Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham 0042...Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY...

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Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY REPORT Issue 3 September 2013

Transcript of Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham 0042...Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY...

Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham

EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY REPORT

Issue 3

September 2013

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd.

Baxi Heating UK Site, Padiham

EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY REPORT

Issue 3

September 2013

SKM Enviros Newminster House 27-29 Baldwin Street Bristol BS1 1LT Tel: +44 (0)117 917 0800 Web: www.skmenviros.com

COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd constitutes an infringement of copyright.

LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd’s Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd and its Client. Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Report

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Contents

1. Introduction 3

1.1. Introduction 3

1.2. Project Background 3

1.3. Site Description 3

1.4. Objectives 3

2. Methodology 4

2.1. Desk Study 4

2.2. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 5

3. Results 7

3.1. Desk Study 7

3.2. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 12

3.3. Fauna 14

4. Potential Constraints and Recommendations for Further Surveys 20

4.1. Designated Sites 20

4.2. Habitats 20

4.3. Invasives 20

4.4. Amphibians 20

4.5. Reptiles 22

4.6. Otter and Water Vole 23

4.7. Badger 24

4.8. Bats 24

4.9. Birds 25

5. Opportunities for Biodiversity Enhancement 26

Figures

Figure 1: Site Plan

Figure 2: Phase 1 habitat map

Appendix 1 – Target Notes

Appendix 2 – Plates

Appendix 3 – HSI Results

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Document history and status

Revision Date issued Reviewed by Approved by Date approved Revision type

Draft 1 PC PC 04.06.13 First Issue

V2 30.09.13 SF Second Issue

V3 23.10.13 SF Third Issue

Distribution of copies

Revision Copy no Quantity Issued to

V1 1 1 Client

V2 1 1 Client

V3 1 1 Client

Printed: 23 October 2013

Last saved: 23 October 2013 03:42 PM

File name:

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Author: S Fraser

Project manager: Nigel Robson

Name of organisation: Baxi Heating UK

Name of project: Baxi Padiham Site Redevelopment

Name of document: Extended Phase 1 Survey Habitat Report

Document version: Issue 2

Project number: VN50248

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1. Introduction

1.1. Introduction

SKM Enviros was commissioned in May 2013 by Baxi Heating Limited (BHL) to carry out an

extended Phase 1 habitat survey of land at Wyre Street, Padiham, Burnley, Lancashire

(approximate centre of the site located at SD800341).

1.2. Project Background

This work has been commissioned to support an outline planning application for approximately

300 residential units on land owned by Baxi.

1.3. Site Description

The site is situated approximately 0.4 kilometres (km) to the east of Padiham town centre, which

lies some 4km to the northwest of Burnley in Lancashire. The site is located in a semi-rural area.

To the north and east of the site lies predominantly agricultural land; residential, commercial and

industrial development are present to the south and west. The River Calder runs along the southern

boundary of the site.

The site is currently underused by BHL and extends to approximately 16 hectares (ha). The

existing BHL site is divided broadly in to four areas (see Figure 1):

1. Land occupied by the main BHL factory (approximately 6.9ha);

2. Land occupied by Rapid IT Parts (approximately 0.2ha) and Craggs Energy Oil Depot

(approximately 0.5ha);

3. Open space located to the north of the factory (1.2ha); and

4. Agricultural land located to the east of the factory (7ha).

The current proposals for the site involve the development of areas 1-3 for housing and the

retention of area 4 as grassland..

1.4. Objectives

The objective of the survey was to establish the baseline ecological conditions on site and within

the immediate vicinity, including its potential to support important habitats and notable/protected

species and to highlight potential ecological constraints to the proposed development.

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2. Methodology

2.1. Desk Study

A baseline biodiversity search was obtained from the Lancashire Environmental Records Network

(LERN) for the site plus a radius of 2km from the centre of the site. The search data included:

Biological Heritage Sites (BHS) - The principal non-statutory local wildlife sites in

Lancashire.

Lancashire BAP Long List species records*

District-level local wildlife sites where present (boundary and summary site details only).

* Those species which occur in Lancashire and are of significance according to the criteria listed

below:

1. UK Priority:

Species which are identified as a UK BAP Priority Species (in the 2007 review) and occur in

Lancashire .

Species which are identified for inclusion in the IUCN threatened groups (critically

endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened) and occur in Lancashire .

2. Lancashire BAP species:

Species which were identified in the 2001 Lancs BAP, and in later additions, for which SAP's

already exist.

3. Nationally scarce species:

Species recorded from Lancashire which are known or estimated to occur in fewer than 100

hectads nationally

4. Local decline

A declining equal to or greater than 25 % in species numbers or range in BAP area over

previous 25 years.

5. Local rarity or scarcity

Species currently occurring in equal to or less than 35 (4.0%) tetrads in the BAP area.

Species currently occurring in equal to or less than 6 (0.6%) tetrads in the BAP area ( Birds

only )

6. Local extinction:

Species recorded from Lancashire in the past 50 years but not found recently.

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7. International importance:

Species deemed to have internationally important numbers in the BAP area.

In addition to data obtained from LERN, Peter Hornby, a local naturalist who regularly visits Area

4 to survey for wintering snipe, was conducted for general records of the site

A search was also carried out via the Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside

(MAGIC) website1 for statutory sites of nature conservation within a 2km radius of the site.

2.2. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

2.2.1. Habitats / Vegetation

An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was carried out in accordance with standard JNCC

methodology2 on 13

th May 2013 by Senior Ecologist Dr Sally Fraser (CEnv, MCIEEM). May is

considered to be within the optimum time period for a Phase 1 habitat survey. All habitats greater

than 0.1ha were mapped in accordance with the Phase 1 habitat definitions.

During the survey non-native invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica, giant

hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum and Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera were also

searched for. Additionally, surrounding habitats were inspected where access was possible, and

local maps were used to identify features of potential interest nearby, such as ponds within 500m of

the site.

2.2.2. Fauna

In conjunction with the habitat survey, the potential for the survey area to support any legally

protected faunal species and/or other faunal species of nature conservation importance, e.g. Section

41 species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England (Natural

Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006) or Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan

(BAP) species was assessed.

1 http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx

2 Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A Technique for Environmental

Audit, revised reprint. JNCC, Peterborough.

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A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), developed by Oldham et al. (2000)3 was used to measure the

suitability of water bodies, both on site and within 500m of the site boundary where access was

possible, to support great crested newt (GCN) Triturus cristatus. HSI assessment is a method by

which biotic and abiotic criteria are collected and used together to predict the likely presence of

breeding GCN in a water body.

The site and the buildings on site have been assessed for their likely to value to bats based on

Tables 4.2 and 8.2 of the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT), Bat Surveys, Good Practice Guidelines4.

Table 4.2 assess’ the value of potential development sites for bats based on the occurrence of

habitat features within the landscape and the likelihood of bats being present. Table 8.2 identifies

features of buildings and built structures that are correlated with their use by bats in summer.

Detailed faunal surveys were not undertaken at this time, rather the potential for the site to support

each species / species group was assessed based on the known range of each species /species group

and the suitability of the habitats within the site. In addition, field signs or sightings of such species

were recorded as seen.

3 Oldham R. S. , J. Keeble, M. J. S Swan and M. Jeffcote (2000) Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the great crested

newt (Triturus cristatus) Herpetological Journal Vol. 10pp 143-155.

4 Hundt L (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, 2

nd Edition, Bat Conservation Trust.

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3. Results

3.1. Desk Study

3.1.1. Designated sites

The only statutory designated site identified within 2km of the site is the Lowerhouse Lodges,

Local Nature Reserve (LNR) located c 1.1km to the south. LNRs are designated by district or

county councils for people and wildlife. To achieve LNR status a site must be of importance for

wildlife, geology, education and or public enjoyment. The Lowerhouse Lodges site is managed for

wildlife and angling. There are no other nationally or internationally designated sites within 5km of

the site.

No District Level Local Wildlife Sites were identified within 2km of the site.

There are 10 non-statutory Biological Heritage Sites (BHS) within 2km of the site with the nearest

being located c.850m from the site. The details of these sites are given below in Table 1.

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Table 1 Biological Heritage Sites within 2km of the site

Site Name Grid Ref Size Approximate distance and direction from site

Reasons for designation

Whitaker Clough SD803352 7.22ha 850m north-east Mosaic habitats – species-rich grassland, woodland and scrub

Huntroyde Demesne

SD785346 206.3ha 1km north-west Broadleaved woodland, parkland and scattered trees, butterflies and moths

Lower House Lodges

SD807325 7.67ha 1.1ha Mosaic habitats – open water, marginal vegetation, grassland, tall herb, swamp, scrub and woodland.

Fir Trees Brook Pasture

SD804355 6.09ha 1.2km north-east Species rich grassland and fungi

Pollard Moor, Hapton Common and Bentley Wood Green

SD794323 20.77ha 1.2km south-west Mosaic habitats – neutral grassland, acid grassland, modified bog, flushes and scattered scrub and trees

Hagg Wood SD817346 5.67ha 1.3km east Semi-natural ancient woodland

West Close Clough & Upper Fir Trees Brook

SD806357 4.85ha 1.5km north-east Semi-natural ancient woodland

Lower Dean Pasture

SD781340 2ha 1.7km west None given

Shuttleworth Wood SD789325 3.82ha 1.7km south-west Semi-natural ancient woodland

Lower Dean Wood SD781338 3.92ha 1.7km west Plantation woodland on ancient woodland site

3.1.2. Protected and notable species

A summary of the protected and notable species records provided by LERN within a 2km radius of

the site is provided below in Table 2. None of these records are from within the site itself. Where

relevant, species records are discussed in more detail in relation to specific fauna below in Section

3.3.

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Table 2 Protected and notable species records provided by LERN within 2km of the site

Common Name Scientific name Status5

Fungi

Pink Waxcap Hygrocybe calyptraeformis LBAPL

Mosses and Liverworts

Bristly Fringe-moss Racomitrium heterostichum LBAPL

Dotted Thyme-moss Rhizomnium punctatum LBAPL

Inflated Notchwort Gymnocolea inflata NS

Overleaf Pellia Pellia epiphylla NS

Flowering Plants

Bird's-eye Primrose Primula farinosa IUCN Vulnerable

Corn Spurrey Spergula arvensis IUCN Vulnerable

Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea IUCN Extinct

Large Bitter-cress Cardamine amara IUCN Rare

Spring Crocus subsp. vernus Crocus vernus subsp. vernus IUCN Rare

Slender Rush Juncus tenuis IUCN Rare

Eastern Rocket Sisymbrium orientale IUCN Vulnerable

Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus LBAPL

Narrow-Leaved Water-Plantain Alisma lanceolatum LBAPL

Great Pond-Sedge Carex riparia LBAPL

Lily of The Valley Convallaria majalis LBAPL

Sea-Kale Crambe maritima LBAPL

Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae LBAPL

Dittander Lepidium latifolium LBAPL

Yellow Bartsia Parentucellia viscosa LBAPL

Black Poplar Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia LBAPL

Heath Dog-Violet Viola canina LBAPL

5 IUCN – IUCN (2001) Red list of threatened species (Critically endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable),

NERC – Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Species of Principle Importance in

England, LBAPL – Lancashire BAP Long List Species, UK BAP, WCA – Wildlife and Countryside Act

1981 (as amended), EPS – European Protected Species, BPS – Bird population status (red or amber), NS –

Nationally scarce, NR – Nationally rare, NN - Nationally notable.

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Common Name Scientific name Status5

A Hawkweed Hieracium acuminatum NR

Welsh Poppy Meconopsis cambrica NS

Small Pondweed Potamogeton berchtoldii LBAPL

Insects

White Letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album NERC, NN, LBAPL

Wall Lasiommata megera NERC

Dusky Brocade Apamea remissa NERC

Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi NERC

Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata NERC

Rosy Minor Mesoligia literosa NERC

Shaded Broad-bar Scotopteryx chenopodiata NERC

Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae NERC

Sallow Xanthia icteritia NERC

Broad-Bodied Chaser Libellula depressa LBAPL

A water beetle Nebrioporus depressus NN

Bony Fish

Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar NERC, LBAPL

European Eel Anguilla anguilla NERC

Sea Trout Salmo trutta NERC

Amphibians

Common Toad Bufo bufo NERC, LBAPL

Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus EPS, WCA, NERC, LBAPL

Common Frog Rana temporaria LBAPL

Mammals

Common pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus EPS, WCA, LBAPL

Birds

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus NERC, LBAPL, BPS red

Skylark Alauda arvensis NERC, LBAPL, BPS red

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus NERC, LBAPL, BPS amber

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata NERC, LBAPL, BPS red

Curlew Numenius arquata NERC, LBAPL, BPS amber

House Sparrow Passer domesticus NERC, LBAPL, BPS red

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix NERC, LBAPL, BPS red

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret NERC, BPS red

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Common Name Scientific name Status5

House Martin Delichon urbicum LBAPL, BPS amber

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor LBAPL, BPS red

Hobby Falco subbuteo LBAPL

Snipe Gallinago gallinago LBAPL, BPS amber

Dunnock Prunella modularis LBAPL, BPS amber

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Larus fuscus LBAPL, BPS amber

Stock Dove Columba oenas BPS amber

Common Gull Larus canus BPS amber

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis BPS amber

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus BPS amber

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis LBAPL, BPS amber

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LBAPL, BPS amber

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula LBAPL, BPS amber

Starling Sturnus vulgaris LBAPL, BPS red

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos LBAPL, BPS red

Pochard Aythya ferina LBAPL, IUNC Rare, BPS amber

Goosander Mergus merganser IUCN Rare

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos LBAPL, BPS amber

Teal Anas crecca LBAPL, BPS amber

Linnet Carduelis cannabina LBAPL, BPS red

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius LBAPL

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus LBAPL, BPS amber

Black-Headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus LBAPL, BPS amber

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava LBAPL, BPS red

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus LBAPL, BPS amber

Sand Martin Riparia riparia LBAPL, BPS amber

Redshank Tringa totanus LBAPL, BPS amber

Swift Apus apus LBAPL, BPS amber

Swallow Hirundo rustica LBAPL, BPS amber

Herring Gull Larus argentatus LBAPL, BPS red

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea LBAPL

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3.2. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

A description of the habitats present within the survey area and an assessment of their potential to

support key faunal species / species groups is given below. The text should be read in conjunction

with Figure 2, the Phase 1 habitat map and the Target notes provided in Appendix 1. A selection of

plates is provided in Appendix 2.

3.2.1. Habitats

A total of eight habitat types were identified within the survey area. These are shown in Figure 2

and listed below with the relevant Phase 1 habitat codes2.

Dense/continuous scrub (A2.1)

Semi-improved, neutral grassland (B2.2)

Standing water (G1)

Running water (G2)

Amenity grassland (J1.2)

Species poor hedge (J2.1.2)

Fence (J2.4)

Buildings (J3.6)

Hardstanding (J5)

The survey included four distinct areas as identified in Figure 1 and these are discussed separately

below.

Area 1 – Land occupied by the main BHC factory

The main factory site is predominantly hard standing and factory buildings. The main factory

buildings (Target note 1 & 2, Plate 1) are largely comprised of a brick base and corrugated sheet

upper walls and roofs. The roofs are well ventilated and have skylights to provide internal light.

Some areas of the main factory complex comprise offices (Target note 3, Plate 2). A separate

building in the north of the main factory site is comprised of a different structure (Target note 4,

Plate 3). This is a single storey construction with a sloping metal corrugated roof and double

glazing. Several other smaller, single storey buildings are located in the north of the site (Target

note 5, 6 and 7, Plates 4, 5 and 6). South of the main factory complex is a building previously used

as the Paint Store. This is a single story brick construction with a pitched sheet roof (Target note 8,

Plate 7).

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In the north west of the main factory site the boundaries are marked by planted broadleaved trees

(Target note 9, Plate 8). These include a variety of Acer species plus alder Alnus glutinosa, silver

birch Betula pendula, rowan Sorbus aucuparia and horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastannum.

Conifers have also been planted between the main factory complex and the building in the far north

of the site which is fronted by amenity grassland and has a laurel Prunus laurecerasus hedge

running up the path to its front (see Plate 3). Small areas of ornamental planting also exist in

association with some of the buildings.

The eastern boundary of the main site (Area 1) is marked by an area of rough grassland and scrub

(Target note 10, Plate 9). The boundary itself is delineated by an embankment and a fence.

Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis is abundant within the grassland and herbs and ruderal

species recorded here include broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, dandelion Taraxacum

officinale agg., ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, thistle Cirsium sp, creeping buttercup

Ranunculus repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans and common horsetail Equisetum

arvense. Areas of woody and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub are present and in wetter areas

there is a layer of bryophytes with occasional sedges Carex sp.

Area 2 - Land occupied by Rapid IT Parts and Craggs Energy Oil Depot

This area is fenced off from the main site and consists of hardstanding, two buildings and a series

of oil storage tanks (Target note 11, Plates 10 & 11). The buildings here comprise office and

storage space and have pitched sheet roofs. They are occupied and tankers regularly visit the site to

collect heating oil from the storage tanks located here.

Area 3 - Open space located to the north of the factory

North of the main factory buildings is an area of rough grassland which is fenced off from the main

site (Target note 12, Plate 12). Meadow foxtail is dominant here and in wetter areas patches of rush

Junucs sp. were recorded. Other species recorded here included raspberry Rubus idaeus , common

hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, common nettle Urtica dioica and creeping buttercup,

willowherb Epilobium sp, common cleavers Galium aparine, lesser celandine Ficaria vernaand

cow parsley Anthiriscus sylvestris. The northern boundary of the site is formed of a dense line of

hawthorn Crataegus monogyna.

Area 4 - Agricultural land located to the east of the factory

This area of grassland is owned by BHL and rented to a tenant farmer who uses it for grazing sheep

(Target note 13, Plate 13). The grassland here is kept short by grazing. Large parts of the field are

damp and dominated by rush Juncus sp.

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Large ditches have been dug in the centre of the field to drain the site with the central ditch running

c. 100m in length and being c. 5m wide (Target note, 14, plate 14). These ditches have recently

been cleared out meaning the grassland around them has been disturbed by vehicles and the banks

are bare mud.

There is a small pond located within the field (Target note 15, Plate 15). This is surrounded by rush

Juncus sp. and is approximately 5m x 2m in area and 5-10cm deep.

The eastern boundary of this field is marked by a stream (Target note 16, Plate 16). 21. This is

flowing and 10-50cm deep and c. 3m wide. The stream is lined by occasional hawthorn and

supports a range of emergent and marginal vegetation.

3.2.2. Invasive Plant Species

Two stands of giant hogweed were recorded on site along an embankment in the far west of the

main site (Area 1) (Target note 17) (SD 7981733909). No Japanese knotweed was recorded on site

but a stand was recorded along the embankment of the River Calder immediately south of the site

(Target note 22) (SD 80020 33939).

3.3. Fauna

3.3.1. Amphibians

Records for the common toad, common frog, smooth newt and great crested newt (GCN) were

identified within 2km of the site in the desk study data provided by LERN. The records for GCN

are from 2010 c. 2km north-east of the site at Higham.

There are no water bodies in Areas 1-3 of the site. Area 2 is comprised completely of hardstanding

and buildings and as such offer no suitable habitats for amphibians. The eastern boundary of Area 1

and all of Area 3 offer potential terrestrial habitats for amphibians in the form of rough grassland

and scrub and discarded materials which form potential refuge habitats (see Plates 17 & 18, Target

note 18 & 19).

Two water bodies were identified within Area 4, a small pond (Target note 15, Plate 15) and the

series of ditches recently dug out within the centre of the field (Target note 14, Plate 14). In

addition a large water body c. 100m x 20m was identified in the adjacent field (Plate 19) to the

east. This water body was located in the centre of a field and surrounded by rushes Juncus sp. The

water body supports emergent vegetation and is fringed by occasional patches of bulrush Typha

latifolia.

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An HSI assessment of these water bodies for their potential to support GCN rated them as follows:

Small pond Area 4 (Target note 16) – Below average

Ditches Area 4 (Target note 15) – Good*

Offsite water body – Excellent

Details of the assessment are included in Appendix 3.

*The HSI assessment does not account for the fact that these ditches have recently been cleared out

which is likely to reduce their potential to support breeding GCN given the inevitable disturbance

this would cause and the fact that egg laying materials will have been stripped from the base and

sides of the ditches.

Broadleaved woodland to the north of Area 4 provides potential high quality terrestrial habitat for

amphibians. A pond located within 500m of the site but south of the River Calder in Bancrofts

Plantation is not included in the assessment here as the River is considered likely to form a barrier

to any movements of newts from this pond to the site.

3.3.2. Reptiles

No records of reptiles within 2km of the site were identified during the desk study.

Area 2 is composed entirely of hardstanding and buildings and therefore offers no potential habitat

for reptiles. Area 1 is also predominantly hardstanding and buildings although scrub and rough

grassland habitats in the east of Area 2 (Target note 10) with the associated embankment and

potential refuge habitats (Target note 18 and 19) offer potential habitat for reptiles. Likewise rough

grassland habitat in Area 3 offers potential reptile habitat. Area 4 is largely considered unsuitable

for reptiles as it comprises closely grazed grassland although suitable reptile habitat does exist on

the boundary of this Area along the stream (Target note 16).

3.3.3. Otter and water vole

No records of otter or water vole within 2km of the site were identified during the desk study.

No water courses are present in Area 1-3 and these areas offer no potential for otter or water vole

which are riparian mammals, generally found in close proximity to suitable watercourses. The

stream which runs along the eastern boundary of Area 4 (Target note 16) offers potential water vole

habitat with soft grassy earth banks suitable for burrows and a variety of food sources in the

emergent and marginal plant species and grasses. The River Calder which runs adjacent to the site

to the south provides potentially suitable habitat for otter.

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3.3.4. Badger

No records of badger within 2km of the site were identified during the desk study.

Badger has been observed frequently on the main factory site (Area 1) by the 24 hour security

personnel (pers. comm). Area 2 is considered unsuitable for badger as it is comprised entirely of

buildings and hardstanding. Grassland habitat in Area 1 and 3 are considered to provide suitable

foraging habitat for badger and a potential outlier badger sett was noted on the eastern boundary of

Area 1 in the embankment which runs along the fenceline (Target note 20, Plate 20). A notable

amount of earth had been excavated to create to the single hole which was ‘D’ shaped and c. 30cm

wide. No evidence of badger was observed in Area 4 although this could provide suitable foraging

habitat. Woodland which borders Area 4 to the north is likely to provide good habitat for badgers

setts and foraging.

3.3.5. Bats

Records for the common pipistrelle were provided from within 2km of the site by the LERN data

search.

Table 3 below provides an assessment of the buildings on site for bats based on BCT guidelines4

Table 8.2. Overall the buildings are considered to have a low likelihood of supporting roosting bats

as there are few opportunities for access, buildings are primarily composed of prefabricated steel

and sheet materials and have no roof voids.

Table 3 – Value of buildings on site for bats

Target note

Plate Building Description Potential bat roost features

Likelihood of bats being present

1 1 Main factory buildings which are predominantly composed of a brick base and corrugated asbestos upper walls and roofs. The roofs are well ventilated and comprise skylights to provide internal light.

None noted Lower

2 1 As above None noted Lower

3 2 Office section of main factory complex. Three stories with double glazing and a flat roof. Concrete and stone cladding to front and side.

None noted Lower

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Target note

Plate Building Description Potential bat roost features

Likelihood of bats being present

4 3 & 21 Single story, brick construction with a sloping metal corrugated roof and facia and double glazing.

A series of open vents into the walls (Plate 21) offer access to the brickwork as do cracks in the structure.

Lower

5 4 Small, single story building with a flat, felt roof and wooden facia.

Small holes in wall

Lower

6 5 Small, single story brick construction with corrugated plastic roof and pebble dash facia around front door.

None Lower

7 6 Garage with pebble dash walls and corrugated metal roof and wooden facia above door.

None Lower

8 7 Single story brick construction with a pitched asbestos roof.

Cracks in brickwork and missing bricks.

Lower

11 10&11 Office and storage space with brick and stone frontage, double glazing and pitched asbestos roofs.

None Lower

None of the trees on site were considered to have the potential to support bats as these trees were

generally not mature and did not display features such as lifted bark, rot holes, broken branches or

ivy which would offer roosting opportunities for bats.

Overall the potential development site is considered to have a low-moderate value for bats. Areas 1

& 2 are considered to be of low value as they are predominantly hard standing with buildings with

low bat roost potential. Areas 3 & 4 offer potential foraging habitat and therefore are of potentially

moderate value to bats. The assessment is made with reference to landscape features beyond the

site which may influence the likely presence of bats on site. Specifically here the presence of the

River Calder adjacent to the southern boundary of the site is considered an important linear feature

in the landscape that is likely to be used by bats for foraging and commuting hence increasing the

likelihood that bats will be present in the area of the site.

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3.3.6. Birds

Barn owl has been observed on site previously by the 24 hour security personnel although not in

the last couple of years (pers. comm) and there is evidence of a previous barn owl nest/roost on the

southern end of the main factory complex (Target note 21).

Trees, buildings and scrub on the site all provide suitable bird nesting habitat. The fields that

comprise Area 4 offer potential nesting habitat for breeding waders. Whilst no dedicated breeding

bird survey was conducted here, incidental records of breeding birds were made during the course

of additional ecology surveys (reported on separately) conducted here. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

and reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus were observed to be breeding in Area 4 in May during

surveys for newts by SKM. Curlew Numenius arquata was also noted to be present in the area but

were not observed to be breeding on site. Lapwing, curlew and reed bunting are all NERC Section

41 Species of Principal Importance in England. Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus were

considered to be possibly breeding in Area 4 but not confirmed.

Additional incidental bird records made during the survey included:

Magpie Pica pica – Area 1

Carrion Crow Corvus corone – Area 1

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus - Area 1

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus - Area 1

Robin Erithacus rubecula – Area 1

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos – Area 4

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea – Area 4

House martin Delichon urbicum – Area 4 and over the River Calder

Peter Hornby, a local naturalist, surveys Area 4 monthly between September and March for

wintering snipe. The field here is considered to be of county value (pers comm. Peter Hornby) for

common snipe Gallinago gallinago and Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus and is registered as a

Wetland Bird Survey site for the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). At present the tenant farmer

keeps the field lightly grazed by sheep and cuts back rush encroachment once it reaches the thatch

stage. This is considered to maintain the fields suitability of wetland birds (pers comm. Peter

Hornby).

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3.3.7. Other

Hedgehog, a Section 41 species (NERC Act) has been observed on site in Area 1 by 24-hour

security (pers. comm.)

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4. Potential Constraints and Recommendations for Further Surveys

4.1. Designated Sites

There are no designated sites, statutory or non-statutory, on are adjacent to the site. The nearest

designated site is a non-statutory BHS located 850m from the site designated for its terrestrial

habitat interest. No pathways to impacts on designated sites are anticipated as a result of the

development and as such designated sites are not considered to pose a constraint to the

development.

4.2. Habitats

The habitats in Areas 1 & 2 are considered to be of low ecological value as they are predominantly

hardstanding and buildings. Whilst the grassland habitats in Areas 3 & 4 are considered to be of

more value to wildlife, these habitats are not considered to be species rich or specifically valuable

in themselves and as such are not considered to pose a constraint to the development. Given the

proximity of the River Calder to the site, consideration should be given to the Environment

Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs) for working near water to prevent any pollution

of this water course.

4.3. Invasive species

Giant hogweed has been recorded on site within Area 1. This species is listed on Schedule 9 of the

Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended and it is an offense to allow or encourage the

spread of this plant. This includes moving contaminated soil from one place to another or

incorrectly handling and transporting contaminated material and cuttings. In addition giant

hogweed stems leaves and sap, contain several photosensitizing furanocoumarins. In contact with

the human skin and in combination with ultraviolet radiation, these compounds cause burning of

the skin. Immediately off-site on the banks of the River Calder, a patch of Japanese knotweed was

also recorded. This is another Schedule 9 species.

It is recommended that an invasive species management plan is developed detailing how these

species will be dealt with to ensure no offence is committed during site clearance and construction

works.

4.4. Amphibians

Areas 1-3 do not support any standing water and as such are of no value to breeding amphibians

although grassland and scrub in Areas 1 & 3 do provide potentially suitable terrestrial habitat for

amphibians.

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The small pond (Target note 15) and ditches (Target note 14) in Area 4 have the potential to

support breeding amphibians including GCN although the fact that the ditches are regularly cleared

out may reduce their potential value to breeding amphibians by virtue of disturbance and the

removal of vegetation for egg laying. A large water body the field to the east of Area 4 and within

500m of Area 1 was also considered to have the potential to support GCN.

GCN is fully protected through its inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act

1981 (as amended) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010 as

a European protected species. Under the legislation, it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or

take a GCN as well as intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any

structure or place used for shelter or protection by a GCN or disturb an animal while it is occupying

a structure or place which it uses for that purpose. The legislation applies to GCN in both aquatic

and terrestrial habitats and to all life stages. GCN is also listed on Section 41 of The NERC Act

(2006) as a species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England and is a

Lancashire LBAP species.

Standard guidelines6 recommend that all water bodies considered to have the potential to support

GCN within 500m of a proposed development should be surveyed for GCN. All of the water

bodies described above are within 500m of the proposed development site. From a review of the

OS 1:25,000 map, an additional water body to those identified above is present within 500m of the

site at Bankcrofts Plantaion (SD 80230 33972). However, as this is located south of the River

Calder, which is likely to act as a barrier to the potential movement of any GCN from here onto

site, it is not considered necessary to include this in any surveys related to the proposed

development of the Baxi Heating site.

Standard guidelines recommend that to determine whether GCN are present or absent, four survey

visits should be undertaken between mid- March to mid-June with at least two of the visits during

mid-April to mid-May. The two ponds and the ditches identified during the Phase 1 Habitat survey

should be surveyed for GCN using standard survey techniques. During each visit at least three of

the following survey methods must be employed:

Torch Survey – On each evening the entire perimeter of each water body should be surveyed

for great crested newts after dark using a high powered torch.

Bottle traps – Bottle traps should be placed around the perimeter of each water body on each

evening and checked the following morning to determine whether newts are present or absent.

6 English Nature (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.

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Egg searches – Vegetation within the water body should be inspected during the day to

determine

Netting – Using a long-handled dip-net GCN can be captured by sampling the area around the

pond edge.

If GCN are located within any of the water bodies being assessed, in accordance with the

guidelines, two additional surveys may be required in order to estimate the population size class

dependant on whether any of the water bodies will be lost or damaged by the proposed

development as well as how much terrestrial habitat will be lost.

4.5. Reptiles

Whilst the majority of the site was of limited potential value to reptile species, some areas of

habitat were considered to offer potential reptile habitat. Scrub and rough grassland habitats in the

east of Area 2 (Target note 10) with the associated embankment and potential refuge habitats

(Target note 18 and 19) offer potential for reptiles. Likewise rough grassland habitat in Area 3

offers potential reptile habitat. Area 4 was largely considered unsuitable for reptiles as it comprises

closely grazed grassland although suitable reptile habitat does exist on the boundary of this Area

along the stream (Target note 16). Species that could be present include the Lancashire LBAP

species slow worm Anguis fragilis, grass snake Natirx natrix and common lizard Zootoca vivipara.

All reptile species, receive partial protection through inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in respect of Sections 9(1) and 9(5) which makes it an offence

to intentionally kill, injure or sell these animals. All six species of UK reptile are also listed as

Section 41 species.

Given the potential for reptiles to be present a dedicated reptile survey is recommended to cover all

areas of potential reptile habitat which may be impacted by the development. The results of this

survey will them inform an appropriate mitigation strategy for reptiles, should this be required, to

ensure no reptiles are injured or killed during works.

Surveys should follow standard methodology7,8

. This involves placing several sheets of dark

material (either black roofing felt or corrugated metal sheeting) in suitable habitat. The sheets

7 Froglife (1999). Reptile survey: an introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake

and lizard conservation. Froglife Advice Sheet 10. Froglife: Halesworth.

8 Herpetofauna Groups of Britain and Ireland. 1998. Evaluating local mitigation / translocation programmes:

maintaining best practice and lawful standards. HGBI. advisory notes for Amphibian and Reptile Groups

(ARGs.). Halesworth, Suffolk, HGBI.

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should be placed on the first visit and left for approximately one week to allow any reptiles present

to habituate to them. Then, a series of seven visits in suitable weather conditions (taken as air

temperature between 8° - 18°C, avoiding windy, rainy or excessively cloudy days) should be

undertaken and reptile species (including gender where possible) and numbers recorded..

Recommended survey times are between late March and early October (weather dependent).

Surveys can be limited by high temperatures during July and August with peak survey months

being April, May and September.

4.6. Otter and Water Vole

Habitat suitable for water vole and/or otter was identified adjacent to the site on the River Calder

and along the eastern boundary of the site in the form of a stream.

Water vole is fully protected through its inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside

Act 1981 (as amended). Under the legislation it is an offence to intentionally kill or injure a water

vole as well as intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or

place which water voles use for shelter or protection, or disturb water voles whilst they are using

such a place. Water vole is also a Section 41 and Lancashire LBAP species

Otter is fully protected through its inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act

1981 (as amended) and Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010 as

a European protected species. Under the legislation, it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or

take an otter as well as intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any

structure or place used for shelter or protection by an otter or disturb an animal while it is

occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose. Otter is also a Section 41 and

Lancashire LBAP species.

An otter and water vole survey should be conducted along the River Calder adjacent to the

development site and the stream that runs along the boundary of Area 4. As these species both

inhabit the banks of watercourses, surveys for these species can be undertaken together. In

accordance with the standard survey guidelines9,10

a survey should comprise walking the

river/stream banks to search for signs of water vole and/or otter presence, including but not limited

9 Strachan R & Moorhouse T (2006) Water vole conservation handbook, second edition, Wildlife

Conservation Research Unit.

10 Chanin P (2003) Monitoring the otter Lutra lutra, Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers, Monitoring Series No.

10, English Nature.

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to holts/burrows, latrines/spraints, footprints, feeding remains and sightings of animals. The survey

should be conducted between April and September.

4.7. Badger

Badger has been observed in Area 1 by security personnel on site and a potential outlier badger sett

was observed on the eastern boundary of Area 1.

Badgers receive protection under The Protection of Badgers Act 1992. The Act is based primarily

on the need to protect badgers from baiting and deliberate harm or injury however it contains

restrictions that apply more widely. All the following are criminal offences:

to willfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger;

to attempt to do so; or

to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett.

Sett interference includes damaging or destroying a sett, obstructing access to a sett, and disturbing

a badger whilst it is occupying a sett. It is not illegal, and therefore a licence is not required, to

carry out disturbing activities in the vicinity of a sett if no badger is disturbed and the sett is not

damaged or obstructed . If works are likely to cause sett interference a license will be required

from Natural England licence.

It is recommended that surveys for badger are updated prior to works commencing to ensure up-to-

date survey data is available on the precise location of active badger setts and early consultation

with a Natural England representative with regards potential disturbance to badgers is advised.It

should be noted that should this sett prove to be active and as such require closure licence will be

required and sett closure would need to take place between July and November.

4.8. Bats

The buildings on site and the development site as a whole are considered to have low and low-

moderate potential to support roosting and foraging bats respectively.

All British bat species are fully protected at national and European levels, through their inclusion in

Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and in Schedule 2 of the

Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2010. Under this legislation, it is an offence to

deliberately kill, injure or take a bat as well as intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or

obstruct access to any structure or resting place used for shelter or protection by a bat or disturb an

animal while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose. A number of bat

species are also listed at Section 41 species and Lancashire LBAP species.

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In order to further determine the development sites value for bats it is recommended that dedicated

bat surveys are undertaken. Three transect surveys, covering all areas of the site are recommended

to be undertaken spread across several months and to be supplemented by automated recordings set

on each survey occasion and taken over three nights. This level of survey effort is consistent with

that recommended by the Bat Conservation Trust, Bat Survey Guidelines4 for medium sized

development projects in low quality bat habitats. Transects should repeat the same pre-determined

route and last 2-3 hours. They should include both dawn and dusk transects and incorporate

listening stops of 3-5 mins along the route.

Should any bat roosts be detected during these surveys that may be disturbed by the works then,

further roost surveys may be required and it may be necessary to obtain an EPS licence via Natural

England before works can proceed.

4.9. Birds

All wild birds in the UK are protected under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

(as amended) which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or take,

damage or destroy the nest (whilst being built or in use) or its eggs. Barn owls, amongst other

species, receive further protection under Schedule 1 of the 1981 Act which makes it an offence to

intentionally or recklessly disturb these species while building a nest or in, on or near a nest

containing eggs or young; or to disturb dependent young of such a bird.

It is recommended that a dedicated barn owl survey is undertaken of the buildings on site by a

suitably licensed bird surveyor to ascertain the up-to-date status of barn owl on site.

In general any works affecting potential bird nesting habitat i.e. building demolition, clearance of

standing vegetation, landscaping (e.g. Area 4) , should be carried out outside the breeding season

(generally accepted as March to August inclusive for most species). If this is not possible, any

potentially suitable nesting habitat should be checked for nests by a suitably qualified ecologist

immediately prior to its removal. If nests are found further work would need to be delayed until

young have fledged and left the nest.

Careful consideration should be given to any plans for landscaping in Area 4 of the site as this

already provides valuable habitat for wading birds (both wintering and breeding) and any plans for

changing the use of this land should take into account the value it already provides to wildlife.

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5. Opportunities for Biodiversity Enhancement

In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, opportunities should be sought where

possible for nature conservation enhancement at this site. Opportunities for enhancement should be

identified based on the results of the surveys recommended above but may include the provision of

bird and bat boxes, including barn owl boxes, and the creation of reptile and amphibian refugia.

It may be possible to enhance Area 4 for breeding waders such as lapwing and curlew although

consideration should also be given to the requirements of wintering waders for which this site is

already known to be important. Proposals to enhance this area for breeding waders should also

consider the limitations posed to small sites like this in urban areas as a result of high predation

levels. It is understood that discussions relating to enhancement of this site for water birds have

previously been held with the RSPB (pers. comm. Peter Hornby) and any future enhancement plans

would best be undertaken in consultation with the RSPB and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

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Figures

Figure 1: Site Plan

Figure 2: Phase 1 habitat map

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FIGURE 2Extended Phase1 Habitat Map

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. Target noteStanding water (G1)Running water (G2)Species poor hedge (J2.1.2)

| | | | | | | | Fence (J2.4)Broadleaved Woodland (A1.1.1)Dense/continuous scrub (A2.1)

IS IS Semi-improved neutral grassland (B2.2)Running water (G2)

A A AA A AAmenity grassland (J1.2)

Buildings (J3.6)Hardstanding (J6)

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Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown Copyright, All Rights Reserved. 2013 Licence number 0100031673.

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Appendix 1 – Target Notes

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Target note

Plate Notes

1 & 2 1 The main factory buildings are largely comprised of a brick base and corrugated asbestos upper walls and roofs. The roofs are well ventilated and comprise skylights to provide internal light.

3 2 Some areas of the main factory complex comprise offices. These are three story, flat roofed offices with UPVC double glazing which are brick on level one with concrete and stone cladding on levels 2 & 3.

4 3 & 21 This is a single story construction with a sloping metal corrugated roof and double glazing. Holes in walls where vents used to be provide potential access for birds and bats. Bats could access brickwork here and via cracks in brickwork and possible lead flashing.

5 4 Small, single story building with a flat, felt roof and wooden facia. Small holes in wall could provide bat/ bird roosting/nesting opportunities.

6 5 Small, single story brick construction with corrugated plastic roof and pebble dash facia around front door.

7 6 Garage with pebble dash walls and corrugated metal roof and wooden facia above door.

8 7 Single story brick construction with a pitched asbestos roof. Cracks in brickwork and missing bricks provide potential bat roosting opportunities.

9 8 Boundaries marked by planted broadleaves. These broadleaves include a variety of Acer species plus alder Alnus glutinosa, birch Betula pendula, rowan Sorbus aucuparia and horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastannum.

10 9 Area of rough grassland and scrub. The boundary itself is delineated by an embankment and a fence. Meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis is abundant within the grassland and herbs and ruderal species recorded here include broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg., ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, thistle Cirsium sp, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans and common horsetail Equisetum arvense. Areas of woody and bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub are present and in wetter areas there is a layer of bryophytes with occasional sedges Carex sp.

11 10 & 11 Land occupied by Rapid IT Parts and Craggs Energy Oil Depot. This area is fenced off from the main site and consists of hardstanding, two buildings and a series of oil storage tanks The buildings here comprise office and storage space and have pitched asbestos roofs. They are occupied and tankers regularly visit the site to collect heating oil from the storage tanks located here.

12 12 North of the main factory buildings is an area of rough grassland which is fenced off from the main site. Meadow foxtail is dominant here and in wetter areas patches of rush Junucs sp. were recorded. Other species recorded here included raspberry Rubus idaeus , common hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, common nettle Urtica dioica and creeping buttercup, willowherb Epilobium sp, common cleavers Galium aparine, lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria and cow parsley Anthiriscus sylvestris.

13 13 This area of grassland is owned by BHL and rented to a tenant farmer who uses it for grazing sheep. The grassland here is kept short by grazing. Large parts of the field are damp and dominated by rush Juncus sp.

14 14 Large ditches dug in the centre of the field to drain the site with the central ditch running c. 100m in length and being c. 5m wide. These ditches have recently been cleared out meaning the grassland around them has been

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Target note

Plate Notes

disturbed by vehicles and the banks are bare mud.

15 15 Small pond located within the field. This is surrounded by rush Juncus sp. and is approximately 5m x 2m in area and 5-10cm deep.

16 16 Stream flowing and 10-50cm deep and c. 3m wide. The stream is lined by occasional hawthorn and supports a range of emergent and marginal vegetation.

17 Two stands of giant hogweed recorded on site along an embankment in the far west of the main site (SD 7981733909).

18 & 19 17 & 18 Potential reptile and amphibian refuges.

20 20 Potential badger sett noted on the eastern boundary of Area 1 in the embankment which runs along the fenceline. A notable about of earth had been removed to create to the single hole which was ‘D’ shaped and c. 30cm wide.

21 Location of historical barn owl nest/roost on the southern end of the main factory complex.

22 Stand of Japanese knotweed outside the site boundary on the river bank.

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Appendix 2 – Plates

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Plate 1 – Main factory buildings on site (Target note 1)

Plate 2 – Office which form part of the main factory complex (Target note 3)

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Plate 3 – Single storey building in north of main site (Target note 4)

Plate 4 - Small single story building (Target note 5)

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Plate 5 Small single story building (Target note 6)

Plate 6 Garage (Target note 7)

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Plate 7 The old paint store (Target note 8)

Plate 8 Trees along the north western site boundary (Target note 9)

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Plate 9 Area of rough grassland and scrub (Target note 10)

Plate 10 – Area 2 occupied by Rapid IT and Craggs Energy (Target note 11)

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Plate 11 – Area 2 occupied by Craggs Energy (Target note 11)

Plate 12 – Area 3 Rough grassland (Target note 12)

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Plate 13 – Area 4, agricultural land east of the factory site (Target note 13)

Plate 14 Ditches in Area 4 (Target note 14)

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Plate 15 – Small pond in Area 4 (Target note 15)

Plate 16 Stream running along the eastern boundary of the site (Target note 16)

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Plate 17 Potential refugia habitat for amphibians and reptiles in Area 1(Target note 18)

Plate 18 Potential refugia habitat for amphibians and reptiles in Area 1(Target note 19)

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Plate 19 – Large offsite water body

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Plate 20 Potential outlier badger sett (Target note 20)

Plate 21 Potential bat access point in brickwork (Target note 4)

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Appendix 3 – HSI Results

Water body Small on site pond (TN 15)

Ditches (TN 14) Offsite Pond

Location 1 1 1

Area m2 0.05 1.00 0.80

Pond permanence 0.60 1.00 1.00

Water quality 0.67 0.33 0.67

Shade % 1.00 1.00 1.00

Waterfowl 1.00 1.00 1.00

Fish 1.00 1.00 0.67

Pond Density 1.00 1.00 1.00

Terrestrial habitat quality 1.00 1.00 1.00

Macrophyte cover 0.30 0.30 0.40

HIS Sum 0.01 0.10 0.14

Final HIS Score 0.60 0.79 0.82

Prediction (Likelihood of GCN) Below Average

Good Excellent