Ecological Site Assessment & Phase 2 Surveys · storey corrugated metal sheet lean too attached to east gable end. Open doorway on the south elevation with no door. Lean too section

Ecological Site Assessment & Phase 2 Surveys

Project: Land to the West of Brynna, Rhondda Cynon Taff

Instructed by: Hafod Housing Association ltd in association with Edenstone Homes

Reported by: Ecological Services Ltd 10 Mount Pleasant, Llanelly Hill, Abergavenny, Monmouth NP7 0NT

T: 01873 268017 E: [email protected] W: www.ecologicalservices.wales

Author Date Version

Ash Harris September 2019 V3.0 - Interim Report

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ecologicalservices.wales

Extended Phase 1 Survey Land to the West of Brynna, Rhondda Cynon Taff

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Desk Top Study

3. Phase 1 Survey

4. Recommendations and Mitigation

Appendix

Species Recorded

Site Photographs Extended Phase 1 Site Map Aerial View of Site

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1. Introduction

The applicant is seeking planning permission to create a small affordable housing development of 25 units within a parcel of land to the west of Brynna, Rhondda Cynon Taff (SS9741682496). The land within the red line boundary for the proposed development site measures approximately 0.85 ha.

The site consists of hedgerow, semi improved grassland, marshy grassland, tall ruderal vegetation, short perennial vegetaion, agricultural outbuildings and gravel hardstanding. This report will assess the potential for the land within the site boundary to support habitats and species and the implications that the development proposals could have on them.

1.1 Site Description

The development site is fairly flat and the grassland is currently used for cattle grazing with the agricultural buildings being used for machinery storage for farm activities. The grassland area is divided into two fields with the larger field being marshy grassland and the smaller field being semi improved grassland.

The site is considered to be in a semi rural location with residential housing to the east and open field, hedgerows and small areas of woodland to the north and west. Brynna Road forms the southern boundary and a railway line running adjacent to the road. The Ewenni Each and its riparian corridor lie approximately 80m to the south at its closest point. Whilst a small stream runs post the northern edge of the site.

1.2 Survey Constraints

Full access was gained to all areas of the proposed development site. The site visit was undertaken during June which is within of the optimum time to undertake phase 1 habitat surveys.

Based on the categorisation of the agricultural buildings a single bat activity survey will be undertaken on the building proposed for demolition within the site boundary. Dormouse nest tube surveys commenced on site in June and are currently on going.

1.3 Surveyor Experience

Aislinn Harris is a full member of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Aislinn is an ecologist with 10 years experience undertaking a wide range of flora and fauna surveys. Aislinn is also a licenced bat ecologist (NRW S085699-1) and licenced dormouse ecologist (S085700-1).

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All survey work is undertaken following JNCC Phase 1 Survey Guidelines and CIEEM Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (2013).

Vicky Hannaford assisted in undertaking the dormouse surveys across the site and holds a dormouse survey licence (S086378/1). Vicky is an experienced ecologist with 5 years experience working as an ecologist undertaking a wide range of survey work.

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2. Desktop Study

A data search was undertaken via SEWBReC for the proposed development site and surrounding area. A 2km buffer zone was searched and records returned within 500m of site are noted below:

• Records for the presence of hedgehog- approximately 190m away,

• Records for the presence of grass snake - approximately 360m away,

• Numerous bird records - lesser redpoll, kestrel, redwing and bullfinch

Records of note returned for the rest of the buffer zone are detailed below:

• Four small (potential pipistrelle bats) in a bat house,

• Commuting / foraging calls of noctule, brown long eared, common and soprano pipistrelle bat calls,

• Osprey,

• Otter,

• Badger,

• Barn Owl,

• Dormouse,

• Slow worm

2.1 Protected Sites

A data search for species records was undertaken for the proposed development site and surrounding area. The search also considered statutory and non-statutory protected sites.

Statutory Protected Sites

The site boundary lies approximately 100m to the south east of the SSSI boundary. The SSSI site has been designated for its range of species rich lowland grasslands including marshy and dry neutral grassland. These habitats are known to support a range of flora and fauna including the Marsh Fritillary butterfly.

There are no other statutory protected sites within 1km of the proposed development site.

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Non-Statutory Protected Sites

The proposed development site does not lie within or directly adjacent to any non statutory protected sites. The Brynau Gwynian Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) is the closet such site measuring approximately 130m to the north west. The Hendre Uchaf SINC site lies approximately 750m to the north of the development site. Both SINC sites cover part of the Brynna A Wern Tarw SSSI boundary area as well.

Details on the SINC designations have been requested from the county ecologist for Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council. However the information has not been received at the time of writing this report.

The marshy grassland within the site is assessed as being SINC quality, although it is not currently designated. The grassland is also though the qualify as rush pasture, a Section 7 habitat under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and a UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitat. A small section of hedgerow runs through the site and into the red line boundary. Hedgerow is also a Section 7 habitat under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and a UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitat

2.2 Potential Impacts to Protected Sites

Given the localised nature of the development works within the red line boundary, it is unlikely there will be any direct impacts to protected sites within the local area.

The proposed new drainage route and swale will result in the temporary loss of marshy grassland habitat. It also appears that a portion of the marshy grassland to the north of the buildings will be lost through the development. The development will also result in the loss of approximately 30m of hedgerow. Both habitats are section 7 habitats and their loss will require mitigation and compensation planting within the site boundary.

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3. Phase 1 Survey

3.1 Habitats

A walkover survey of the site was completed 12th June 2019 which included all areas of the land within the wider development site boundary.

The land within the field to the north and north west of the site is considered to be species rich marshy grassland. Species such as floating sweet grass, marsh thistle, devils bit scabious, cuckoo flower, meadow sweet, marsh bedstraw, lesser spearwort, creeping Jenny, ragged robin, heath woodrush, yellow flag iris possibly marsh pennywort, water mint, yellow sedge, oval sedge, jointed rush and compact rush were all found within this habitat type.

A small section of hedgerow falls within the western area of the site boundary. The remainder of the hedgerow extends westwards , outside of the proposed site boundary. The marshy grassland lies to the north of the hedgerow and to the north of the buildings within the site boundary. A portion of a semi improved grassland field forms the south west of the site. The semi improved grassland field was grazed by cattle during the site visit. Species noted within the grassland were Yorkshire fog, creeping buttercup, sweet vernal grass, ribwort plantain, crested dogs tail and curled dock. The periphery of the field had recently been mown. Whilst the northern boundary of the field is hedgerow the field is enclosed via a post and wire fence line. The fence line along the southern and western edge have some scattered bramble stands and scattered trees along its length. Tall ruderal vegetation is present along the fence line between the fence and road and some vegetation is growing through and leaning on the fence, rather than growing within the site boundary. Dense ruderal vegetation including bramble is present to the rear of building 4.

A small area of semi improved grassland was present to the south east of the site, adjacent to the smaller field but separated by the gravel access track. A box hedgerow is present along the eastern edge of the semi improved grassland, forming a boundary with an adjacent residential property. Some bramble and black bryony was visible growing through the hedge in this area.

The small section of hedgerow within the site boundary, to the west of the site, appears to be occasionally managed as evidence of cutting was visible however the hedge was dense. Species noted within the hedgerow include holly, hawthorn, hazel, blackthorn, ash, black bryony, honeysuckle, red campion, foxglove, herb robert, wood avens, perforate st johns wort and bramble. A number of standard trees are present along the length of the hedgerow.

A mature tree line and dry ditch run along the western edge of the site. The eastern edge of the site is also made up of a mature tree line. Species noted within the tree line include alder,

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hazel, sessile oak, holly, a species of birch and a species of willow. The grassland underneath the canopy of the tree lines is less diverse than the wider grassland areas. Species noted along the tree line include hard fern, remote sedge, herb Robert, bramble, nettle, curled dock, red campion, foxglove, male fern, cocksfoot and creeping bent.

The agricultural buildings are set in an area of gravel hardstanding with some short perennial vegetation growing around the less used areas of the buildings. Species scattered within the short perennial vegetation include young buddleja, ribwort plantain, hop trefoil, creeping buttercup, ragout and rosebay willow herb.

For ease of reference the agricultural buildings within the site footprint have been numbered as shown on the map provided in Appendix 3. Internal access was not available to building 2 at the time of the initial site inspection. However access is being arranged and will be undertaken prior tot he final report submission.

Building Description

Building1

Exterior: Rectangular single storey building with an open front on the southern elevation. Steel frame with wooden purlins. Corrugated metal sheet pitched roof with sheeting extending approx 1m down the northern wall. Remaining walls constructed from wooden boarding with a gap of approx. 5cm between each board.

Interior: Open and easily accessible. No roof lining, boarding along walls or roof void. Used for machinery storage at present.

Building 2

Exterior: Rectangular two storey prefabricated building. Roof and walls made from corrugate metal sheet. Flat metal sheet fitted as barge board. Guttering is present along the rear (east) elevation of the building. Large metal panel door present on west elevation.

Interior: No internal access available at time of visit.

Building 3

Exterior: Consist of two elements, a small single storey breeze block section with corrugated metal sheet roof. Two metal panel doors are present on the west elevation. A two storey section is attached to the rear (east) elevation. This section has a pitched corrugated metal sheet roof and metal sheet walls. A small single storey corrugated metal sheet lean too attached to east gable end. Open doorway on the south elevation with no door. Lean too section has breeze block walls for the bottom half and a mix of metal sheet and wooden panel walls for the top half.

Interior: Timber frame present in all sections of the building. No roof void present but the roof line of half of the single story section of building has a wooden board fitted. Building is not subdivided being open and accessible in all areas.

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A few young shoots of Himalayan balsam were noted around building 4. Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countyside Act (1981) which makes it an offence to plant or allow to grow in the wild.

3.2 Great Crested Newts

Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) are a European protected species and are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017. In summary, they are protected from:

• Deliberate capture, killing and injuring,

• Deliberate disturbance of a breeding site or resting place,

• Deliberate taking or destroying of eggs,

• Damage or destruction of a breeding site or resting place.

Great Crested Newts are listed on schedule 5 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 which protects them from intentional or reckless disturbance or obstruction when using a structure or place for shelter and / or protection. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale a great crested newt.

There are no records of Great Crested Newt (GCN) within 2km of the proposed development site. No ponds are present within the proposed development site however there does appear to be a pond approximately 80m to the north east of the red line boundary where the development impacts will occur.

Building 4

Exterior: Building is single storey rectangular shape with a small open fronted lean too attached to the western gable end. Building has a metal corrugated sheet roof line and walls with a flat metal sheet used as a barge board. Open doorway on north elevation but another adjacent doorway has been closed up plastic sheeting. Lean too is open on the north facing elevation.

Interior: No attic space present within the building. Lean too and main body of the building are separated by a corrugated metal sheet wall. All areas of building have a timber frame.

Building 5

Exterior: Rectangular single storey building with open front on the eastern elevation. Structure has a corrugated metal sheet roof and walls. Clear corrugated sheet panels are present intermittently across the roof line and western wall. Flat metal sheet is used as a barge board on north east and west elevation.

Interior: Metal frame with no attic void present. Wooden boarding appears to have been placed along the roof line of the building but the boarding is in a poor state of repair.

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The pond is outside of the client ownership and as such could not be closely inspected for the presence of GCN. The land within the red line boundary is assessed as having low potential for such species to be present. The buildings and open areas of gravel hardstanding provide very little cover or foraging habitat for such species during the terrestrial phase of their lives. The semi improved grassland areas are grazed and frequently mown providing a short and even sward with limited cover for use by GCN. The marshy grassland areas have a longer sward although they are grazed as well. The marshy grassland areas have some potential to offer cover and foraging habitat to small animals such as GCN.

Given the proximity of a waterbody within 500m of the site, it is difficult to completely rule out the potential presence of GCN in the grassland areas on site. However, there are no records for the presence of GCN within the wider landscape. Whilst it is thought highly unlikely that GCN are present within the grassland areas in the site boundary, some precautionary measures will be implemented during site clearance.

3.3 Dormice

The dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a European protected species and is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017. In summary, they are protected from:




Dormouse are listed on schedule 5 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 which protects them from intentional or reckless disturbance or obstruction when using a structure or place for shelter and / or protection. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale a native dormouse. Dormouse is listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

The closest record for dormouse is approximately 1km away and for a dormouse and dormouse nest within Brynna Woods which lies to the East. The hedgerow within the site boundary and the tree line along the western to northern edge of the site could potentially be used by commuting and foraging dormouse. Whilst it is known the dormouse will cross roads and gaps in vegetation it is not their preferred method of movement across the landscape. Brynna Road to the south does create a break in vegetation, whilst it wouldn’t stop dormouse movement it is a less preferential option. The tree line along the western edge of the site which extends northwards to land outside of the site boundary, does have connectivity to vegetation to the north of Brynna Road where dormice are known to reside in the wider landscape.

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Although the hedgerow within the site boundary has dense foliage throughout its structure there are signs that it is frequently cut resulting in it being around 1.5m only in height. The tree line along the site boundary has a very poor understory but does have aerial connectivity through the canopy along the feature. The tree line and hedgerow have breaks in their connectivity to the south west of the site of approximately 20m. The very western edge of the hedgerow has been replaced with a metal gate and post and wire fence line. The tree line in this area also appears to have been removed with some young replacement planting in its place. It should also be considered that the development proposals will only result in the loss of approximately 30m of hedgerow to the very west of the hedge line which does not connect to any adjacent habitat suitable for dormice.

Although the presence of dormouse within vegetation inside the red line boundary is thought unlikely, a dormouse nest tube survey of habitats suitable for the presence of dormice has been undertaken. The nest tube survey includes the hedgerow and tree line along the western edge of the site and the tree line which extends northwards along the western edge of the site. The dormouse survey is on going but has not found any evidence of presence to date.

3.4 Bats

All British bats are a European protected species and are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017. In summary, they are protected from:




Schedule 5 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) also protects all species of British bat and their roosting locations. British bats are protected from intentional or reckless disturbance and or obstruction of their roosting places. Barbastelle, bechstein, noctule, brown long eared, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe bats are also listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

The buildings within the site footprint were assessed as having low potential for bats to be present due to their structure. Based on the BCT guidelines (2016) a single bat emergence survey is recommended and will be undertaken on the buildings during the bat active season.

3.5 Otters

The common otter (Lutra lutra) is a European protected species and is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017. In summary, they are protected from:


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Otter are listed on schedule 5 of The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 which protects them from intentional or reckless disturbance or obstruction when using a structure or place for shelter and / or protection. It is also an offence to sell, offer or expose for sale an otter.

The closest record for the presence of otter is approximately 760m away and is at Pencoed College although no details of the records are provided. The Ewenni Fach lies approximately 80m to the south of the site. A small stream also flows past the very northern boundary of the site and joins the Nant Crymlyn approximately 480m to the west of the site. Whilst it is thought highly likely that otters use the river for commuting and foraging purposes at a minimum, it is separated from site by a railway line and road making travel too and from the development site very unlikely. The stream to the north of the site is smaller but is also very likely to be used by commuting and foraging otters.

The proposed development site itself open and disturbed by people and provides no suitable habitat for use by otters. No further surveys or recommendations are required for this species.

3.6 Badger

Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. In summary they are protected from:

• Taking, killing or injuring;

• Cruelty;

• Interfering with a badger sett;

• The selling and possession of badgers;

• Marking or ringing.

Badgers are also listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended.

Badgers tend to have a variety of setts with different uses and functions within the territory for the family unit. In general there is usually a main sett which the family will use the most. There are then annex, subsidiary and or outlier setts which depending on family structures and environmental pressures may be used at different times of the year. As female badgers tend to have their cubs over winter the disturbance and damage of badger setts is prohibited between December and June inclusive. NRW are the licensing body for any actions which may contravene the above legislation.

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The closest record for the presence of badger is approximately 920m away at Pencoed Campus, however no details of the record are provided. No evidence of the presence of badger, such as sett, latrine or digging, was noted during the site survey. The site is open and exposed to of human disturbance and cattle grazing. It is considered unlikely badger are resident within the site boundary however they may occasionally pass through commuting and foraging. No further recommendations are made for this species.

3.7 Birds

All breeding birds are protected under schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended.

No birds’ nests were directly noted during the site visit. However the mature trees, hedgerow and agricultural buildings are thought highly suitable for use by nesting birds. Mitigation measures suitable for nesting birds are recommended.

3.8 Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptile such as the slow worm, common lizard, adder and grass snake are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(as amended). They are protected from killing, injuring and sale. In Wales sand lizard, smooth snake, adder, grass snake, slow worm and common lizard are listed in section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

The closest reptile record is approximately 360m away and is for grass snake at Pencoed College. The closest amphibian record is approximately 720m away and is for common frog at Pencoed Campus.

The majority of the land within the site is found to have little potential for reptiles to be present being hardstanding, buildings and short perennial vegetation. These habitats do not provide the cover or foraging habitat reptiles would usually make use of. However, the semi improved and marshy grassland areas provide some cover and foraging habitat. The hedgerow and tree roots provide some potential for use by reptiles for hibernation purposes.

No dedicated reptile surveys are recommended within the proposed site boundary. The majority of the land within the site is thought to have low potential for us by reptiles with only the grassland areas and hedgerow suitable for use. The grassland areas are mown and or grazed and the conditions of the marshy grassland being wet reduce the overall suitability of these habitats to medium to low and are Oakley to support low densities of reptiles. A precautionary approach to any works which affect the hedgerow and grassland areas will be implemented to ensure no animals are harmed. A sensitive site design post development would also allow any gardens to be colonised by reptiles.

3.9 Marsh Fritillary Butterfly

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The Marsh Fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) is fully protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. This provides the species with protection from:

• Intentional killing, injuring and taking,

• Possession or control of any specimen, part or derivative,

• Damage to or destruction of, disturbance and obstruction of any structure or place used for shelter or protection,

• Selling, offering for sale, possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale

• Advertising for buying or selling any specimen, part or derivative.

Marsh Fritillary butterfly are listed as an annex 2 species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017 which allows areas of habitat to be protected and managed to ensure the survival of the species. Marsh fritillary butterfly can be a primary and secondary reason for designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

This species is also listed as a section 7 species of importance under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and UK BAP priority species which makes them a key species to sustain and improve biodiversity.

There are no records for the presence of Marsh Fritillary returned by the data search which covers 2km from the site. Records are available for Marshy Fritillary via the NBN

However, the borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff is known to support populations of Marsh Fritillary butterfly. The land within the site boundary is mostly unsuitable for such species to be present. However the marshy grass land which contains devils bit scabious a known food plant for the marsh fritillary. This habitat type and plant species are known to support Marsh Fritillary. The proposed development site is also in close proximity to a SSSI and SINC sites which appear to contain suitable habitat for such species.

Although the potential to support Marsh Fritillary butterfly within the site boundary is thought to be low, a larval web search has been undertaken on 3rd September with Liam Olds, a local invertebrate expert. No evidence of the presence of Marsh Fritillary butterfly or their larva was found within the site boundary. It is thought highly unlikely that Marsh fritillary are present within the site. Late summer grazing and the only occasional presence of devils bit scabious within the site make the site less suitable for use by this species.

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4. Recommendations and Mitigation

The land within the boundary of the development proposal consists of 5 buildings, short perennial vegetation, gravel hardstanding, hedgerow, semi improved and marshy grassland. These habitats will all directly be impacted by the development proposals.

It is understood that no development works will take place outside of the red line boundary and as such much of the marshy grassland and vast majority of the hedgerow adjacent to the site will be retained. This habitat also helps to create a buffer between the development site and adjacent SSSI and SINC boundaries.

** This document is an interim report written prior to some survey work being completed. The results of additional survey work may affect the recommendations made. **

The below mitigation and compensation measures are recommended to help avoid negative impacts to any habitats and species which may be affected as part of a development proposal:

• The hedgerows and tree line within the site boundary have been assessed as the potential to be used by dormouse. A dormouse nest tube survey is being undertaken and the results of the survey work will be used to inform the site design and mitigation where applicable. Should dormouse be found within the site, a development licence maybe required from NRW prior to any clearance works on site commencing.

• The buildings within the site have been assessed as having low potential to be used by roosting bats. As such at least one bat activity survey will be completed focused on all buildings. Should roosting bats be found within the site, a development licence maybe required from NRW prior to any building demolition works on site commencing.

• Approximately 30m of hedgerow will be removed to facilitate the proposed development. Hedgerow is a section 7 habitat and any impacts to such a habitat must be adequately mitigated for. If possible the hedgerow should be translocated to a suitable location within the site boundary. Otherwise replacement planting must be undertaken within the site boundary measuring at least 30m in distance. A management schedule for the hedgerow planting will be required to ensure it establishes and creates the required habitat.

• A portion of the marshy grassland to the north of the buildings within the site boundary will be lost to the development proposals. Marshy grassland is a section 7 habitat and any impacts to such a habitat must be adequately mitigated for. Long term grassland management secured via an Ecological Management Plan must aim to mitigate for the loss of the marshy grassland.

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• The grassland and hedgerow within the site is considered suitable for use by a small number of common reptile species throughout the year. A reptile mitigation strategy which is agreed with the LPA ecologist will be required to support the proposed development. Measures suitable for reptiles should be included within the site design to allow movement across the site post development work completion. A reptile mitigation strategy should include, but not be limited to:

- Sensitive timing of works which avoid ground disturbance during the winter months

- Sensitive habitat clearance methods such as a two stage vegetation cut of hedgerows and long vegetation

• A root protection zone (RPZ) must be implemented around any retained trees or hedgerows within or directly adjacent to the site. British Standard BS 5837 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - Recommendations will be followed. Measures will include clear marking of the RPZ to ensure no digging or machinery is used in that area.

• The buildings trees and hedgerows were assessed as being suitable for use by nesting birds. Bird droppings indicative of nesting behaviour were found in building 3. Any buildings and trees must be removed outside of the bird nesting season of March to August inclusive. If this is not achievable a suitably experienced independent expert must inspect any vegetation or buildings with the potential for birds to be present, for active birds’ nests prior to removal works beginning. If an active nest is identified a buffer zone of 5m around the nest must be observed until the chicks have fledged. Only then can the vegetation / buildings be removed.

• Given the proximity of protected sites, marshy grassland and adjacent properties careful consideration should be given to the use of lighting within the developed site, as this can adversely affect activity by a variety of fauna, particularly foraging bats. Any artificial lighting must be directional and only illuminate car parking spaces or walkways. In particular, light spill must be avoided along the north and western boundary of the site.

• An Ecological Management Plan (EMP) is required to support the proposed development works. The EMP will include details to ensure the adjacent retained habitats are not affected during construction works and during long term use of the site through measures such as:

• Temporary fencing along the development boundary to ensure works, machinery and or material storage does not encroach into adjacent habitat,

• No storage of machinery and or construction materials within 5m of the marshy grassland habitats to avoid any pollution incidents within the habitat,

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• The provision of native hedgerow planting around the periphery of the construction footprint to compensate for the potential loss of current hedgerow,

• Long term wildlife sensitive management of hedgerows,

• Long term sensitive management of grassland habitat, ideally through continued cattle grazing.

The Environment Act (Wales) 2016 places a duty on competent authorities such as Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council to conserve and enhance biodiversity. For developments of 2 houses or more or where the development exceeds 100m2, sustainable drainages systems (SuDS) must be implemented. SuDS requirements aim to manage rainfall using as natural processes as possible which can offer opportunities for habitat creation, biodiversity enhancements and improved water quality. Detailed plans for the site are not currently available making specific recommendations difficult. However a number of suggestions are detailed below which can be incorporated into the site design at this early planning stage.

The below bullet points are some simple measures that could be achieved to enhance the biodiversity of the site:

• The provision of at least 10 bird boxes within the proposed red line boundary. Integrated bird boxes built into the new properties are recommended for longevity. Boxes must be installed at eaves level, away from windows avoiding the southern elevation. A portion of the boxes could be placed within suitable trees within the site boundary.

• The provision of at least 2 integrated bat boxes within the site would also be welcomed. The use of 2 x 1FR Schwegler bat tube (or similar design depending on stock availability) as high as possible on the gable end of each property would be acceptable.

• The provision of native wildflower planting or borders would be beneficial for local wildlife. Any natural vegetation should be maintained with wildlife in mind and managed as naturally as possible.

• All fencing around the site will be hedgehog friendly in design. A friendly design is considered to allow the passage of small animals across the site. It should provide either a continuous gap between the bottom of the fence and ground of approximately 13cm or gaps cut a set distance along fencing.

• The use of a drainage swale within the site design can be used to store rainwater, slowing its release into the natural environment, creating an attractive natural feature for residents and a new habitat type within the site.

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• Tree and or hedgerow planting where ever possible within the site design would also help reduce the amount of rainfall reaching drains, rivers and streams. Trees will naturally use more water than shorter types of vegetation which in turn reduces the amount of water run off into drains etc.

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Appendix 1 – Plant Species Recorded

Common Name Latin NameHazel Corylus avellana

Alder Alnus glutinosa

Sessile oak Quercus preraea

Birch sp Betula sp

Willow sp Salix sp

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa

Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg

Holly Ilex aquifolium

Ash Fraxinus excelsior

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata

Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens

Daisy Bella perennis

Perforate St. Johns wort Hypericum perforatum

Black bryony Tamus communis

Common nettle Urtica dioica

Buddleja Buddleja davidii

Ivy Hedra helix

Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys

Cleavers Galium aparine

Foxglove Digitalis purpurea

Herb Robert Geranium robertianum

Dandelion Taraxacum egg.

Red campion Silene dioica

Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum

Hop trefoil Trifolium campestre

Ragwort Senecio jacobaea

Rosebay willow herb Champion angustifolium

Hard fern Blechnum spirant

Cocksfoot Dactlyis glomerata

Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia

Curled dock Rumex crispus

Toad rush Juncus bufonius

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Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera

Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre

Yellow iris Iris pseudacorus

Ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi

Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus

Compact Rush Juncus conglomeratus

Lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula

Silver weed Potentilla anserina

Sweet Vernal Grass Anthroxanthum odoratum

Floating sweet grass Glyceria fluitans

Common sorrel Rumex acestosa

Birds-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus

Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea

Water mint Mentha aquatica

Marsh bedstraw Galium palustre

Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans

Heath woodrush Luzula miltiflora

Cuckoo flower Cardamine pratensis

Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmarai

Devils bit scabious Success pratensis

Crested Dogs tail Cynosurus cristatus

Red clover Trifolium pratense

Oval sedge Carex ovalis

Remote Sedge Carex remota

False fox sedge Carex otrubae

Common yellow sedge Carex demissa

Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris

Quaking grass Briza media

Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas

Creeping bent Agrostis stolonoifera

20V1.0


Appendix 2 – Site Photographs

Habitat

View of Hedgerow Post & Wire Fence to West of Hedge

Missing Section of Tree Line to West of Site Post & Wire Fence to South of Site Boundary

Bramble Fence Line to South West Semi Improved Grassland Field

21V1.0


Semi Improved Grassland to South East South East Rea of Site Boundary

Box Hedge to South East of Site Short Ephemeral Vegetation

Building Pictures

Interior view Building 1 Eastern gable end Building 1

22V1.0


North and east elevation Building 2 Doorway into Building 2 & Part of Building 3

Internal View Building 3 Boarded section of roof Building 3

Lean too section building 3 View of Building 4

23V1.0


Internal view of Building 4 Western elevation Building 5

Internal view of Building 5 South elevation of Building 5

24V1.0


Appendix 3– Extended Phase 1 Site

25V1.0


Appendix 4 - Aerial View of Site

26V1.0

Documents

Ecological Site Assessment & Phase 2 Surveys · storey corrugated metal sheet lean too attached to east gable end. Open doorway on the south elevation with no door. Lean too section