Ecology and environment 

Local ecologist, GE Consulting conducted an ecological impact assessment for the proposed scheme, submitted with the planning application. The assessment involved a desk study and UK Habitat Classification Surveys in May 2023, bat roost and surveys from July to September 2023, breeding bird surveys from May to June 2023, dormouse surveys from June to October 2023, and a streamside mammal survey in August 2023.

In the detailed planning application, the assessment notes a 1.3 ha loss of modified grassland compensated by enhancing the remaining grassland. Minimal woodland loss will be offset by planting 0.6 hectares of broad-leaved woodland around tents and car parks. A reduction of 45m of beech hedgerow will be offset by planting 52m of replacement hedgerow.

The biodiversity net gain assessment concludes that in the detailed planning application will yield a significant increase in habitat biodiversity. 

Section 8 of the assessment summarises the ecological implications of the scheme. It states: 

“In summary, the Site is of high ecological value supporting a range of protected species including bats, dormice, otter and nesting birds. However, the proposed development is of small scale and at a low density in the context of the wider site and therefore is unlikely to impact on the key ecological features of the Site provided the mitigation and compensation recommendations within this report are adhered to. A number of enhancement recommendations have also been outlined with the aim of providing a net biodiversity gain, contributing to the aims of National Planning Policy Framework and local policy.”