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Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
March 2017
Waterman Infrastructure & Environment Ltd
Merchants House, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RW www.watermangroup.com
Client Name: Planning Potential Ltd
Document Reference: WIE12626-100-R-1-1-4-PEA
Project Number: WIE12626-100
Quality Assurance – Approval Status
This document has been prepared and checked in accordance with Waterman Group’s IMS (BS EN ISO 9001: 2008, BS EN ISO 14001: 2004 and BS OHSAS 18001:2007)
Issue Date Prepared by Checked by Approved by
First March 2017 Jonathan Stuttard
Graduate Ecologist
Niall Machin
Associate Director
Niall Machin
Associate Director
Comments
Disclaimer
This report has been prepared by Waterman Infrastructure & Environment Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporation of our General Terms and Condition of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to us by agreement with the client.
We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above.
This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at its own risk.
Contents Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 2
3. Results ......................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Assessment ............................................................................................................................... 15
5. Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 16
6. Conclusions .............................................................................................................................. 19
Figures
Figure 1: 'Extended' Phase 1 Habitat Survey Features Plan (WIE12626-100-GR-EC-1A)
Tables
Table 1: Geographical Scale of Important Ecological Feature Categories. ..................................... 2
Table 2: Legally protected and Invasive Species ............................................................................. 3
Table 3: Adapted Tree Assessment Guidelines ............................................................................... 4
Table 4: Summary of Desk Study Records of Non-statutory Designated Sites within 1km of the Site ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 5: Summary of desk study records of flora and fauna within 1km of the Site ........................ 8
Table 6: Building descriptions and bat roosting potential ............................................................... 10
Table 7: Important Ecological Features Anticipated to be Affected by the Development .............. 15
Table 8: Ecological Features Scoped out of the Assessment ........................................................ 15
Table 9: Summary of Recommended/Required Additional Ecological Assessments .................... 19
Appendices
A. Summarised Flora and Fauna Legislation
B. Photographs
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1. Introduction
1.1. Waterman Infrastructure & Environment Ltd (Waterman) was commissioned by Planning Potential
Ltd to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) at Land off Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
(hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’).
1.2. The Site proposals comprise the demolition of existing Site buildings and the erection of a new
ALDI supermarket with associated infrastructure (hereafter referred to as the ‘Development’).
1.3. The Site is approximately 0.67 hectares (ha) in area, centred on Ordnance Survey Grid Reference
ST167805. The Site is located in a predominantly residential area north of Cardiff city centre.
Buildings and hardstanding dominate the Site in the form of a derelict factory and fuel station
buildings and infrastructure. Other habitats present at the Site include scattered scrub, species-
poor semi-improved grassland, scattered trees and bare ground. The Site appears to have been
derelict for a significant period containing neglected burned-out buildings, fly tipping and multiple
rubble piles.
1.4. This PEA includes the results of an ecological data search and ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey.
Furthermore, preliminary ground based bat roost inspections at buildings (external only) and trees
on Site were also undertaken.
1.5. As detailed within industry guidance1, a PEA can be used to support a planning application
provided that no ‘Important Ecological Features’ (IEF’s) are identified and no significant ecological
effects are anticipated. If this is not the case, an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is normally
required by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The Development has been determined to be a
non EIA development.
1.6. The recommendations made within this report for ecological mitigation, compensation and
enhancement measures should be used to inform the emerging scheme design. Upon scheme fix
this report should be updated to reflect the final measures adopted. This report also details
measures required to ensure legal compliance and ecological good practice during the demolition,
construction and operational phases of the Development.
1.7. The purpose of this report is to:
Identify the potential for IEF’s present within the identified Zone of Influence (ZoI) and any
resulting constraints to the Development;
Inform master-planning to allow significant ecological effects to be avoided or minimised
wherever possible;
Allow the further ecological assessments needed to inform an EcIA to be identified and
appropriately designed, as required;
Allow likely mitigation, compensation and ecological enhancement measures to be developed,
to ensure compliance with nature conservation legislation and planning policy (Appendix A);
and
Form a basis for agreeing the scope of the EcIA (if required) with relevant consultees.
1 CIEEM (2016). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal, 2nd Edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester.
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2. Methodology
Scope of the Assessment
2.1. This section summarises the methodologies used for undertaking the PEA based on current
guidelines2 3 4. This PEA included an ecological data search, ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey
and an external building and ground based tree inspection for roosting bats.
2.2. The ZoI is the area(s) over which ecological features maybe impacted by the biophysical changes
caused by the proposed Development. Based on the scale and nature of the Development, it has
been assessed that the ZoI arising from these works is unlikely to be greater than 1km from the
Site. Therefore, this distance has been used to collect the ecological data search information. The
‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat survey area comprised primarily the Site. However, adjacent land was
viewed where possible from the Site and aerial photography for the area has also been reviewed.
As referenced in industry guidance5, IEF’s that are anticipated to be affected by the Development
have been identified and subject to assessment. In this report, designated sites, habitats and
species that fall into the categories in Table 1 and Table 2 have been identified as being
ecologically important and/or legally protected/controlled and form the scope of data gathering
during the data search and Site surveys.
Table 1: Geographical Scale of Important Ecological Feature Categories.
Geographical Level of Importance
Category
International Statutory designated sites: Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Ramsar sites (including candidate SACs and proposed SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites).
National
Statutory designated sites: Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserves (NNR)6;
Ancient Woodland;
Habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity as listed on Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 20167, including ecological important hedgerows under the Hedgerow Regulations; and
Red List and rare species (using IUNC criteria8) and Birds of Conservation Concern (Red List and Amber9)
County Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Non-statutory designated wildlife sites known as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI’s) and Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) habitats and species.
2 Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2013). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. Technical Guidance Series. 3 Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2015). Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Assessment. Technical Guidance Series. 4 BSI (2013) BS 42020:2013. Biodiversity - Code of Practice for Planning and Development. 5 CIEEM (2016). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal, 2nd Edition. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester. 6 DCLG (2012). National Planning Policy Framework, paragraph 118. 7 Welsh Government (2016) Environment (Wales) Act 8 http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/categories-and-criteria 9 https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-guide/status_explained.aspx
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Table 2: Legally protected and Invasive Species
Legislation (Summarised in Appendix A)
Species included on Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (S1, S5 and S8; WCA, as amended), excluding species that are only protected in relation to their sale (Section 9[5] and 13[2]);
Species included on Schedule IV of the Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended);
Badgers, which are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992; and
Species included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which it is an offence to release or allow to escape into the wild or which it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild.
Ecological Data Search
2.3. The aim of the ecological data search is to collate existing ecological records for the Site and
adjacent areas. Obtaining existing records is an important part of the evaluation process, as it
provides additional information that may not be apparent during a site survey.
2.4. An ecological desk study was undertaken in March 2017, during which all records of protected
species, and/or other notable fauna and flora within 1km of the Site were requested from The
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBRC).
2.5. Records of important statutory and non-statutory sites designated for their nature conservation
value within 1km of the Site were also requested from SEWBRC and searched for on the Multi-
Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC)10.
2.6. In addition, Habitats of Principal Importance (HoPI) and Species of Principal Importance (SoPI)
listed under Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act, as well as Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and
Species Action Plans (SAPs) listed under Cardiff Local Biodiversity Action Plan11 (LBAP) were
consulted to assign an ecological context to the Site.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
2.7. An ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the Site was undertaken on 1st March 2017 using the
Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC, 2010)12 standard ‘Phase 1’ survey technique. The
Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology was ‘Extended’ by undertaking an assessment of the Site to
support protected and notable faunal species. All habitat types within the Site were mapped
(Figure 1) with target notes where appropriate. The survey of the Site was conducted under
conditions deemed appropriate for survey due to the quality and extent of habitats on Site.
2.8. Where access allowed, adjacent habitats were also considered to assess the Site within the wider
landscape, and to provide information with which to assess possible impacts of the proposed
development.
2.9. A detailed floral species list was collated for the Site during the ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey.
As such, the species list detailed within the results section of this report can be used to inform any
future BREEAM reports (specific assessment guidelines dependant).
10 Magic.defra.gov.uk. (2014). Magic. [online] Available at: http://magic.defra.gov.uk/ [Accessed April 2015]. 11 Cardiff Council. (2008). The Cardiff Biodiversity Action Plan. Accessed: 15/03/17: http://www.outdoorcardiff.com/wp-content/uploads/Cardiff-LBAP-2008.pdf 12 JNCC. (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey. Nature Conservancy Council
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Invasive Species Assessment
2.10. The list of invasive plant species included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
(as amended) is extensive and these plants are found in a range of different habitats, including
aquatic habitats. The ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey checked for the presence of common
invasive species including; Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica, giant knotweed Fallopia
sachalinensis, hybrid knotweed Fallopia baldschuanica, giant hogweed Heracleum
mantegazzianum and Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera.
Preliminary Bat Roost Inspections
Buildings
2.11. As part of the preliminary roost inspection an external building assessment for bats was undertaken
at the Site on 1st March 2017. The survey was led by an experienced ecologist. The survey was
based on current best practice guidelines13.
2.12. An assessment of each building was made in terms of its suitability to support roosting bats. The
survey consisted of a visual inspection of the exterior of the building for evidence of bat use (e.g.
droppings, scratch marks, staining and sightings). A number of factors were considered, including
presence of features suitable for use by roosting bats, proximity to foraging habitats or cover and
potential for disturbance. Notes were made relating to relevant characteristics of features providing
potential access points and roosting opportunities for bats. Based on the findings of the external
inspections, a potential rating for the building to be used as a bat roost was assigned (rated as
negligible, low, moderate of high bat roost potential) or classified as a roost if evidence was
recorded.
Trees
2.13. As part of the preliminary roost inspection a ground based visual inspection of trees on the Site for
bat roost potential was undertaken in combination with the ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey,
guided by current best practice guidelines.
2.14. Binoculars were used to inspect the trees from the ground to the canopy to look for features
indicative of bat roosts. Signs of bat use such as droppings, staining from the fur or urine and
scratches around the entry points were also inspected where applicable.
2.15. Following the ground based visual inspections, the trees were scored according to the criteria set
out in Table 3, based on adapted current best practice guidelines, to determine their potential to
support roosting bats.
Table 3: Adapted Tree Assessment Guidelines
Assigned Bat Roosting Potential Description
Known or confirmed roost Evidence of roosting bats within the tree.
High Trees with multiple, highly suitable features capable of supporting roosts.
Moderate Trees with definite bat potential, supporting fewer suitable features than category ‘high’ trees.
13 Collins, J. (ed) (2016) Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edn). The Bat Conservation Trust, London. ISBN-13 978-1-872745-96-1
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Assigned Bat Roosting Potential Description
Low
Trees with no obvious potential, although the tree is of a size and age that aerial surveys may result in cracks or crevices being found; or the tree supports some features which may have limited potential to support bats.
Negligible Trees with no potential to support bat roosts.
Assessment
2.16. Data gathered as part of this PEA has been used to identify potential IEF’s (i.e. designated sites,
habitats and species as listed in Tables 1 and 2) that are anticipated to be affected by the
Development within the ZoI (up to 1km from the Site).
2.17. However, not all the IEFs within the ZoI have the potential to be significantly14 affected by the
Development, or the legislation pertaining to them to be contravened. Features have been scoped
out where:
They are unlikely to be affected by the Development;
No pathway of effect has been identified, for example the feature is sufficient distance from the
Site or there is the presence of a barrier between its location and the Site15; or
The feature is of insufficient biodiversity conservation value within the ZoI, due to its quality,
extent or population size16.
2.18. For all remaining features scoped into the assessment, the pathway of effect (e.g. habitat loss,
lighting, noise etc.) and potential impact of this on the feature have been identified.
Constraints and Limitations
2.19. Although the Site survey was conducted outside of the optimal season for Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
(April-September) when the majority of plant species are visible, the timing of the survey was
considered suitable given the urban context of the Site within its surroundings and the habitats it
supports. All plants were identified through their floristic (where possible) and vegetative
characteristics.
2.20. All other contractors, designers and the client should be aware of the following: The design
recommendations within this report are assessed to be the most effective ecological solution at this
initial stage of the project. No other pre-construction information has been provided, obtained or
referred to during the preparation of this report (including, but not limited to, services information,
geotechnical reports and ordnance reports). In deciding whether and how to progress with this
project, it will be incumbent upon the client, designers and contractors to obtain and refer to
relevant pre-construction and maintenance information, as required by the Construction (Design
14 Positive or negative effects on ecological features that have the potential to influence a planning decision are considered to be significant 15 Whilst the ZoI of potential effects arising from the development is up to 2km from the Site, the ecological ZoI (within which the feature could be affected) for each feature may vary and for some features may be much less, e.g. great crested newts generally move up to a maximum of 500m from a breeding pond and movement can be restricted by barriers such as busy roads and fast flowing rivers 16 Whilst the ZoI of potential effects arising from the development is up to 2km from the Site, the ecological ZoI (within which the feature could be affected) for each feature may vary and for some features may be much less, e.g. great crested newts generally move up to a maximum of 500m from a breeding pond and movement can be restricted by barriers such as busy roads and fast flowing rivers
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and Management) Regulations to ensure compliance. Waterman can assist with the development
and co-ordination of this design to support effective risk management on this project upon request.
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3. Results
Desk Study
Statutory Sites
3.1. The Site is not located within or adjacent to any statutory designated sites. Furthermore, no
statutory sites have been recorded within 1km of the Site.
Non-Statutory Sites
3.2. The Site is not located within any non-statutory designated sites. However, two non-statutory
designated sites are located within 1km of the Site: these are detailed in Table 4 below. It should
be noted that the distances provided below are taken from the central grid reference of the Site and
therefore are approximate.
Table 4: Summary of Desk Study Records of Non-statutory Designated Sites within 1km of the Site
Site Name Designation Distance from Site (km)
Description
Coed y Caeau
SINC 0.7km north east.
Coed y Caeau encompasses a ‘H’ shaped section of woodland located between residential and commercial areas. The woodland encloses Llanishen Brook on the north side and a separate smaller brook on the south side. Protected species recorded here include a variety of bat species.
Heath Wood and Pond
SINC 1km south east.
Heath Wood and Pond encompass a section of two combined parks; Heath Park and King George’s Field. The SINC comprises an area of semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, open parkland and a large pond. The area provides habitats for protected species such as a variety of bat species and the great crested newt.
Ancient Woodland
3.3. There is no Ancient Woodland recorded on or within 1km of the Site.
Protected, BAP and Other Notable Species
3.4. Records of legally protected or otherwise notable species of flora and fauna within 1km of the Site
were provided by SEWBRC. A summary of the most significant results are provided in Table 5
below. Full results can be obtained from the data providers but cannot be presented in this report
as a result of copyright. For some records, only a four figure grid reference has been provided by
SEWBRC and therefore ‘within 1km’ has been stated in Table 5. It should be noted that the
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distances provided in Table 5 below are taken from the central grid reference of the Site and
therefore are approximate.
Table 5: Summary of desk study records of flora and fauna within 1km of the Site
Species Category of Importance
Number of
Records
Date Range of Records
Distance from Site (km) of Nearest Record
Amphibians
Common toad
Bufo bufo
S7 6 2004-2008 0.371
Great crested newt Triturus cristatus
WCA (as amended), European
Protected species (EPS), S7
39 1990 - 2015
0.5
Badgers
None recorded
Bats
Common pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
WCA (as amended), EPS,
S7 4
2010 - 2011
0.861
Soprano pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pygmaeus
WCA (as amended), EPS,
S7 3 2010 0.749
Noctule bat
Nyctalus noctula
WCA (as amended), EPS,
S7 1 2010 0.749
Birds
House sparrow
Passer domesticus
S7 48 1970 - 2015
0.142
Dunnock
Prunella modularis
S7 23 2008 - 2015
0.142
Tree pipit
Anthus trivialis
LBAP, S7 10 1930s -
2010 1
Black redstart
Phoenicurus ochuros
S1 WCA (as amended)
7 1996 - 2015
0.963
Dormouse
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Species Category of Importance
Number of
Records
Date Range of Records
Distance from Site (km) of Nearest Record
None recorded
Hedgehog
West European hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
S7 25
2002 - 2016
0.189
Invertebrates
None recorded
Otters
None recorded
Reptiles
Common lizard
Zootoca vivipara
WCA (as amended);
LBAP, S7
5 1930 - 2005
0.2
Slow-worm
Angulis fragilis
WCA (as amended);
LBAP, S7
7 1930 - 2005
0.2
Grass snake
Natrix natrix
WCA (as amended);
LBAP, S7
3 1914 - 1995
0.2
Adder
Vipera berus
WCA (as amended);
LBAP, S7
3 1930 - 2005
1.0
Water Vole
None recorded
White-Clawed Crayfish
None recorded
Flora
Grape-hyacinth
Muscari neglectum
S7 1 1970 1.0
Invasive Species
None recorded
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Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Habitats
3.5. The following habitat types, described in more detail below, were identified on and directly adjacent
to the Site during the ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey:
Buildings;
Hardstanding;
Scattered scrub;
Species-poor semi-improved grassland;
Scattered trees;
Bare ground;
Fence; and
Wall.
3.6. The habitat descriptions given below should be read in conjunction with Figure 1 and the
photographs (Plates) presented in Appendix B.
Buildings
3.7. A total of seven buildings are present on Site. All buildings provide potential nesting habitat for
breeding birds and three of the buildings are assessed to have bat roosting potential. A description
of each building and details of their potential to support roosting bats can be found below in Table 6.
Table 6: Building descriptions and bat roosting potential
Building Number / Photograph
Building Description/construction
Potential bat access and roosting opportunities
Bat Roost Rating*
B1
(Appendix B; Plate 1 and 2)
A derelict two storey brick built building with a protruding single storey extension. The main building has no roof due to fire damage. The single storey extension has an intact flat felt roof. Windows surround the building and are either completely broken or boarded up. Wooden fascia surrounds the single storey extension.
Gaps under facia board on the south side of the single storey extension (TN1).
Low
B2
(Appendix B; Plate 3)
A derelict single storey building adjacent to B1. The building has a pitched corrugated aluminium roof. A large garage style entrance is present on the west side. Windows surround the building and are all fully broken. Aluminium facia surround the building and is in good condition.
None Negligible
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Building Number / Photograph
Building Description/construction
Potential bat access and roosting opportunities
Bat Roost Rating*
B3
(Appendix B; Plate 4)
A derelict single storey brick built factory building. The building has a pitched asbestos roof with large corrugated aluminium facia running down the flanks of the building. A large brick built façade with a garage like entrance is present on the east side. All windows are broken.
None Negligible
B4
(Appendix B; Plate 5, 6 and 7)
A large derelict factory building. The building has a roof comprising a multitude of felt topped pitched windows to allow light access. The roof is in bad condition with a large proportion of missing felt exposing the wood joists and waterproofing. Most building windows are broken. Aluminium facia board is present upon the roof and could not be fully viewed. The façade of the building is wooden clad. An old oil tank protrudes from the north west corner of the building (TN2).
Likely to present gaps under aluminium fascia board upon the roof (TN3); and
Gaps under lifted wood cladding upon the façade of the building (TN4).
Low
B5
(Appendix B; Plate 8)
A derelict single storey car wash. The building has a flat roof. The entire building is clad with flat aluminium sheeting. A garage style entrance is present at either side of the building. Both entrances are fully boarded up.
None Negligible
B6
(Appendix B; Plate 9)
A derelict single storey brick built storage building. The building has a flat concreate roof. No facia boards are present throughout. The building obtains a single door and no windows; the door is not attached.
None Negligible
B7
(Appendix B; Plate 10 and 11)
A derelict single storey brick built building. The building has a pitched tiled rood with flat roof peripheries. Wooden soffit boxes and fascia boards are present around the entire roof and are significantly dilapidated. All windows and doors are broken.
Gaps underneath lifted roof tiles on the south side of the building (TN5).
Damaged fascia and wood soffit boards provide access into the soffit box throughout (TN6).
Moderate
Hardstanding
3.8. Hardstanding is present surrounding the buildings (Appendix C; Plate 12), which would have provided
car and pedestrian access around the Site. This habitat lacks any ecological value.
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3.9. Present on the hardstanding within the south east of the Site is a small brick enclosed area containing
derelict fuel pumps (TN7). This feature lacks any ecological value.
Scattered Scrub
3.10. Scattered scrub is distributed sporadically throughout the Site. Specifically, scattered scrub is
mostly present around the edge of buildings, within areas of open substrate and through cracks
within the hardstanding (Appendix B; Plate 13). Notably, the scrub habitat has been left unmanaged
for a significant period and is becoming established. Buddleia Buddleja davidii dominates the scrub
habitat on Site and in most cases has grown to a large size. Other species recorded amongst the
scattered scrub include willow saplings Salix spp., ivy Hedera spp., and bramble Rubus fruiticosus.
This habitat represents a food source for common species of invertebrates. Furthermore, the
habitat provides suitable foraging habitat for bat species and nesting habitat for breeding birds.
Species-Poor Semi-Improved Grassland
3.11. Three areas of species-poor semi-improved grassland (Appendix B; Plate 14) are present on Site: a
linear section is present along the eastern boundary of the Site, parallel with Caerphilly Road; a
section is present in the south east of the Site; and a section is present to the west in between B1
and B2. Here, species recorded include perennial rye grass Lolium perenne, creeping buttercup
Ranunculus repens, cocks foot Dactylus glomerata, common dandelion Taraxacum officinale,
ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius and common cats ear
Hypochaeris radicata. Due the small size of this habitat and its fragmentation from further valuable
habitat it is considered to lack any ecological value.
3.12. Located within the grassland between B1 and B2 is an old oil tank (TN8) and a shipping container
(TN9) filled with domestic waste. Both features lack any ecological value.
Scattered Trees
3.13. An area of scattered trees is present within the species-poor semi-improved grassland located in
the south east of the Site. The trees vary in age from sapling to semi-mature and are in fair to good
condition. Here, species recorded include Leyland cypress Cupressus leylandii, willow Salix spp.,
spruce Picea spp., English oak Quercus robur, silver birch Betula pendula, and ash Fraxinus
excelsior. All trees, with the exception of saplings, provide suitable nesting opportunities for nesting
bird species. No trees on Site contain features suitable to support roosting bats.
Bare Ground
3.14. Areas of bare ground that have not yet been colonized by scrub plants are present: in the north
west of the site adjacent to B2 and B3; and within the south east of the Site. Furthermore, a strip of
bare ground is present under the façade of B4. This habitat lacks any ecological value.
3.15. Present amongst the bare ground adjacent to B4 (TN10) are large rubble piles (Appendix C; Plate
15). These rubble piles are isolated from any significant green space and are thus not considered
to offer suitable hibernaculum habitat for any protected and/or notable species and thus lack any
ecological value.
3.16. An electricity substation (TN11) is present adjacent to the bare ground located in the south east of
the site. This feature lacks any ecological value.
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Fence
3.17. Fencing encloses sections of the Site. This habitat lacks any ecological value.
Wall
3.18. Walls enclose sections of the Site. This habitat lacks any ecological value.
Protected, BAP and other Notable Fauna
3.19. As a result of the ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey and a review of the ecological desk study an
assessment is made below on the potential of the Site to support:
Bats;
Birds;
Invertebrates; and
Reptiles.
3.20. The fauna descriptions provided below should be read in conjunction with Figure 1 and the
photographs (Plates) presented in Appendix B.
Bats
3.21. The 2017 desk study returned a total of 3 bat species present within 1km of the Site, the nearest of
which is of a common pipistrelle 0.7km from the Site.
3.22. Three buildings on Site are considered to provide potential to support roosting bats. Buildings B1
and B4 are considered to offer low bat roosting potential and building B7 is considered to offer
moderate bat roosting potential. The remainder of the buildings are considered to be of negligible
bat roosting potential. For details of each building and their suitable features, see Table 6 above.
3.23. All trees on Site are considered to provide negligible bat roosting potential. This is due to their lack
of maturity or desirable features such as rot holes, branch wounds and linear faults. Furthermore,
the trees are not considered to offer significant commuting or foraging habitat.
Birds
3.24. Numerous records for common bird species within 1km of the Site were returned from the ecological
data search.
3.25. Species of bird recorded on Site during the ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey included: feral pigeon
Columba livia domestica, blackbird Turdus merula and blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus. Such species
are considered common and widespread.
3.26. The Site offers foraging and nesting habitat for a wide range of common bird species in the form of
buildings, scattered trees and scattered scrub. However, foraging and nesting potential is common
and widespread in the wider area.
Invertebrates
3.27. No records of any protected and/or notable invertebrate species were returned within 1km of the site.
3.28. Due to the species composition and diversity on Site, habitats present are not considered suitable to
support any protected and/or notable invertebrate species. However, the scattered scrub and trees
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present on Site provide opportunities for common species of invertebrates. Common invertebrate
species may provide a food resource for protected and/notable species that may be present on Site.
Reptiles
3.29. Although potentially suitable habitat is present on Site in the form of hibernaculum (rubble piles) and
species-poor semi-improved grassland, the habitats are considered to be isolated from further
appropriate habitat consequently fragmenting the area. As such, habitats present on site are not
considered suitable to support reptiles.
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4. Assessment
4.1. The IEF’s that are anticipated to be affected by the Development (based on the results of the PEA
and the Development plans received to date) are listed in Table 7 below. The table also details the
pathway of the effect and any requirement for further ecological assessments.
Table 7: Important Ecological Features Anticipated to be Affected by the Development
Potential Important Ecological Feature
Category of Importance
Rationale Potential Effect Pathway
Requirement of Further Ecological Assessment
Bats EPS
Buildings have been identified with moderate and low potential to support roosting bats.
Potential destruction of bat roosts. Killing or injury of bats present in the roosts during building demolition.
Buildings with moderate potential require two separate survey visits: a single dusk emergence survey and separate dawn re-entry survey.
Buildings with low potential require a single survey visit; either a dawn or dusk survey.
Birds WCA
Presence of suitable breeding
habitat for common species.
Killing or injury of birds whilst nesting and
destroying active nests during Site
clearance activities
None
4.2. All other ecological features identified through the PEA, have been scoped out of further
assessment because either: the population or area likely to be affected by the Development is of
insufficient size or diversity to be of ecological value; no potential effect pathway between the
Development and these features has been identified; and/or contravention of the legislation relating
to the feature is unlikely to occur. The rationale for scoping out features is provided in Table 8
below.
Table 8: Ecological Features Scoped out of the Assessment
Ecological Feature
Rational
Designated Sites
No pathway of direct effect given distance from Site. Indirect effects also unlikely to occur based on scale of proposed works and intervening built up areas.
4.3. On Site
habitats
4.4. Habitat types commonly found locally and nationally and are unlikely to support rare
or notable species.
Invertebrates The habitat assemblage present on Site is not considered suitable to support protected and/or notable invertebrate species.
Reptiles Given its isolation and poor habitat composition, the Site is considered unsuitable to support any species of reptile.
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5. Recommendations
5.1. The PEA has identified IEF’s anticipated to be affected by the Development (based on plans received
to date) that could result in ecological impact. The requirement for further ecological assessments
has been highlighted within Table 7 and a detailed scope is provided below.
5.2. To minimise or avoid any significant ecological effects and inform the emerging scheme design,
ecological mitigation and compensation measures have been provided. In addition, ecological
enhancement measures are also recommended.
5.3. Upon scheme fix and based on the results of the further assessments recommended below, the
mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures will need to be confirmed/finalised in the EcIA
and other reports as required.
Habitats
5.4. The habitats on Site and those within the ZoI that could be significantly affected by the
Development include buildings with bat roost potential; and buildings, scattered scrub and
scattered trees providing bird nesting opportunities. No other habitats are assessed to require
further work. Mitigation for these features is suggested in the ‘Protected and Notable Fauna’
section below.
5.5. To conserve and increase the ecological value of habitats at the Site the following compensation
and enhancements measures in line with planning policy requirements should be considered as
part of the Development:
The Development proposals should enhance biodiversity on Site to comply with Local Planning
Policy. This could be achieved by:
- The use of native species or species of benefit to wildlife within any proposed landscape
scheme to provide foraging opportunities for birds, bats, invertebrates and other fauna is
recommended to enhance the Site for wildlife;
- Additional habitat could be created above ground level utilising roof top space such as the
provision of living roofs. For example, brown roofs could be provided with a gravel substrate
and allowed to self-seed with ruderal/ephemeral species. Green roofs could also be provided
by creating grassland on roofs by sowing sedum and hardy plant species in shallow low-
nutrient soils. This would potentially provide a food source for invertebrates on which, in turn
other invertebrates and birds and bats may feed. They can also provide breeding and
nesting habitat for invertebrates and birds (including the house sparrow, a SoPI) and
green/brown roofs are ideal for including bird boxes on (see bird section below). Brown
roofs would also provide a suitable foraging for black redstarts (S7) which would replace the
potential foraging habitat lost as part of the Development, and nest box provision for this
species could also be provided on overlooking vertical structures; and
- Artificial habitats for bats, bird and invertebrates are also recommended (see fauna section
below) to enhance the Site for these species group;
Where new landscaping is to be undertaken as part of the Development proposals horticultural
practice should include the use of peat-free composts, mulches and soil conditioners. The use
of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and slug pellets) will be discouraged to
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prevent fatal effects on the food chain particularly invertebrates, birds and/or mammals. Any
pesticides used should be non-residual.
Protected and Notable Fauna
5.6. Protected and notable fauna on Site and within the ZoI that could be significantly affected by the
Development include bats and birds, pending on the results of the recommended further
assessments.
5.7. It is recommended that mitigation in the form of protection measures are adhered to during the
construction phase of the Development. These measures would ensure legal compliance and that
good practice is adopted. The measures could be documented within a Construction
Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and include;
The protection of retained trees. Any trees to be retained should be appropriately protected in
accordance with BS 5837:2012 - “Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction –
Recommendations”; and
Timing constraints associated with Site clearance works including the removal of habitats with
the potential to support nesting birds as detailed below.
Bats
5.8. Three buildings on Site have been assessed to be of bat roosting potential: B7 (moderate) and B1
and B4 (low). In line with best practice guidelines further survey effort in the form of dusk/dawn
surveys are required. Details of the survey effort are detailed below:
Buildings with moderate bat roosting potential (B7):
Two separate survey visits; one dusk emergence survey and a separate dawn re-entry survey.
Buildings with low bat roosting potential (B1 & B4):
A single survey visit; either a dusk emergence or a dawn re-entry survey.
5.9. The above surveys should be carried out to determine the presence/likely absence of roosting bats.
Surveys should look to be undertaken during the optimal time for this type of survey (May –
August/September).
5.10. No trees on Site were assessed as having bat roosting potential.
5.11. If bats are found utilising the above buildings, survey effort would need to be increased to gain an
understanding of the bat roost present, and to provide sufficient information for a Natural England
(NE) European Protected Species (EPS) Development Licence.
5.12. In line with guidance17 enhancement of the Site for bats could be provided. The provision of the
habitat enhancements as detailed above and the provision of roosting habitat in the form of bat
boxes could be included within the final design. The number and type of boxes would be informed
by the results of the further bat surveys detailed above, together with consultation between the
project ecologist and architect.
5.13. In addition, a wildlife sensitive lighting strategy should look to be adopted across the Site to prevent
any unnecessary spill on future roosting habitats and commuting habitats.
17 TAN5 Welsh Assembly Government, 2009. Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning.
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Birds
5.14. The habitats at the Site including buildings, scrub and trees are considered unlikely to support any
large populations of birds, although there are opportunities on Site to support common species of
breeding birds. As such the following mitigation measure is recommended:
In order to prevent the contravention of legislation, as detailed within Appendix A, should any
habitats of value to nesting birds require removal to facilitate the Development this will be
undertaken outside of the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive). However, if works
cannot be undertaken outside the breeding bird season, an ecologist will inspect any vegetation
/ building to be removed. An experienced ecologist will be deployed to carry out an inspection
at least within 24 hours prior to the clearance. If an occupied nest is detected, an appropriate
buffer zone will be created around the nest, and clearance of this area delayed until the young
have fledged.
5.15. Opportunities to compensate for the loss of habitats of value to birds and enhance the Site for birds
should be incorporated into the design of the Development to increase the value of the Site for bird
species. It is recommended that artificial nest sites are targeted at SoPI species and LBAP species
(SAPs). The following bird boxes are recommended:
‘Schwegler Starling Next Box 3S’ – This nest box has been designed with a large, deep cavity
and 45mm entrance hole to attract starlings. Can be installed on mature trees or buildings. As
well as starlings, this nest box is suitable for woodpecker species. The bird boxes should be
placed at least 3m above ground level to prevent vandalism and face east or west;
‘Schwegler Sparrow Terrace 1SP’ – Suitable for house sparrows and tree sparrows. The nest
box contains three separate nesting cavities. Three terraces should be included as sparrows
are communal breeders. The boxes can be installed on buildings either affixed to the exterior
wall or incorporated into the wall. The bird boxes should be placed at least 3m above ground
level to prevent vandalism and face east or west; and
‘Schwegler Nest Box 1B’ – Available with a range of entrance hole sizes. Suitable for many bird
species including tits, sparrows and redstarts. Can be installed on mature trees or buildings.
The bird boxes should be placed at least 3m above ground level to prevent vandalism and face
east or west.
5.16. The use of native plant species as recommended above would provide additional foraging habitat
for local bird species.
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6. Conclusions
6.1. Following the tasks undertaken as part of this PEA, it is assessed that further ecological
assessments would be required to assess if any IEF’s are present within the identified Zone of
Influence (ZoI) and if any significant ecological effects would occur as a result of the Development.
As such it is not yet possible to determine if a separate EcIA is required to support the planning
application.
6.2. IEF’s within the ZoI that are anticipated to be affected by the Development include potential for
roosting bats.
6.3. It is determined that further ecological assessments as detailed in Table 9 below would be required
to inform the emerging scheme design and when finalised support the production of an EcIA. The
Development has been determined to be a non EIA development/EIA development, as such the
EcIA will be a standalone document/presented as a chapter within the EIA process.
Table 9: Summary of Recommended/Required Additional Ecological Assessments
6.4. To ensure legal compliance and ensure good practice measures are adopted during the
construction phase of the Development, recommendations have been made within this report with
regards to the Site preparation and construction phases of the proposed Development. To inform
the emerging scheme design, ecological mitigation and compensation measures have been
provided based on current knowledge of the Site. In addition, ecological enhancement measures
are also recommended. Upon scheme fix and based on the results of the further assessments
recommended above, the mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures will need to be
confirmed/finalised in the EcIA and other reports as required .
6.5. It should be noted that this PEA is relevant to the legislation detailed in Section 2 and Appendix A
at the time of writing. If there are any changes to legislation prior to the Development being
completed, the advice within this PEA may require amending / updating in line with any legislative
updates.
6.6. If there is a significant period of time (most LPAs consider this period to be to 18 months) between
this PEA and the Development commencing, the ecological value of the Site may change and the
Site should therefore be subject to an update survey.
Species Survey Timing
Bats
Dusk emergence/pre-dawn re-entry surveys on buildings B1 and B4 (single survey visit) and B7 (two survey visits).
May to August/Sept inclusive.
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FIGURES
Figure 1: 'Extended' Phase 1 Habitat Survey Features Plan (WIE12626-100-GR-EC-1A)
Project Details
Figure Ref
Date
Figure Title
File Location
Figure 1: ‘Extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey Features Plan
\\s-bl\wiel\projects\wie12626\100\graphics\ec\issued figures
WIE12626-100_GR_EC_1A
March 2017
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www.watermangroup.comReproduced from the Ordnance Survey maps with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,© Crown copyright, Waterman Infrastructure & Environment, Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, London SE1 9DG. Licence number LAN1000628.
© WATERMAN INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT
Target Note
Gaps Under Fascia Board
Oil Tank
Roof Top Fascia
Lifted Wood Cladding
Gaps Under Roof Tiles
Derelict Fuel Pumps
Oil Tank
Shipping Container
Rubble Pile
Electricity Sub-Station
Damaged Soffit Box
Scattered Tree
Wall
Site Boundary
Hardstanding
Building Species-PoorSemi-Improved Grassland
Bare Ground
Fence
SI
SI SI
SI
Scattered Scrub
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xxxx x x xxx
xx
xx xxxxxxxx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
x xxxxxxx
x x xx xx
x xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx x x x x x x x
x
x
xxx
xxx
xxxxxx
x xxxx
xxxxxxx
x x x x x x x x
xxx
8
1
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
6
114
1
3
10 6
B3
B2
B1
B4
B5B7
B6
5
7
9
2
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APPENDICES
A. Summarised Flora and Fauna Legislation
Legislation
Specific habitats and species receive legal protection in Wales under various pieces of legislation,
including:
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended)18;
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)19;
The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 200020;
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 200621;
The Hedgerow Regulations 199722;
The Protection of Badgers Act 199223; and
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 199624
National Planning Policy
Planning Policy Wales, 2014
National planning policy guidance is set out within Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 7th Edition25.
Chapter 5 (Conserving and Improving Natural Heritage and the Coast) of PPW is of relevance to this
report.
The Welsh Government’s objectives for the conservation and improvement of the natural heritage
are to:
“promote the conservation of landscape and biodiversity, in particular the conservation of native
wildlife and habitats;
ensure that action in Wales contributes to meeting international responsibilities and obligations
for the natural environment;
ensure that statutorily designated sites are properly protected and managed;
safeguard protected species; and
promote the functions and benefits of soils, and in particular their function as a carbon store.”
Of relevance to this PEA, paragraph 5.5.11 states the following with regards to protected species
“An ecological survey to confirm whether a protected species is present and an assessment of the
likely impact of the development on a protected species may be required in order to inform the
planning decision.”
18 HMSO (2010) The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended).
19 HMSO (1981) ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)’ 20 HMSO (2000) ‘The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act’ 21 ODPM (2006) ‘Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006)’ 22 ODPM (1997) ‘The Hedgerow Regulations’ 23 ODPM (1992) ‘The Protection of Badgers Act’ 24 HMSO. (1996). Wild Mammals (Protection) Act. 25 Welsh Government, 2014. Planning Policy Wales. Edition 7.
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Consequently, biodiversity considerations should be taken into account at an early stage in
development proposals and the effect of development upon wildlife, and in particular protected
species, is a material consideration in determining planning applications.
Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning26 (TAN 5) provides additional detail to
PPW in terms of how the land use planning system should contribute towards protecting and
enhancing biodiversity and minimising harm to nature conservation interests. Protecting wildlife in
the environment, with appropriate weight attached to priority habitats and species, is identified as an
important factor in the evaluation of planning application submissions.
TAN 5 identifies that planning application submissions should identify measures to avoid, mitigate or
compensate for potential adverse effects on nature conservation interests and should include
appropriate technical reports which provide further detail on the ecological interests of a site.
Environment (Wales) Act 2016
The Environment (Wales) Act puts in place the legislation needed to plan and manage Wales’ natural
resources in a more proactive, sustainable and joined-up way. A new biodiversity duty included in
the Act helps to reverse the decline and secure the long-term resilience of biodiversity in Wales.
Part 1 of the Environment Act sets out Wales' approach to planning and managing natural resources
at a national and local level with a general purpose linked to statutory 'principles of sustainable
management of natural resources' defined within the Act.
Section 6 - Biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems duty, places a duty on public authorities to
‘seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity’ so far as it is consistent with the proper exercise of
those functions. In so doing, public authorities must also seek to ‘promote the resilience of
ecosystems’. The duty replaces the section 40 duty in the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act 2006), in relation to Wales, and applies to those authorities that
fell within the previous duty. Public authorities will be required to report on the actions they are
taking to improve biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience.
Section 7 - Biodiversity lists and duty to take steps to maintain and enhance biodiversity: this
section replaces the duty in section 42 of the NERC Act 2006. The Welsh Ministers will publish,
review and revise lists of living organisms and types of habitat in Wales, which they consider are of
key significance to sustain and improve biodiversity in relation to Wales. The Welsh Ministers must
also take all reasonable steps to maintain and enhance the living organisms and types of habitat
included in any list published under this section, and encourage others to take such steps. Part 1 of
the Act, including Sections 6 and 7, came into force on May 21, 2016.
Environment Strategy for Wales
The Environment Strategy for Wales27 (ESW) provides the framework for the Welsh Assembly
Government and its partners to protect and enhance the environment in Wales. The ESW states the
following priorities which are of relevance to this PEA:
“Conserve and enhance our biodiversity, while respecting the dynamics of nature; and
Conserve and enhance our land and sea, our built environment, our natural resources and
heritage, developing and using them in a sustainable and equitable way and for the long term
benefit of the people of Wales.“
26 Welsh Assembly Government, 2009. Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning. 27 Welsh Assembly Government (2006). Environment Strategy for Wales.
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Local Planning Policy
The Cardiff Local Development Plan (2016-2026)
The Cardiff Local Development Plan (CLDP) is the current development plan for Cardiff28. The
CLDP provides a guide for development and land use across the City. The document was adopted
in 2016 and provides development guidance up to 2026.
At present, an interim version of the CLDP has been adopted. As such, document amendments are
imminent. Within the current interim document, the CLDP contains policies related to biodiversity
and are thus of relevance to this report.
Policy EN6: Ecological Networks and Features of Importance for Biodiversity states:
“Development will only be permitted if it does not cause unacceptable harm to:
Landscape features of importance for wild flora and fauna, including wildlife corridors and
‘stepping stones; which enable the dispersal and functioning of protected and priority species;
and
Networks of importance for landscape or nature conservation.
Particular priority will be given to the protection, enlargement, connectivity and management of the
overall nature of semi natural habitats. Where this is not the case and the need for the
development outweighs the nature conservation importance of the site, it should be demonstrated
that there is no satisfactory alternative location for the development and compensatory provision
will be made of comparable ecological value to that lost as a result of the development”.
Biodiversity Action Plans
UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework
The Environment Departments of all four governments in the UK work together through the Four
Countries Biodiversity Group. Together they have agreed, and Ministers have signed, a framework
of priorities for UK-level work for the Convention on Biological Diversity. Published on 17 July
2012, the 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework'29 covers the period from 2011 to 2020. This now
supersedes the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP)30. However, many of the tools developed
under UK BAP remain of use, for example, background information about the lists of priority
habitats and species. The lists of priority species and habitats agreed under UK BAP still form the
basis of much biodiversity work in the countries.
Although the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework does not confer any statutory legal protection,
in practice many of the species listed already receive statutory legal protection under UK and / or
European legislation. In addition, the majority of Priority national (Welsh) BAP habitats and species
are now those listed as Habitats of Principal Importance (HoPI) and Species of Principal
Importance (SoPI) in England listed under Section 42 (S42) of the NERC Act 2006. For the
purpose of this report, habitats and species listed under S42 of the NERC Act are referred to as
having superseded the UK BAP. All public bodies have a legal obligation or ‘biodiversity duty’
under Section 40 of the NERC Act 2006 to conserve biodiversity by having particular regard to
those species and habitats listed under S42.
28 Cardiff Council. (2006). Cardiff Local Development Plan. Accessed 070316: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Planning/Local-Development-Plan/What-is-the-Local-Development-Plan/Pages/What-is-the-LDP.aspx 29 JNCC and DEFRA (on behalf of the Four Countries’ Biodiversity Group). (2012). UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. 30 HMSO. (1994) Biodiversity The UK Action Plan.
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Based on the results of the PEA the following HoPIs and SoPIs listed under S42 are considered to
be of potential value on and/or immediately adjacent to the Site:
Bats (SoPI); and
Buildings (HoPI).
Local Biodiversity Action Plan
At a local level, the Site is covered by the Cardiff Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). This document
identifies habitats and species of importance locally and contains local targets relevant for planning
and mitigation within Wiltshire.
Based on the results of the PEA, LBAP priority species (SAPs) are considered to be of potential
value on and/or immediately adjacent to the Site, including:
Bats (all species; SAP).
Guidance
BS 42020: 2013 Biodiversity: Code of Practice for Planning and Development
The UK commitment to halt overall loss of biodiversity by 2020 in line with the European
Biodiversity Strategy and UN Aichi targets31, is passed down to local authorities to implement,
mainly through planning policy. To assist organizations affected by these commitments, BSI has
published BS 42020 which offers a coherent methodology for biodiversity management.
This British Standard sets out to assist those concerned with ecological issues as they arise
through the planning process in matters relating to permitted development and activities involved in
the management of land outside the scope of land use planning, which could have site-specific
ecological implications.
The standard has been produced with input from a number of organisations including the
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and the Association of
Local Government Ecologists (ALGE) and provides:
Guidance on how to produce clear and concise ecological information to accompany planning
applications;
recommendations on professional ethics, conduct, competence and judgement to give
confidence that proposals for biodiversity conservation, and consequent decisions/actions
taken, are sound and appropriate; and
direction on effective decision-making in biodiversity management a framework to demonstrate
how biodiversity has been managed during the development process to minimize impact.
31 https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/
Appendices Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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B. Photographs
Plate 1 –B1.
Plate 2 – Gaps underneath lifted fascia upon south side of B1.
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Plate 3 – B2.
Plate 4 – B3.
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Plate 5 – East facing flank of B4 showing multitude of pitched light wells.
Plate 6 – East facing flank of B4. Note aluminium fascia running along the top of roof windows.
Appendices Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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Plate 7 – South facing façade of B4. Note dilapidated wood cladding.
Plate 8 – B5.
Appendices Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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Plate 9 – B6.
Plate 10 – East side of B7. Note dilapidated soffit box and fascia.
Appendices Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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Plate 11– South side of B7. Note slate tiled roof.
Plate 12 – Hardstanding present on Site.
Appendices Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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Plate 13 – Buddleia dominated scattered scrub.
Plate 14 – Species-poor semi-improved grassland present on Site.
Appendices Aldi, Caerphilly Road, Cardiff
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Plate 15 – Large rubble pile present adjacent to B4.