recovery is not possible within such a
timescale, or the impact cannot be mitigated, it is described as irreve rsible. The impacts
of phased development on all VERs are considered in the assessment.
Seasonality and Frequency
8.24 Seasonality considers whether an impact will coincide with a critical stage of the year or
life cycle for a particular species or group, e.g . disturbance to wintering birds, which
may be avoided by carrying out the works outside this period. Frequency considers
whether the impact will be occasional or continuous.
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 7 December 2014
Identification of Valued Ecological Receptors (VER)
8.25 Assessment of the value of a VER considers each one in a range of contexts, from
international through national, regional, county/unitary authority and borough to local
level. Examples of receptor values at these levels are listed below.
International: An internationally designated site or candidate site (Special
Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Ramsar site,
Biosphere Reserve) or an area which Natural England has determined meets the
published selection criteria for such designation, irrespective of whether or not it
has yet been notified.
UK and England: A nationally designated site (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserves (NNR), Marine Nature Reserve) or a
discrete area which Natural England has determined meets the publ ished
selection criteria for national designation (e.g. SSSI selection guidelines)
irrespective of whether or not it has yet been notified.
Regional: Any regional designation including Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB).
County: Viable areas of habitat identified in a County Biodiversity Action Plan
(BAP) or a locally significant population of a species identified as important on a
county basis, such as the County BAP or County Wildlife Site (CWS).
Borough: Sites of borough importance including Local Wildlife Sites (LWS).
Local: Diverse and/or ecologically valuable habitats on a parish or site level.
Sensitivity of VER
8.26 For the purposes of this assessment VERs of International , UK or England importance
are considered to be of ‘high’ sensitivity; those of regional or county importance are
‘moderate’ sensitivity; and those of borough or local importance are ‘low’ sensitivity.
Magnitude of Impact
8.27 The magnitude of impact is defined within this assessment as major, moderate, minor
or negligible as shown in Table 8.1.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 8 December 2014
Table 8.1: Definitions of Magnitude of Impact
Magnitude of Impact Criteria for assessing impact
Major The proposal will affect the conservation status of the Site or feature.
Moderate The Site or feature’s conservation status will not be affected, but the effect is likely to be significant in terms of ecological objectives or populations. If, in the light of full information, it cannot be clearly demonstrated that the proposal will not have an adverse effect on conservation objectives, then the effect should be assessed as high.
Minor Neither of the above applies but some minor effect is likely.
Negligible Some very limited effects may occur which are barely distinguishable from a ‘no-change’ situation.
8.28 The significance of ecological effects on a VER takes into account its sensitivity and the
magnitude of the impact, including the geographical scale of the impact, seasonality and
frequency, and duration and reversibility of the impact. A significant ecological effect
may be adverse or beneficial and the Effect Significance Matrix is given in Table 8.2.
Table 8.2: Matrix for Identification of Significance of Effects
Magnitude Sensitivity
High Moderate Low
Major Major Adverse/beneficial
Major-moderate Adverse/beneficial
Moderate-minor Adverse/beneficial
Moderate Major-moderate Adverse/beneficial
Moderate-minor Adverse/beneficial
Minor Adverse/beneficial
Minor Moderate-minor Adverse/beneficial
Minor Adverse/beneficial
Minor-negligible
Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
8.29 Moderate and major effects are considered to be significant in EIA terms for this
assessment.
Limitations and Assumptions
8.30 All surveys for the baseline were carried out at seasons specified as suitable for each
species and method. However, variance in the results is inherent in all wildlife surveys
due to factors such as weather conditions, and this inevitably introduces uncertainty in
some cases. Methodologies employed to some extent counteract such uncertainties by
employing repeat surveys.
8.31 The very nature of ecology means that species are dynamic and can move to and from
an area with ease. All surveys provide data for the Site at the time and this assessment
is based on those data and records from other sources. Changes in land management,
climatic conditions and quality of a habitat can affect species composition, populations
and ranges and where there is the potential for such effects this is highlighted.
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 9 December 2014
Baseline Methodology
8.32 The assessment is based on data collected for the Site from a series of ecolog ical
surveys undertaken during 2013. An extended Phase 1 habitat survey of the Site was
undertaken and based on the findings of this study, results of a desk study and previous
surveys of the Site, more detailed surveys were recommended for amphibians, reptiles,
bats, water voles, badgers and breeding birds. The results of the surveys are presented
in the Ecological Baseline Report of Land to the West of Lower Cambourne,
Cambridgeshire (ESL, 2014)xviii which is given in Appendix 8.1.
Desk Study
8.33 A desk study was undertaken for the Site and relevant statutory and non-statutory
organisations and their websites were contacted for information pertaining to any
internationally important sites which may be affected by the proposal and any nationally
designated sites of nature conservation importance within 2km of the Site. Information
relating to non-statutory sites including County Wildlife Sites (CWS) and Local Wildlife
Sites (LWS) within 2km of the Site were requested from Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough Environmental Records Centre (CPERC). CPERC was also asked to provide
records of protected species, UK and local BAP and important species for
Cambridgeshire within 2km of the Site. The habitats and species listed in the UK BAP
are set out in S41 of the NERC Act 2006 as those considered to be of principal
importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England.
Field Surveys
8.34 The ecological surveys were undertaken between March and August 2013 and a
summary of the methodologies is detailed below. Further detailed methodologies are
given in the appended ecological report (Appendix 8.1).
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
8.35 An extended phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken over two survey visits in May and
June 2013 to map the habitats present. The survey area included the Site and adjacent
land to put the Site into context. The survey was based on the 1993 Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC) Phase 1 Habitat Survey Methodologyxix. All habitats and
plant communities in the survey area were mapped and characterised by identifying the
dominant and typical species. Hedgerows were assessed against the criteria for
importance set out in the Hedgerow Regulations 1997xx. All signs of protected species
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 10 December 2014
were recorded and any habitat with the potential for use by protected spec ies was
noted.
Amphibians
8.36 Ponds and waterbodies on the Site and within 250m of the Site’s boundary were
assessed for their potential to support amphibians, specifically great crested newts, and
an assessment was made of their terrestrial habitat connecti vity with the Site. At this
point, the Entrance Lake and Lake Lambert were scoped out of the surveys as they
historically have never had great crested newt populations, they support fish and are
isolated from the Site by a main road. A pond south of Caxton bypass was scoped out
as the road is considered a significant barrier to movement. The newly created pond
within the curtilage of the secondary school was considered not to have developed
sufficiently to be of value yet to great crested newts. For the remaining ponds a
quantitative assessment of the suitability for great crested newts was carried out using
the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) endorsed by Natural England xxi.
8.37 Surveys for amphibians were undertaken using a combination of standard methods in
accordance with Natural England guidelinesxxii over six visits between 3 April and 10
June 2013. Eleven waterbodies were included in the surveys with one pond only being
on Site (Pond 11, a Highways pond adjacent to the roundabout on the Caxton Bypass) ,
the remainder being beyond the boundary of the Site. The waterbodies off the Site
were: the two Highways balancing ponds adjacent to the A428; the pond in the
curtilage of Swansley Wood Farm; and seven waterbodies in the vicinity of the
Cambourne Business Park. The survey methods used included refuge searches, egg
searches, torchlight surveys, netting and bottle trapping. Full survey details are given in
Appendix 8.1.
Reptiles
8.38 An assessment of the Site was undertaken to identify any areas with suitable habitat f or
reptiles. Much of the Site is unsuitable for reptiles, being in agricultural cultivation,
however the banks of drains, road verges and field margins were all assessed as having
some potential value. Suitable areas were subject to further survey and in April 2013,
150 artificial reptile refugia were placed in these areas, where they remained until July
2013. The refugia, together with any other suitable items on Site, were inspected on
seven occasions between April and July in weather conditions in which it could be
reasonably expected that reptiles would be activexxiii.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 11 December 2014
8.39 Direct observation surveys were conducted on each of the seven visits which involves
walking slowly and quietly through areas of suitable habitat watching and listening for
reptilesxxiv.
Bats
8.40 All trees within the Site boundary were visually inspected from the ground for features
considered to have potential to support roosting batsxxv. Each tree was accurately
mapped and individually categorised for its potential according to Bat Conservation
Trust guidelinesxxvi.
8.41 There are no buildings on the Site, but there are a range of buildings at Swansley Wood
Farm and these were assessed for their potential to support a bat roost. Following the
assessment, the farmhouse was subject to an emergence watch on 11 June 2013 using
ultrasonic detectors, to look and listen for any bats emerging.
8.42 To determine species assemblages and levels of use of the Site, bat activity was also
sampled. This comprised placing static loggers across the Site, along hedgerows, a
ditch, in open arable land and in the garden of Swansley Wood farm, on 10 June 2013
and 11 July 2013. Transect walks were also carried out on 11 July and 12 August 2013
along pre-determined transect routes and included 5-10 minute stops at recording
stations at key intervals. All bat activity was recorded using Anabat SD-1 detectors.
Water Voles
8.43 An assessment of all drains on the Site, and those off the Site but connected to it via
culverts, plus the two balancing ponds adjacent to the A428 was undertaken to
determine their suitability for water voles. All of the waterbodies were surveyed over
two days in May and June 2013 by wading/walking within the drain channel or from the
pond edge to look for signs of current of past activity. Signs searched for included
burrows, droppings and feeding remainsxxvii.
Badgers
8.44 A full badger activity survey of the Site and immediately adjacent land was undertaken
in March 2013. Signs looked for included setts, prints, snuffle holes, latrines, hairs,
runs, dug-out wasps nests and scratched trees. During all other survey visits up to
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 12 December 2014
July 2013 to undertake other species surveys badger activity signs were noted. All
observations were accurately mapped.
Breeding Birds
8.45 Six visits were made to the Site to record all birds seen or heard, using the Common
Bird Census (CBC) species codes and activity symbols according to Marchant 1983 xxviii.
The surveys were carried out between April and June 2013 and the start and end times
varied, but all were carried out in the period 05.20-09.55hrs. An assessment of the Site
was made for the potential for Schedule I species listed on the Wildlife and Countryside
Act (and as amended)xxix to use the Site. Further details are given in Appendix 8.1.
8.46 In addition to the six mapping surveys, birds seen or heard during the course of other
surveys between March and July 2013, were recorded. In particular crepuscular or
nocturnal species were looked/listened for during great crested newt and bat surveys.
Invertebrates
8.47 During the extended phase 1 survey and all subsequent surveys, the overall quality of
the habitats on Site for invertebrates and any key features of interest were assessed,
and any invertebrates seen were recorded. The Site is predominantly intensively farmed
arable land, with large fields which are subject to rotation of arable crops. The limited
number of drains on the Site are subject to chemical spray drift, and the hedgerows and
semi-improved grassland on Site are relatively recently planted/sown. Two Highways
ponds, one on Site and one off Site, and the woodland block beyond the Site boundary
to the north are likely to have a greater diversity than any other habitats on Site . All of
these habitats will be retained.
8.48 Based on these assessments no further invertebrate surveys were undertaken.
Baseline Conditions
Desk Study
8.49 The nearest site of international importance is Eversden and Wimpole Woods SAC,
which is approximately 8km south-east of the Site. It is designated for barbestelle bat,
an Annex II species for which the SAC is considered to be one of the best areas in the
UKxxx.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 13 December 2014
8.50 The only nationally important site within 2km is Elsworth Wood SSSI, which is 1.2km to
the north, beyond the A428. It is designated as it is the remnant of an ancient
woodland and its field maple dominated woodland is nationally uncommon. It also has
good populations of oxlip and an important assemblage of invertebrate fauna. Other
SSSIs in the area include Caldecote Meadows SSSI , Hardwick Wood SSSI and Overhall
Grove SSSI.
8.51 There are two non-statutory sites within 2km of the Site. S8 Protected Road Verge
(PRV) (Elsworth A428 to Common Farm) is 200m north of the Site and is designated for
its neutral/calcareous grassland and for the presence of a local (unnamed) red data
book species. Caxton Moats County Wildlife Site (CWS) is 1km to the south-west and is
designated for its neutral grassland indicator species. In addition part of the Cambourne
development is a Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust
reserve.
8.52 Records from CPERC and from surveys undertaken by ESL since 1995 show that great
crested newts are present across the Cambourne site, the closest being in ponds in the
greenways around the Cambourne Business Park ( to which newts were translocated
under European Protected Species EPS licence) and in the balancing pond on the A428.
Further records for Cambourne include the ECO Park ponds, Jeavons pond, the Manor
House pond, the reed bed and pond above Haven Lake, Lake Sirius and Whomping
Willow. The only record for any reptile in the search area is for grass snake at
Cambourne.
8.53 Records for bats include foraging activity in the vicinity but no records of roosts were
supplied. CPERC provided 5 records of common pipistrelle and one soprano pipistrelle
bat in the search area and ESL records include forag ing Daubenton’s bat, noctule,
barbestelle, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle in the area.
8.54 CPERC provided one record for water vole in Redgrave Water from 2007. Further ESL
records are for Bourn Brook, where there have been regular records since 1996, and for
Whomping Willow, Lake Ewart, Haven Lake and Lake Sirius , with records up until 2010.
Water Vole have also been recorded in the A428 balancing pond and in the roadside
ditch adjacent to the A428 north of Caxton Gibbet. Badger activity across Cambourne
has been monitored since 1995 and social group territories have moved frequently
throughout this time. There are records for a sett on the Site; disused setts beyond the
southern boundary; in Lower Cambourne; and several setts in the area around Upper
Cambourne.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 14 December 2014
8.55 Records for birds in the area of search include 22 UK BAP Priority species and
16 Schedule 1 birds, not all of which breed locally. ESL records of wintering flocks of
lapwings and golden plovers on the Site are generally of adventitious flocks feeding
when the crop types and rotation are suitable. Such use is sporadic and dependent upon
the right height and type of crop being available at the right time. Only two records
were supplied for invertebrates, both of which are UK BAP species namely small heath
butterfly and cinnabar moth.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
8.56 The Site is predominantly arable land in cultivation with very large fields separated by
dry/damp ditches or by hedgerows, which are either older, grown out and gappy or
newly planted. Rough grassland strips occur around the boundaries and adjacent to the
internal field boundaries and there are patches of scattered scrub on the Site mainly
associated with the internal field boundaries. All of the above habitats are subject to
frequent chemical spray drift and consequently their ecological value is low. There is a
field of semi-improved grassland in the south east which has low species diversity.
8.57 Where the access road is proposed from Sheepfold Lane, most of the habitats are
already hard standing, and used for vehicular access, with associated amenity grassland
and shrub/tree planting. This area also has rough grassland and a narrow section of the
bridleway and associated greenway, which has rough grassland, a dry ditch and
woodland strip.
8.58 There are a limited number of scattered trees across the Site, none of which are very
old. There are occasional standard trees in some of the older hedgerows and along the
central boundary ditch. There is one large willow tree adjacent to Sheepfold Lane, but
this will not be impacted by the proposals. Beyond the north eastern boundary off Site
there is a strip of broadleaved woodland which has elm, elder, ash, hawthorn and
blackthorn with bramble and dog-rose over bluebell, ground ivy and false brome. In the
south west of the Site there is a recently planted broadleaved plantation , a mixed
plantation on a bund associated with the Caxton bypass road and an area of mixed
plantation in the semi-improved grassland.
8.59 None of the plant species recorded are nationally rare, scarce, red data book or
S41 Principal species and none are locally important in Cambridgeshire. There is a stand
of the invasive alien plant Japanese knotweed within the curtilage of Swansley Wood
Farm.
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19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 15 December 2014
8.60 All of the habitats are common and widespread nationally and locally and none of the
hedgerows meet the criteria for importance under the Hedgerow Regulations. However,
most hedgerows and ponds are S41 Priority Habitats. The arable field margins on Site
do not qualify as S41 Priority habitats.
Amphibians
8.61 Great crested newts were recorded in four waterbodies during the surveys as follows:
waterbody 2, eastern balancing pond on the A428;
waterbody 4, pond in Business Park greenway;
waterbody 5, ditch across the Cambourne Business Park;
waterbody 10, pond in Business Park greenway.
8.62 There are currently three EPS licences protecting great crested newts in the vicinity of
the Cambourne Business Park, which cover the area where access is proposed along
Sheepfold Lane.
8.63 Common toad, which is a S41 Priority species, were recorded across the Site during the
course of reptile surveys and in ponds 3, 7 and 11 during great crested newt surveys .
Reptiles
8.64 No reptiles were recorded on the Site. One grass snake was recorded off Site to the
west. Habitats on Site are largely unsuitable for reptiles and historically records for this
group are scarce.
Bats
8.65 No bats were seen to emerge from the Swansley Wood Farm during the emergence
watch. No trees on Site were categorised as having features suitable to support a bat
roost.
8.66 The bat activity surveys found that the Site is used for foraging by a small number of
opportunistic bats, principally common pipistrelle with very small numbers of noctule
and soprano pipistrelle. Soprano pipistrelle is a S41 Principa l species. The intensively
arable nature of the Site is largely unsuitable for bats and peak activity was recorded
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around Swansley Wood Farm on 11 June 2013, where it is likely that a small number of
bats were foraging backwards and forwards.
Water Voles
8.67 No water voles signs were found on the Site. Water vole burrows and droppings were
recorded in the roadside ditch (ditch 1), north of the Caxton Gibbet roundabout on the
A428. There was no evidence of water vole in the balancing pond east on the A428,
despite previous records for the waterbody.
Badgers
8.68 See separate confidential badger section in Appendix 8.2.
Breeding Birds
8.69 In total 57 species of birds were recorded using the Site and adjacent land during all of
the survey visits. One Schedule 1 species, redwing, was recorded in April but at this
season this northern species would be on passage; there is no suitable habitat for this
species to breed on Site. Twelve of the species present on Site are S41 Principal Species
and these are grey partridge (only one bird recorded), skylark, yellow wagtail, dunnock,
song thrush, starling, house sparrow, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer, reed bunting and
corn bunting. With the exception of starling and house sparrow, all of these species are
considered to be possibly breeding on Site as there are suitable habitats available.
8.70 No nocturnal or crepuscular species were noted during the evening bat and newt
surveys.
8.71 All of the species recorded considered to have at least possibly bred on the Site are
common and widespread in Britain in suitable habitat, and are similarly common or
fairly common residents or breeding summer visitors in Cambridgeshire. The good
assemblage of farmland species, many of which are declining nationally, is typical of the
habitats available and the geographic location.
Invertebrates
8.72 The habitats on Site are predominantly poor for invertebrates with the most value being
the woodland block in the north and the highways pond in the south west both of which
will be retained. All of the species recorded are common and widespread and would be
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expected in the habitats present on Site at this locality. Small heath butterfly was
recorded off site and cinnabar moth was noted both on and off site, both are S41
Priority species. The cinnabar moth is on S41 due to a potential risk of it becoming
scarce in the future as a result of ragwort eradication , it is not currently rare.
Likely Significant Effects
Construction
Effects of Construction on Eversden and Wimpole Woods SAC before Mitigation
8.73 The SAC designation is for barbastelle bats, a woodland dwelling species which can
forage for large distances from the roost. The occasional record of individual bats even
at distances of 8km is not unusual and the 2011 record for the area is not considered
significant. Habitats on the Site are poor for both commuting and foraging bats and the
loss of the largely arable land will have a negligible impacts on this high sensitivity VER.
The effect of construction works on the special interest of the SAC before mitigation is
therefore negligible.
Effects of Construction emissions on Designated Sites before Mitigation
8.74 The closest SSSI to the Site is Elsworth Wood ancient woodland site. Impacts of
development-generated vehicle emissions on statutory ecological sites do not require
assessment if located more than 200m from roads considered in the assessment, in
accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) air quality
assessment guidance 2007xxxi. As Elsworth Wood, Caldecote Meadows and Hardwick
Wood SSSIs are over 200m from any roads included within the assessment and the
closest, Elsworth Wood, is 1.2km from the Site, impacts of development-generated
vehicle emissions on the SSSIs are considered negligible and the effects on these high
sensitivity VERs is negligible.
Effects of Construction on the Hydrology of Statutory and Non-Statutory Sites of Nature
Conservation Interest before Mitigation
8.75 During construction no water will be extracted from any watercourse on or off Site and
discharge rates to watercourses will be at the same flow rates as is currently permitted.
An increase in surface water runoff is anticipated during construction due to an increase
in the area of impermeable surfaces and compaction of ground during construction
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activities leading to a reduction in the rate of infiltration. The impacts before mitigation
of a minor increase in surface water runoff on sites of nature conservation interest off
Site are considered negligible due to the distances involved. The effects are therefore
negligible.
Effects of Construction on Hedgerows
8.76 Construction of the proposed cycleway to link Lower Cambourne to the Proposed
Development will follow the route of an existing footpath which links to the bridleway.
In order to alter the footway to a cycleway the footprint of the route will be widened on
either side. At the point where the footpath crosses the bridleway corridor there is a
relatively newly planted hedgerow (approximately. 15 years old) approximately 1-2m of
which will need to be removed to facilitate the cycleway. A poor gappy hawthorn
dominated hedgerow that separates two of the large arable fields in the south of the
Site at the site of the proposed Secondary School will also be removed. The impacts of
loss of these hedgerows prior to mitigation will be minor and the effects are minor-
negligible.
Effects of Construction on Great Crested Newt EPS in the A428 Balancing pond before
Mitigation
8.77 Consideration of the effects on great crested newts must address both the aquatic and
terrestrial habitats of the species. There will be no direct impact on any aquatic habitat
used by this species either on or close to the Site. Before mitigation an indirect impact
on the A428 balancing pond as a result of runoff and sediment load is possible with an
associated minor adverse effect on water quality. Before mitigation the potential for
hydrocarbon or heavy metal pollutants entering the pond as a result of leakage,
accidents or spills is uncertain. The effects of water quality reduction before mitigation
would be a major adverse effect on a high sensitivity international receptor.
8.78 During the landscaping and habitat creation works proposed for the area around the
A428 balancing pond there is the potential for temporary disturbance of terrestrial
habitat associated with the known great crested newt population. The impacts will be
temporary but before mitigation it is probable that there would be a moderate impact to
a high sensitivity receptor resulting in a major-moderate adverse effect.
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Effects of Construction on Great Crested Newt EPS in the vicinity of Sheepfold Lane
before Mitigation
8.79 The majority of the Site is largely unsuitable habitat for great crested newts, being
mainly in arable cultivation, however the terrestrial habitat associated with the known
populations in the ponds in the vicinity of Sheepfold Lane, all of which are off Site, will
be impacted during the construction phase. Loss of terrestrial habitat will occur during
the widening of the Sheepfold Lane access to create a footpath at the point where the
road crosses the greenway and the bridleway. Prior to mitigation, the impacts of loss of
habitat during the construction works to improve access along Sheepfold Lane and
during construction of a bridleway crossing will be moderate adverse impact resulting in
a major-moderate adverse permanent effect on a high sensitivity receptor.
Effects of Construction on Common Toad S41 Priority Species before Mitigation
8.80 All of the ponds in which common toads were recorded will be retained, though areas of
suitable terrestrial habitat on the Site around the boundaries and along the banks of
drains will be lost during the construction period. The phased nature of the Proposed
Development will mean that there is always habitat available, either existing or newly
created, throughout the course of construction. Phase 1 includes the creation of green
infrastructure, including a new waterbody in the south of the Site, woodland and
grassland habitats, which will provide new habitat at the start of the construction
phase. The impact on common toad, a moderate sensitivity receptor, during
construction is considered negligible.
Effects of Construction on Bats before Mitigation
8.81 Currently none of the trees on Site have bat roost potential and there fore there is no
impact to bats from their loss. All trees however have future potential over time as they
age or become damaged, and therefore any tree to be affected by development must be
resurveyed prior to felling or surgery. The survey results show that the Site and
boundary habitats offer very limited foraging opportunities for bats . The impacts on
foraging and commuting bats are considered negligible and the effects on this high
sensitivity receptor are negligible.
Effects of Construction on Badgers before Mitigation
8.82 See separate confidential badger section in Appendix 8.2.
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Effects of Construction on Breeding Birds including S41 Species - Starling, House
Sparrow and Dunnock before mitigation
8.83 Loss of trees and scrub during the construction phase will impact breeding birds by
reducing the available habitat for nesting. However the loss of the habitat is a small
proportion of that available in the wider area (<5%) and due to the phased nature of
construction and habitat creation it is probable that habitat will always be available and
certain that impacts will be temporary. Construction activities are certain to impact
breeding birds by reducing numbers nesting near to the Site due to increased
disturbance from noise, dust, vehicle movements etc. It is probable, that prior to
mitigation a bird’s nest may be damaged by construction activity on Site. The overall
effect of temporary loss of bird breeding habitat, disturbance and potential to damage a
bird’s nest prior to mitigation could have a temporary minor adverse impact on a low or
moderately sensitive receptor and therefore a temporary minor effect.
Effects of Construction on S41 Species of Farmland Birds before Mitigation
Skylark
8.84 During the construction phase there will be a phased loss of open countryside available
to nesting skylark and a certain increase in disturbance from construction activities
which will reduce available areas for nesting. As construction progresses the available
habitat will diminish and will eventually be lost. During 2013 surveys there were 12-14
skylark territories on the Site. There is no scope for habitat creation for skylark and
therefore the impact will be permanent and major on a moderately sensitive receptor
which will result in a major-moderate adverse effect.
Corn bunting
8.85 Construction processes are certain to disturb corn buntings feeding in close proximity to
Site activity. The phased nature of construction will result in areas of previously farmed
land being left to set aside, resulting in arable weeds and seed bearing plants growing
on Site. This will provide corn bunting with feeding areas and it is probable that the
population will increase during the earlier phases of the construction period from one
recorded territory. As development progresses the available habitat will decrease again.
There would be a temporary moderate beneficial impact which would result in a
temporary moderate-minor beneficial effect on a moderate sensitivity receptor.
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Reed bunting
8.86 There are 4-5 territories for reed bunting on the Site and these may be impacted during
the construction works by disturbance from noise, movement etc . and from temporary
habitat loss. Habitat creation during Phases 1 and 2 in the southern part of the Site
includes habitats suitable for reed bunting including ponds, lakes and ditches which will
incorporate reedbed features and shrubby willows on the banks. It is probable that the
impacts on reed bunting, a moderate sensitivity receptor will be minor and temporary
and the effects will be adverse minor and temporary at a county level.
Yellowhammer and Linnet
8.87 Both yellowhammer and linnet utilise hedgerows with rough grass at the bottom for
nesting and in the 2013 surveys there were 5-6 yellowhammer territories on Site.
During construction there will be a phased loss of habitat available prior to mitigation
and an increase in disturbance from construction activities , though habitat creation in
phases 1, 2 and 3 is likely to compensate for some loss of nesting habitat. It is probable
that there will be a reduction of available habitat during construction and the minor
impact on these moderately sensitive species will result in a temporary minor adverse
effect.
Grey Partridge
8.88 There was only one individual record for grey partridge on Site, with no indication of
breeding. Construction processes on Site are certain to disturb any grey partridge in the
vicinity. In the early phases of development, the effects are s imilar to corn bunting,
with the availability of areas of set aside, arable weeds and seed bearing plants
providing grey partridge with feeding areas. It is possible that the enhancement of
foraging potential could increase the population during the earlier phases of the
construction period. As development progresses the available habitat will decrease
again. Therefore, prior to mitigation there would be a temporary moderate beneficial
impact on a moderate sensitivity receptor which would result in a temporary moderate-
minor beneficial effect.
Yellow Wagtail
8.89 There is a small population of this species, comprising 3-4 territories. During
construction the existing breeding habitat will be permanently lost but phased habitat
creation during construction may include habitat suitable for this species. Yellow
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wagtails are susceptible to disturbance from construction processes such as noise and it
is anticipated that prior to mitigation the impacts during construction will be adverse
and moderate with a resulting temporary moderate-minor adverse effect on a moderate
sensitivity receptor.
Effects on Redwing
8.90 Flocks of redwing occur widely throughout the country during migration and winter
periods. They are widespread and common at this season. The presence of foraging
redwing is therefore not unusual and there is plenty of other available habitat in the
area for this species. The impact of loss of habitat on this species is negligible and the
effects are therefore negligible.
Completed Development
Effects of Completed Development on Statutory Ecological Sites – Recreational pressure
8.91 An increase in recreational pressure at Eversden and Wimpole Woods SAC is probable
from residents with an interest in walking or cycling. There is no direct public transport
between it and the Site and there is limited parking at the SAC. Public access is
carefully managed and any increase generated by the proposal is unlikely to damage the
special interest of the SAC. Hardwick Woods SSSI is managed by the Bedfordshire,
Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust and is open access with
demarcated footpaths. There are no facilities or parking at the site and no direct public
transport linking the Site with the SSSI. An increase in visitor pressure on this SSSI
would probably be from Wildlife Trust members, cyclists or walkers following the
Wildlife Trusts circular walk route from their published and distributed ‘Cambourne
Discovery Map’. It is probable that there would be a small increase in dog walking but
likely that mainly car owners will visit the site. Any increase in recreational activities are
likely to be non damaging to the habitats. Caldecote Meadows SSSI has no formal
access. Elsworth Wood lies on the bridleway between Cambourne and Elsworth Village
but there are no public rights of way on the SSSI. The probable increase in recreation at
statutory ecological sites would result in negligible impacts and therefore the
significance of effects on the high sensitivity receptors is negligible.
Effects of the Completed Development on Hedgerows
8.92 On completion of the Proposed Development there will be a net increase in the length of
the hedgerow network. All hedgerows to be created will be of greater species diversity
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and will be largely associated with other green infrastructure including grassland, which
will increase their biodiversity value. The impacts on hedgerows will therefore be
beneficial and moderate with a resultant moderate-minor beneficial effect.
Effects of the Completed Development on Great Crested Newts EPS before Mitigation
8.93 New aquatic and terrestrial habitats will be created as part of the Proposed
Development and there will be a net increase of five waterbodies with associated
terrestrial habitat including woodland, grassland and scrub available to great crested
newts. The landscape design ensures that there are means of dispersal for the species
to enable colonisation of new habitats and therefore extension of their range - which
will be a long term beneficial impact. The overall effect on great crested newts , a high
sensitivity receptor, will be permanent and major-moderate beneficial.
Effects of the Completed Development on Bats before Mitigation
8.94 Some species of bats are generally accepted to be adversely affected by lighting of their
commuting and foraging routes. However some species, such as pipistrelles, have been
shown to be attracted to certain forms of lighting where this attracts their prey species.
The actual effect on the different bat species present will be determined by the types
and levels of lighting. Anticipated residual effects of lighting on the completed
Development once all lighting mitigation measures are implemented, including the use
of flat glass luminaires set horizontally to control upward light spill, are negligible to
minor adverse. However, as the numbers and species diversity of bats currently using
the Site is very low it is not anticipated that lighting of the completed Development will
have a significant adverse impact on the status of foraging or commuting bats. Creation
of woodland, grassland, hedgerows and waterbodies in the completed Development are
certain to increase availability of prey for feeding and routes for commuting, and in time
houses and other buildings and trees as they mature will provide roosting habitat for
bats. Overall the effects on this high sensitivity receptor of the completed development
including habitat creation and changes to lighting levels are considered to be
permanent, moderate-minor beneficial.
Effects of the Completed Development on Badgers before Mitigation
8.95 See separate confidential badger section in Appendix 8.2.
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Effects of the Completed Development on S41 species – Reed Bunting, Starling, House
Sparrow, Dunnock, Bullfinch before Mitigation
8.96 The completed Development will result in newly created habitat available for feeding
and nesting for these species. Some of the species, namely house sparrow, starling and
dunnock, will benefit from the increase in housing on the Site and the increase in
available food from seed feeders provided by households. Bullfinch require scrub,
woodland and grass habitats with a source of seed and the created green infrastructure
will provide such habitat. Overall for these species the completed Development will be a
permanent major beneficial impact with resulting major-moderate beneficial effects on
moderate sensitivity receptors.
Effects of the Completed Development on S41 species – Linnet and Yellowhammer
before Mitigation
8.97 It is probable on completion of the Development that the suitable nesting habitat for
both species will be increased due to habitat creation, but due to potential levels of
disturbance from recreational activities, dog walkers etc. it is uncertain whether overall
the habitat use by these species will be reduced from the current levels. The probable
impact prior to mitigation will be moderate adverse with a resulting permanent
moderate-minor adverse effect on moderate sensitivity receptors.
Effects of the Completed Development on S41 species – Skylark and Corn Bunting
before Mitigation
8.98 On completion of the Proposed Development there will be complete habitat loss for
these species with no potential for mitigation on Site. The impacts on these moderate
sensitivity receptors will be major, adverse and permanent and the effects major–
moderate adverse and permanent.
Effects of the Completed Development on S41 species – Grey Partridge and Yellow
Wagtail before Mitigation
8.99 On completion of the Proposed Development there will be suitable insect prey
associated with new grassland habitats for foraging by both grey partridge and yellow
wagtail and potentially some breeding habitat for both. It is probable that the impacts
to grey partridge will be negligible with a resulting negligible effect. However, due to
the increased disturbance from recreational pressure it is uncertain whether yellow
wagtail will continue to use the Site for breeding. The probable impact on yellow wagtail
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will be adverse minor with resulting permanent minor adverse effects on a moderate
sensitivity receptor.
Effects of the Completed Development on Wintering birds before Mitigation
8.100 The adventitious use of the Site by flocks of lapwing and golden plover is totally
dependent on current agricultural practice. There is no scope within the Proposed
Development to incorporate any habitat compensation due to the habitat requirements
of both species. Following completion of the Proposed Development there will be the
loss of potential for the birds to use the Site which will be an adverse minor impact
resulting in an adverse permanent minor effect on a moderate sensitivity receptor.
Mitigation Measures
Construction
Pre-construction ecological checks
8.101 Prior to commencement of work in any phase pre-construction ecological checks will be
carried out to ensure that: the ecological baseline is current; best practice methods are
employed; and any ecological statute is complied with. Specific ecological checks which
will be undertaken are:
Checks to ensure that there are no new badger setts within 30m of the working
area;
Assessments, and where necessary emergence watches, for bats on any tree
scheduled for felling;
Checks on any vegetation that is removed during the bird breeding season for
the presence of nesting birds, including checks for ground nesting species . If
present the nest will be protected from disturbance until the nesting attempt is
completed.
Prevention of Killing, Injuring, Disturbing or Obstructing Great Crested Newts
8.102 Following granting of any planning permission, an application will be made to amend
the Natural England EPS licences which are already granted for the area of the
Cambourne Business Park and Sheepfold Lane. In addition a new application will be
submitted, if required, to Natural England for an EPS licence to cover the area of works
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in the vicinity of the A428 balancing pond. Once approved, the method statements
associated with each licence will be complied with to ensure that: populations remain at
favourable conservation status; methods minimise the risk of killing or injuring any
newt; habitats are protected wherever possible and where necessary losses are
compensated for.
Protection of Trees and Woodland
8.103 All existing woodland and individual trees which are to be retained in the Proposed
Development will be protected from any root or canopy damage during the construction
phase by implementation of tree precautionary root zone protection according to the
British Standard 5837:2005 Trees in Relation to Construct ion Recommendationsxxxii.
Phasing of Habitat Creation
8.104 Some habitat creation will be undertaken early in the Development and as this matures
it will contribute to ensuring that there is continuity in habitat available to most species
during the construction phase. Phase 1 of the Proposed Development includes non
development land, the majority of which is green infrastructure including: proposed
woodland belts along the west boundary and part of the northern-west boundary;
woodland and other green infrastructure adjacent to the A428 boundary in the vicinity
of the A428 balancing pond; and woodland, green infrastructure and two waterbodies in
a wide swathe from the Caxton bypass to Lower Cambourne on the southern boundary.
Phase 2 includes the creation of a south-west to north-east orientated spine of green
infrastructure through the centre of the Proposed Development including a series of
waterbodies and associated grassland. Early creation of the habitats will provide
alternative available feeding habitat for common toads, badger, starling, house sparrow
and dunnock and before construction is completed and as the habitats mature it is likely
that bats, yellowhammer and linnet will also benefit.
Construction Environment Management Plan
8.105 The Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) will have details regarding the
required ecological safeguards, timings and requirements for Ecological Cle rk of Works
presence on Site. The plan will be produced in consultation with the ecological
consultants who will be oversee the implementat ion of the ecological component.
Typical safeguards are likely to include pre commencement ecological checks such as
nesting bird checks, delivery of ecological tool box talks, polluti on prevention controls in
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the vicinity of waterbodies, ecological watching briefs during potentially sensitive works,
instructions on when ecological advice must be sought and mechanisms for reporting.
8.106 Mitigation to ensure there are no indirect impacts on great crested newts in the A428
balancing pond during the construction phase will be implemented via the CEMP.
Measures to maintain water quality during landscape and construction works in the
vicinity will include regular monitoring and processes to be implemented in the event
that water quality reduces. Safeguards to prevent excess sediment load in the event of
minor to large storm events will be incorporated.
8.107 The increase in surface water run off as a result of construction activities will be
mitigated by the early installation of SuDS drainage infrastructure to provide water
attenuation and to manage flows to local water courses. This will ensure that there are
no hydrological changes to any off Site Statutory and non Statutory nature conservation
sites.
Ecological Monitoring
8.108 Ecological monitoring will be undertaken for the duration of the Proposed Development.
This will inform future ecological mitigation and protection measures and ensure that all
construction activities are compliant with current wildlife legislation (which may change
during the lifetime of the Development) and that work is undertaken to current best
practice. Prior to any phase of development an updated ecological survey will be
undertaken to assess whether there are any constraints to development in that phase
including, but not limited to, the presence or close proximity of protected or S41
species, presence of invasive alien plants or arable weeds of ecological significance and
presence of any other ecologically significant species or habitat. Where appropriate,
mitigation plans will be drawn up, and if necessary approved by the Planning Authority
in consultations with Natural England, and implemented on Site. Necessary licences will
be sought from Natural England if required.
Completed Development
Landscape Design and Habitat Creation
8.109 Habitat design for the Site aims: to protect those features of existing ecological interest
wherever possible; to mitigate any impacts by creation of alternative habitats; and to
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incorporate biodiversity gain in accordance with National and Local Planning Policy.
Contributions to biodiversity gain in the completed Development will be as follows:
any new open ditch systems will be designed to provide habitat for water vole
with the intention of extending the range of the species which currently occurs
just off Site;
newly created waterbodies will provide foraging for bats and new breeding
habitat for amphibians;
extensive planting of native trees and scrub, or those species of benefit to
wildlife, throughout the development resulting in a net increase in number and
diversity;
creation of a new permanent network of green infrastructure , as per local
planning policy, including hedgerows, grassland, trees, scrub, waterbodies and
woodland which will benefit invertebrates, breeding birds, foraging bats,
amphibians and reptiles as well as significantly increasing botanical diversity;
new houses and buildings will provide new roosting opportunities for bats and
nesting opportunities for birds;
green infrastructure will link to existing habitats on and off Site of ecological
value to maximise the opportunities for natural colonisation of the Site and to
extend the range available for certain species;
green infrastructure will link to existing badger tunnels under the A428 and
Caxton bypass to ensure that foraging routes to adjacent land are not severed as
a result of the Proposed Development.
Landscape and Ecological Management Plan
8.110 Management of the existing and newly created green infrastructure in line wit h the
Landscape and Ecological Management Plan will ensure that the benefits obtained
through the mitigation and enhancement works continue into the future.
8.111 The woodland on the southern aspect of the A428 pond will be planted to ensure there
is a grassland and/or shrub layer at the closest point to the pond to prevent shading
effects of the water surface. Monitoring of the shading effect will be part of the on
going monitoring and management of this edge will maintain the lower vegetation to
mitigate any adverse effects.
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Lighting Mitigation for Bats
8.112 As nocturnal animals, most species of bat are adversely affected by high levels of light,
though it is unclear how different colours and types of light affect each species. In
order to provide the maximum mitigation possible, light levels in and adjacent to the
green infrastructure will be kept to a minimum and lighting will be focussed downwards
to prevent unnecessary light spill.
Residual Effects
Construction
8.113 Probable effects of the Proposed Development during the construction phase range
between major-moderate adverse to major-moderate beneficial. Taking into
consideration all of the construction mitigation, including the measures needed to obtain
and amend EPS licences, pre-construction ecological checks, the phased nature of the
Proposed Development and the protection of existing ecological features, the residual
effects are predominantly negligible. Residual effects are considered to be beneficial for
corn bunting which will have a temporary increase in available foraging as a result of
former cultivated fields being set aside. Residual adverse effects are considered for
skylark and yellow wagtail due to habitat loss and disturbance.
Completed Development
8.114 Effects of the completed Development on the Ecology and Nature conservation of the
Site range from major-moderate adverse to negligible to major-moderate beneficial.
Given the limited ecological interest of the undeveloped Site and the proposed
mitigation measures and ecological enhancement and creation works it is certain that
there will be a net biodiversity gain through improved green infrastructure . The major-
moderate beneficial effects are associated with newly created habitats which will benefit
specific species and species groups. The remaining unmitigated adverse effects range
from major-moderate to minor and are all associated with the loss of habitat for
farmland bird species for which habitat creation or the effects of recreational
disturbance cannot be mitigated.
Cumulative Effects
8.115 In assessment of the effects of the Proposed Development on Ecology and Nature
Conservation due consideration has been given to the following developments:
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Upper Camborne 950 Development S/6438/07/O
8.116 Approximately 150 units on the Cambourne 950 Development are constructed and the
Proposed Development is moving into Phase 2. In the Impact Assessment all of the
anticipated impacts were avoided, mitigated or compensated for by appropriate
controls, protection and habitat creation. There were no residual effects expected and
therefore it is unlikely that there will be any cumulative effects with this Development.
Loves Farm, St Neots
8.117 Approved application for 1427 dwellings, a primary school, retail uses, open space and
community facilities over 63.2ha. The Development is under construction with 80 houses
constructed in 2014, with 213 houses still to be built. The development footprint covers
a largely arable site and associated drains and hedgerows, with ecological interest in
the Fox Brook corridor and a woodland. Habitat creation and enhancement via wildlife
corridors are incorporated into the development design. The only residual effect was
considered to be an adverse permanent effect on skylark, for which no mitigation was
either possible or proposed in the development design. The cumulative effects on
skylark are likely to be of permanent, major-moderate adverse significance in a county
context.
Land off Church Lane and Ermine Street South, Papworth Everard
8.118 No application for this site has been formally submitted and without an ecological
baseline it is not possible to fully assess any cumulative effects.
Wintringham Park Cambridge Road St Neots
8.119 This site is typical of the local landscape being mainly in arable cultivation, but with
some associated grassland and water courses of a greater quality than those on the
Site. Ecological enhancements of this predominantly arable site are proposed. The only
significant residual effect which arises from the EIA for Wintringham Park is the loss of
arable habitat for 15-21 breeding pairs of skylark which is assessed as a local moderate
adverse effect. (Corn bunting are not considered in the assessment). The proposal is
approximately 9km from the Site with a largely arable landscape between the two which
is certain to provide suitable skylark habitat. The cumulative effects on 27-35 breeding
pairs of skylark are likely to be permanent, major-moderate adverse significance in a
county context.
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Bourn Airfield
8.120 No application for this site has been formally submitted and without an ecological
baseline it is not possible to fully assess any cumulative effects.
Balance of Land at the Business Park, Cambourne
8.121 No application for this site has been formally submitted and without an ecological
baseline it is not possible to fully assess any cumulative effects. However the three
existing licences from Natural England to translocate great crested newts cover the
balance of the land at the Business Park and mitigation for any great crested newts on
this land has already been approved within the licence agreements.
Summary
8.122 The ecological baseline surveys indicate that the Site has limited biodiversity value due
to the intensively farmed arable nature of the Site. The exceptions to this are the
presence of great crested newts off Site, the assemblage of farmland birds and the
presence of S41 habitats and species. The construction phase of the Proposed
Development will lead to the temporary loss of habitats and creation of new ones which
will have direct, temporary effects on a limited number of species groups. With
mitigation these effects are largely negligible with some minor adverse and beneficial
effects, though the exception are the effects on a limited number of farmland birds
which are considered adverse.
8.123 On completion of the Proposed Development there will be significant biodiversity gain as
a result of habitat enhancement and creation via the proposed network of green
infrastructure. A variety of species groups will benefit and the range of species on or
close to the Site are anticipated to expand. With the exception of farmland birds some
of which will be adversely effected, all other groups should benefit from the proposal
and the overall effect is anticipated to be moderate beneficial.
8.124 Table 8.3 contains a summary of the likely significant effects of the Proposed
Development.
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 December 2014 Chapter 8 – Page 32
Table 8.3: Table of Significance – Ecology and Nature Conservation
Potential Effect
Nature of Effect
(Permanent/ Temporary)
Significance (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible)
Mitigation / Enhancement Measures
Geographical
Importance*
Residual Effects (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible) I UK E R C B L
Construction
Effect on Eversden and Wimpole Woods SAC
Temporary Negligible None required * Negligible
Effects of air quality on SSSIs
Temporary Negligible None required * Negligible
Effects of hydrology on Statutory and non Statutory sites
Temporary Negligible SuDs drainage infrastructure * * * Negligible
Effects on Hedgerows Temporary Minor- Negligible adverse
Habitat creation * Negligible
Effects of water quality on great crested newt in the balancing pond
Temporary Major adverse CEMP. Pollution control measures * Negligible
Effects of disturbance to great crested newt terrestrial habitat at the balancing pond
Temporary Major-moderate adverse
EPS licence * Negligible
Effects on great crested newts in Business Park
Temporary Major-moderate adverse
EPS licence * Negligible
Effects of common toad Temporary Negligible Phased construction, including habitat creation
* Negligible
Effects on bats Temporary Negligible Check trees before felling. In the
event that a roost is found an EPS licence will be required
* Negligible
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 December 2014 Chapter 8 – Page 33
Potential Effect
Nature of Effect
(Permanent/ Temporary)
Significance (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible)
Mitigation / Enhancement Measures
Geographical Importance*
Residual Effects (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible) I UK E R C B L
Effects on badgers Temporary Minor adverse Badger surveys prior to construction phases. If found implement stand off zones, fencing, timing of works or obtain licences to disturb/destroy sett
* Negligible
Effects on breeding birds including S41 Species - starling, house sparrow and dunnock
Temporary Minor adverse Pre commencement surveys and protection measures to mitigate disturbance. Checks for breeding birds prior to vegetation removal or tree surgery. Protect any nests found until young have fledged.
Habitat creation
* * Minor-Negligible
Effects on farmland bird Skylark
Permanent Major-moderate adverse
Check for nests prior to construction works and protect any nests found
until young have fledged
* Major-moderate adverse
Corn bunting Temporary Moderate-minor beneficial
Check for nests prior to construction works and protect any nests found until young have fledged
* Moderate-minor beneficial
Reed bunting Temporary Minor adverse Check for nests prior to construction works and protect any nests found until young have fledged. Habitat creation
* Negligible
Yellowhammer and linnet Temporary Minor adverse Check for nests prior to construction works and protect any nests found until young have fledged. Habitat creation
* Negligible
Grey partridge Temporary Moderate – minor beneficial
Check for nests prior to construction works and protect any nests found until young have fledged
* Negligible
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 December 2014 Chapter 8 – Page 34
Potential Effect
Nature of Effect
(Permanent/ Temporary)
Significance (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible)
Mitigation / Enhancement Measures
Geographical Importance*
Residual Effects (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible) I UK E R C D L
Yellow wagtail Temporary Moderate - minor adverse
Check for nests prior to construction works and protect any nests found until young have fledged. Temporary
habitat creation
* Minor adverse
Effects on redwing Permanent Negligible None required * Negligible
Completed Development
Effects of recreation on statutory sites
Permanent Negligible None required * * Negligible
Effects on Hedgerows Permanent Moderate-minor beneficial
Habitat creation – net increase in length. Improved species diversity. Associated with other green infrastructure
* Moderate- minor beneficial
Effects on great crested
newts Permanent Major-moderate
beneficial
Habitat creation. Improved and
extended terrestrial habitat around existing ponds
* Major-moderate
beneficial
Effects on bats Permanent Moderate–minor beneficial
Foraging habitat creation in landscape plans. Roosting potential in new buildings
* Moderate - minor beneficial
Effects on Badgers Permanent Minor beneficial Habitat creation * Minor beneficial
Effects on reed bunting, staling, house sparrow, dunnock, bullfinch
Permanent Major-moderate beneficial
Habitat creation. Increase in nesting opportunities. Supplementary feeding by new households
* Major-moderate beneficial
Effects on linnet and yellowhammer
Permanent Moderate-minor adverse
Habitat creation * Moderate-minor adverse
Effects on skylark and corn bunting
Permanent Major-moderate adverse
None possible * Major-moderate adverse
Effects on grey partridge Permanent Negligible Habitat creation * Negligible
Effects on yellow wagtail Permanent Minor adverse Habitat creation * Minor adverse
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 December 2014 Chapter 8 – Page 35
Potential Effect
Nature of Effect
(Permanent/ Temporary)
Significance (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible)
Mitigation / Enhancement Measures
Geographical Importance*
Residual Effects (Major/Moderate/
Minor) (Beneficial/Adverse/
Negligible) I UK E R C D L
Effect on wintering birds Permanent Minor adverse None possible * * Minor adverse
Cumulative Effects
Construction
Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant
Operation
Effects on skylark Permanent Major-moderate adverse
None possible * Major-moderate adverse
* Geographical Level of Importance I = International; UK = United Kingdom; E = England; R = Regional; C = County; D = District; L = Local Site
West Cambourne Ecology and Nature Conservation
19102/A5/ES2014 Chapter 8 - Page 36 December 2014
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