Biodiversity Enhancement and Habitat Management … Application...Biodiversity Enhancement and Habitat Management Plan 1 fpcr 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The site off Bramshall Road, west

Biodiversity Enhancement and Habitat Management Plan

fpcr

St. MODWEN PROPERTIES PLC

LAND OFF BRAMSHALL ROAD, UTTOXETER

BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT

June 2014

P/2014/00883

Received 11/07/14


fpcr

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No. 07128076. [T] 01509 672772 [F] 01509 674565 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fpcr.co.uk This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.

Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date

- Draft RG / 25.04.14 RG / 25.04.14

A Draft RG / 16.06.14 RG / 16.06.14


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CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

2.0 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................... 3

3.0 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................... 8

4.0 HABITATS TO BE RETAINED, PROTECTED AND ENHANCED ..................................... 8

5.0 HABITATS TO BE CREATED .......................................................................................... 9

6.0 OUTLINE MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS .................................................................14

7.0 MONITORING AND WORK PROGRAMME.....................................................................13

FIGURES

Figure 1: Phase 1 Habitat Plan

Figure 2: Site Layout and Bat / Bird Box Location Plan

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Arboricultural Assessment (FPCR, June 2014)


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fpcr1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The site off Bramshall Road, west of Uttoxeter and south of the A50 is approximately 2.6ha in size. It comprises sections of two improved grassland fields and two grazed species-poor semi-improved grassland fields of no more than local importance. Field boundaries are native species hedgerows with a relatively small number of hedgerow trees including mature oak Quercus robur, common ash Fraxinus excelsior, crack willow Salix fragilis and crab apple Malus domestica / M. sylvestris. The site encompasses buildings associated with Parks Field Farm to the eastern boundary, including a brick-built residential property and a number of outbuildings. No waterbodies are present on site.

1.2 There are no statutory designated sites within 2km of the site boundary, or non-statutory sites within 1km.

1.3 Hedgerows are habitats of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity as listed within Section 41 (S41) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006).

1.4 Protected and/or otherwise notable species records relevant to the development include badger Meles meles and bat species recorded locally (common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle P. pygmaeus, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, Brandt's bat Myotis brandtii and unidentified Myotis species).

1.5 Proposals for the site comprise the construction of 59 dwellings and associated gardens and access roads including a new primary access road off Bramshall Road; ground modelling; site drainage; car parking and street lighting. The development will result in the loss of the existing improved and species-poor semi-improved grassland and the partial loss of internal hedgerows. Parks Field Farm and associated buildings will be demolished.

1.6 Working practices will ensure that retained boundary features such as hedgerows and associated trees are protected during construction through erection of appropriate protective fencing to ensure no encroachment by construction activities. All working areas will be kept to the minimum required, enabling the retention of as much of the existing vegetation as feasible. Buffer zones as detailed in the separate Arboricultural Assessment (Appendix 1) will be applied to either side of all hedgerows to be retained. Similarly no works will take place within the root protection area (RPA) of retained trees, and all retained trees and hedgerows will be protected according to best practice as set out in BS5837 Guidance to Trees in Relation to Construction (BSI, 2012) and the Arboricultural Assessment.

1.7 The use of best practice construction methods across the site will reduce any potential effects of construction on the site or adjacent habitats. The possibility of fuel spillages into the groundwater or neighbouring watercourses will be minimised through sound site management including the safe and appropriate storage of materials and chemicals away from watercourses. To prevent accidental spillages entering local watercourses, site drainage systems will be designed following good practice criteria and good management practices will be adopted, including the implementation of standard pollution control mechanisms and strict adherence to the relevant Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG)1,2 at all times during works. The end developer will additionally have a responsibility to ensure that all areas outside/ surrounding the site boundaries are protected from surface water runoff from the site for the duration of the construction phase.

1 Environment Agency 2007. Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG 5 Works in, Near or Liable to Affect Watercourses 2 Environment Agency 2012. Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG 6 Working at construction and demolition sites.


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fpcr1.8 Green infrastructure (GI) will be provided comprising an area of species-rich amenity grassland

with associated native tree and shrub planting to the south of the site, adjacent to and partially buffering two retained oak trees (trees T102 and T103 in Appendix 1). A second area of species-rich amenity grassland will be created to the north of the site, again with associated native tree and shrub planting and encompassing an area of retained native hedgerow and new equipped play area.

1.9 Of the five existing hedgerows within or partially within the site hedgerows H1 and H2 will be removed as part of the proposals, as will short sections of hedgerows H3 and H5. Hedgerow H4 on the western boundary will be retained. In addition to the two oak trees above, a third oak on the north-eastern site boundary (tree T95) will also be retained within the scheme. A group of Prunus sp. on the southern site boundary adjacent to Bramshall Road will be removed however as part of the proposed scheme.

1.10 The proposed GI would incorporate the above retained features of ecological interest to maintain habitat connectivity throughout the site for commuting and foraging wildlife. Retained hedgerows will be ‘gapped up’ where appropriate using a mix of locally common hedgerow species to strengthen existing habitat corridors. Amenity trees will additionally be provided as street trees and within private gardens to enhance habitat structure and species diversity. This will both mitigate for the hedgerow and limited tree losses and will aim to provide a net gain in tree cover across the site.

1.11 Preference will be given within the planting scheme to the use of locally native woody species, with an emphasis on species bearing nectar, berries, fruit and nuts, as these enhance the foraging opportunities of local wild fauna including birds and invertebrates. Areas of species-rich amenity grassland will be managed to provide further biodiversity interest.

1.12 Essential key components of the green infrastructure and associated management include:

• The provision of two areas of species-rich amenity grassland, one to the south of the site, the second to the north (recommended seed mix: EL1 – Flowering lawn mixture available from wildseed.co.uk or WFG20 Species Rich Lawn available from www.germinalamenity.com);

• New tree and shrub planting within the two amenity grassland areas above, and throughout the site. The planting scheme will favour native and/or flower/fruit/seed-bearing species of value to foraging wildlife.

• ‘Gapping up’ of retained hedgerows where appropriate, using locally native species, ideally of local provenance.

• New ornamental shrub planting using flowering/fruiting/seed bearing species of value to invertebrates and other wildlife.

• The provision of a variety of bat and bird box designs within the scheme.

1.13 New and retained habitats will be of low-medium sensitivity, being more diverse and species rich than those present. Habitat creation and enhancement proposed will result in no net biodiversity loss at a local level.


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fpcr2.0 LEGISLATION

2.1 Key European and UK legislation of relevance to nature conservation and biodiversity includes:

• The Habitats Directive 1992;

• The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended);

• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);

• The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000;

• The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006; and

• The Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

National Planning Policy

The National Planning Policy Framework; Department for Communities and Local Government; March 2012

2.2 This national policy provides relevant information relating to the approach to be taken within the planning system by the various issues and disciplines encompassed by sustainable development, including in the production of local development plans and the determination of planning permissions for local councils. Planning applications should seek to conform to the principles set out within this framework, which should be reflected at a local level in local development frameworks and other planning policy documents for that area.

2.3 The existing government circular Associated Circular Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, ODPM Circular 06/2005; applies to the new NPPF until such a time as this has been reviewed and revised (and for which there is no timetable).

2.4 Of relevance to this particular assessment is Section 11: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment (paragraphs 109 - 125) of the NPPF. The following provides the overarching approach that should be taken with respect to the natural environment:

…The planning system should contribute and enhance the natural and local environment by:

Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils

Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services

Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressure

Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at an unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability

2.5 In addition the following paragraphs of S.11 are of particular relevance to nature conservation:

112. Local planning authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged. Distinctions should be made between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, so that protection is commensurate with their status and gives appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution they make to wider ecological networks.


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fpcr118. When determining planning applications local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by applying the following principles:

If significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or as a last resort compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.

Development proposals where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be permitted.

Opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments should be encouraged

Planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged, or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland unless the need for and benefits of the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.

125. By encouraging good design, planning policies and decisions should limit the impact of light pollution on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation

East Staffordshire Local Plan

2.6 The East Staffordshire Local Plan was adopted in 2006. The Policies were saved by a Direction made by the Secretary of State on the 9th July 2009 under the provision of paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 8 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.7 Policies NE8 – NE11 relate to Protection of Sites of Nature Conservation Interest, Biodiversity, Protected Species and Habitats and Sites of Ecological or Geological Interest, however none of these policies were saved when the Plan was reviewed.

Biodiversity Action Plans

2.8 In 2012 the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) was succeeded by the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. This aims to implement the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, to protect rare or declining habitats and species by targeting those identified as being of UK priority, with specific actions to reduce their rarity and decline, and additionally sets out the priorities for UK-level work to support the Convention's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and agreed strategic goals and targets. Species and habitats of Principal Importance under S41 of the NERC Act (2006) continue to be regarded as conservation priorities under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

2.9 In England the focus is on delivering the outcomes set out in the Government’s Biodiversity 2020 Strategy3 which sets out how environment quality will be improved and follows on from policies contained in the Natural Environment White Paper, published in June 2011.

Staffordshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)

2.10 The Staffordshire LBAP targets those species and habitats of specific relevance to the county. A review of targets has replaced Habitat and Species Action Plans with 14 "Ecosystem Action Plans" (EAPs) and one Rivers Action Plan4; the LBAP aims to prioritise conservation management at a landscape level and contribute to local, regional and national conservation targets.

3 Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services, Defra, August 2011 4 http://www.sbap.org.uk/actionplan/index.php


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fpcr2.11 The site falls within the Central Farmland EAP. It is largely made up of settled or ancient clay

farmlands where mixed arable and pastoral farming practices vary from low intensity, still retaining an intact ancient pattern of hedgerows and hedgerow trees, to intensively farmed arable and improved pasture where hedgerows are in decline.

2.12 The primary objective for the Central Farmland EAP is to reduce fragmentation of existing semi-natural habitats by linking sites through the creation of habitat corridors and networks using hedgerows, arable field margins and rivers where possible.

2.13 The following NERC and/or EAP priority species are of potential relevance to the site, due to either their widespread distribution, existing local records and/or the site’s suitability:

Table 1: Priority species and habitats as identified as being of principal importance in England, in Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006, and EAP species/habitats of relevance to this assessment.

Priority Habitat or Species Species / Habitats of Principal Importance in England (S41 NERC Act (2006))

Central Farmland

EAP Hedgerows ü ü Watercourses/Ponds ü Arable farmland, field margins and improved grassland ü

Barn owl ü Farmland seed-eating birds ü Bullfinch ü Dunnock ü House sparrow ü Lapwing ü ü Linnet ü Skylark ü Song thrush ü Starling ü Yellowhammer ü Yellow wagtail ü ü Grey partridge ü ü Hedgehog ü Brown hare ü ü Otter ü Noctule bat ü ü Soprano pipistrelle ü ü Common pipistrelle ü Brown long-eared bat ü Grass snake ü Great crested newt ü Toad ü

Overview of Planning Policy Context

2.14 With regards to the Project the policies identified above require that up to date information on the ecology of the site is submitted and that biodiversity is maintained and enhanced, restored or added to. Applications should include biodiversity enhancements wherever possible.


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fpcr3.0 BACKGROUND

3.1 This Habitat Creation and Management Plan has been prepared following a desk top study and a suite of ecological surveys undertaken across the site and neighbouring habitats by ecologists from FPCR Ltd. during the 2010 to 2013 survey seasons. These comprised:

• Extended phase 1 survey May 2010, August 2011, September 2012 and April 2013;

• Badger survey (2011, 2012)

• Otter and water Vole surveys (2011, 2012)

• Great crested newt surveys (2012)

• Bat transect surveys (2012, 2013)

• Winter bird surveys (2013)

• Breeding bird surveys (2013)

3.2 An arboricultural assessment and survey of trees located at the site was also conducted by FPCR arboriculturalists (Appendix 1).

3.3 The proposed scheme (Figure 2) illustrates the location of the proposed new residential units, access roads and GI within the context of the site. Specific habitat opportunities for foraging wildlife including bats and urban bird species, roosting bats and nesting birds will be provided. Existing hedgerow are to be retained within the scheme where possible, and will be enhanced where appropriate with supplementary planting using locally native species.

3.4 A range of bird and bat boxes will be provided on appropriate buildings and/or retained trees. Wildlife gardening techniques will be promoted across the residential area, with initial garden planting utilising native species of trees, climbing plants and shrubs. The Wildlife Trusts “Guide to Wildlife Gardening” will be distributed to every dwelling.

3.5 The overall objective is to make the scheme wildlife friendly, and in particular that retained and newly created habitats within the site are appropriately managed to enhance their ecological value in the long term and to continue to provide habitat suitable for use by local wildlife species.

Factors Influencing Management Proposals

Local Wildlife Sites

3.6 The site is not part of any statutory designated site or non-statutory site identified as a site of wildlife importance or interest. There are no statutory sites of international nature conservation importance (SACs, SPAs and Ramsar Sites) present within a 5km radius, and no statutory sites of national nature conservation importance (SSSIs and NNRs) within 2km of the site boundary. There are no non-statutory sites of ecological interest within the site or within a 1km radius.

Habitats

3.7 Field perimeter hedgerows are dominated by native species and as such meet the criteria of habitat of principal importance under S41 of the NERC Act (2006) and are of local value for nature conservation. The existing grassland does not meet the criteria of any of the S41 NERC Act (2006) priority habitat classifications5.

5 BRIG (ed. Ant Maddock) 2008. UK Biodiversity Action Plan; Priority Habitat Descriptions. (Updated July 2010).


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fpcr3.8 As a component of this management plan it is proposed that funds be made available to

implement management and enhancement works.

Fauna

Bats

3.9 As part of the proposals hedgerows H1 and H2, and sections of H3 and H5 will be removed. The remaining hedgerow resource will be retained, and gapped up with additional tree and shrub planting where appropriate. Amenity areas, roadside verges and gardens will additionally incorporate a range of tree and shrub species to provide habitat structure and create partial habitat corridors through the site suitable for use by foraging and commuting bats and other wildlife.

3.10 No potential tree roosts were noted during ground based inspection of trees present within the site. Buildings associated with Park Fields Farm were inspected by a licenced bat worker (Natural England licence number CLS0316) for evidence of, and potential to support roosting bats. No direct evidence was found during internal and external building survey, and subsequent nocturnal surveys undertaken in May 2014 recorded no evidence of the presence of a bat roost in any of these buildings. A final nocturnal survey will be undertaken in June 2014, the results of which will be provided within a separate bat report (FPCR 2014).

Birds

3.11 Removal of the improved and semi-improved grassland habitats will reduce the local availability of this foraging resource for local bird populations. The site will however provide a smaller, though more species-rich area of grassland in the long-term and the local area will continue to provide foraging resources for a wide range of urban edge species. The partial removal of the existing hedgerows and perimeter trees will reduce the overall availability of nesting habitat within the site, however trees and shrubs and domestic garden areas provided as part of the soft landscaping scheme will mature with time to provide alternative potential nest sites throughout the site interior and a variety of nest boxes, suitable for a range of birds including hole nesting species will be provided throughout the site.


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fpcr4.0 OBJECTIVES

Long–term Ecological Management Objectives

4.1 The main objectives for the site are based on the requirement to maintain and enhance the nature conservation value of the retained habitats where possible, mitigating for the loss of existing hedgerow, trees, species-poor grasslands and species foraging areas whilst contributing to objectives of the Local BAP and promoting S41 NERC national priority habitats. New and retained habitat corridors and sympathetic management will aim to encourage the natural dispersal of wildlife through the site and surrounding habitats, and contribute to the maintenance of ecologically valuable habitat in the long-term.

4.2 Management efforts will in particular focus on the protection, buffering, and where appropriate enhancement of grassland areas and on the provision of suitable habitats for use by foraging and sheltering wildlife including bats and birds.

4.3 The Plan promotes the following aims and objectives for the site’s management:

Objective 1:

4.4 To maintain, protect and enhance the existing nature conservation value of retained features and associated species.

Objective 2:

4.5 To create new habitats to compensate for loss of, and impacts to, existing habitats. To the enhance biodiversity of the local area and to maximise the site’s biodiversity potential through appropriate management practices.

HABITATS TO BE RETAINED, PROTECTED AND ENHANCED

Objective 1

4.6 To maintain, protect and enhance the existing nature conservation value of retained features and associated species.

4.7 During construction all retained hedgerow habitat and associated field perimeter trees will be suitably protected from mechanical damage and compression of the root area, for example by using high visibility fencing erected approximately 2m from the outside edge of the hedgerow. All retained trees will be protected by barriers or ground protection around the calculated RPA or other defined constraints as detailed by the separate Arboricultural Assessment or the relevant section of BS5837. All protective fencing should be checked on a daily basis to ensure it is in place and that no works are encroaching into these areas.

4.8 Hedgerows will be gapped up where appropriate using locally sourced native woody species such as hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa blackthorn, holly Ilex aquifolium, field maple Acer campestre, hazel Corylus avellana, or dog rose Rosa canina.

4.9 Retained hedgerows within areas of public open space should be cut no more than once annually in late November (after the leaves have started to drop). Hedgerows should not be cut during heavy frost.


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fpcr4.10 No removal of woody vegetation will take place during the bird nesting season unless a thorough

survey by an appropriately experienced ecologist first confirms that no active nests are present. If active nests are found, areas will be left untouched and suitably buffered from works until all birds have fledged.

4.11 All watercourses, neighbouring ponds and other habitats will be appropriately protected from surface water runoff from the site during the construction phase, and all works, including site preparation, construction works, vehicle movement and materials storage will adhere to the Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines PPG5 in order to minimise the risk of disturbance or pollution of the river. All relevant personnel will be familiar with the content of these guidelines prior to commencing work within the site to reduce all risks of accidental spillages and pollution events.

HABITATS TO BE CREATED

Objective 2

4.1 To create new habitats to compensate for loss of, and impacts to, existing habitats. To enhance biodiversity of the local area and to maximise the site’s biodiversity potential through appropriate management practices.

New species-rich short / amenity grassland

4.2 Areas of public open space will be sown with short sward amenity grassland using a suitable native grassland mix such as the flowering lawn mix (EL1) available from Emorsgate or British Seed Houses WFG20 species rich lawn, sown as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.3 Areas to be sown should be first ploughed or rotovated and raked or harrowed to produce a medium fine, firm tilth. Seed will be sown in the autumn or spring, selecting a time when the soil is moist and can be worked. A Cambridge (ribbed) roll is recommended to be used for one or two passes to firm and level the surface and create good seed soil contact.

4.4 The above seed mix includes many perennial species that can be slow to germinate and grow. Ground cover will therefore likely take longer to develop than conventional lawn sowings and may take 12-18 months to knit together as turf. Newly seeded areas will therefore be protected to prevent seedling destruction by pedestrians.

4.5 There will likely be a flush of annual weeds from the soil during the first growing season. This will be controlled by topping or mowing.

Frequency: As required during the initial growing season.

4.6 During initial establishment amenity grassland areas will be mown to a height of 50mm 6-8 weeks after germination and subsequently mown to a height of 35-40mm as required, but not more regularly than once every 4 weeks until such a time as a knitted turf is established. To encourage flowering mowing will be halted entirely during June and July. All grass cuttings will be removed from grassland areas arisings to prevent soil enrichment and minimise thatching.

4.7 The mowing frequency will have regard to weather conditions to ensure that there is no excessive cutting during dry periods. The mowing height will be increased to 50mm in dry weather. Similarly in very wet conditions all grass cutting operations will cease until conditions


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fpcrallow for grass cutting to take place without damaging the surface levels or creating ‘divots’’ from the machinery.

4.8 All litter, stones or other debris should be collected and removed by the Contractor immediately prior to grass cutting operations.

Frequency: As required, up to a maximum of 8 cuts during the growing season.

4.9 All grass edges and mowing margins will be strimmed, maintaining the grass at the same height as the main lawn areas, with the exception of lawn margins adjacent to trees, hedgerows or woodland which should be left with a longer sward to provide a more structured habitat. Particular care shall be exercised by the Management Contractor when mowing or strimming around trees and hedges or other structures.

Frequency: Once in mid spring, followed by circa 7 cuts and/or as required during summer months.

4.10 The sward will be kept substantially free of broad-leaved weeds via the application of a suitable selective herbicide in May and/or September, to be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, Control of Pesticide Regulations, COSHH Regulations and product COSHH sheet in suitable weather conditions, using a skilled and certified operative.

Frequency: Once or twice annually as required, in May and/or September.

4.11 Amenity grassland will be rolled in late summer, once seed heads have ripened and the majority of seed has been dispersed. The sward will be scarified and the ground spiked during October in suitable open weather conditions using a suitable scarifying and spiking machine.

Frequency: Once annually

4.12 During the first 5 years following seeding, water amenity grass areas during periods of extreme drought. After establishment continue to water only if deemed to be required. To aid the natural establishment of amenity grassland water only where unavoidable - when the grass is going brown and appears to be suffering from drought. Water in the morning or in the evening to restrict water evaporation.

Frequency: As required.

New native tree / shrub planting

4.13 New areas of native species tree and shrub planting will be established throughout areas of GI and as street/garden trees. Where possible the planting scheme will create new habitat connections to facilitate the movement of a wide range of wildlife through the area.

4.14 Preference will be given within the landscaping scheme to the use of locally native woody species, with an emphasis on species bearing nectar, berries, fruit and nuts, as these enhance the foraging opportunities of local wild fauna including birds and invertebrates. Furthermore the inclusion of species of varied size and form will provide amenity interest throughout the year.

4.15 New trees and shrubs will be established as standards or heavy standards and protected from potential damage with clear spirals around their base until such a time as they become established.

4.16 Suitable native species for inclusion within the planting scheme are:


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fpcrLatin Common name

Acer campestre Field maple

Betula pendula Silver birch

Carpinus betulus Hornbeam

Cornus sanguinea Common dogwood

Corylus avellana Hazel

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Fagus sylvatica Beech

Ilex aquifolium Holly

Ligustrum vulgare Wild privet

Lonicera periclymenum Common honeysuckle

Malus sylvestris Crab apple

Prunus avium Wild cherry

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Quercus robur Pedunculate oak

Quercus robur fastigiata Fastigate Oak

Rosa arvensis Field rose

Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

Viburnum opulus Guelder rose

4.17 This mix seeks to provide visual interest, foraging and nesting habitat, a variety of form, size and seasonal colour. The recommended period for planting of woody species is between October and March but periods of inundation or prolonged ground frost should be avoided. Planted areas will be provided with a wood chipping/bark mulch.

4.18 Grassland in amongst areas of tree/shrub planting will permitted to grow to a long sward to provide additional structural and species diversity.

4.19 The design of the site lighting scheme will be such that light spill onto woodland areas will be avoided where possible, or otherwise kept to a minimum (see paragraph 2.10).

Long-term management will include the following:

4.20 Check and tighten tree supports. If the tree has established well, then remove all stakes, ties, spacers, tubes etc. and make good surfaces disturbed, filling any holes with suitable topsoil.

Frequency: Annually and after major storm events.

4.21 For the first five years all dead and dying specimens are to be replaced with a tree of either the same species or similar species as those existing. This is to allow some flexibility and to avoid problems encountered with ‘Same Tree Disease’.

Frequency: Annually and/or as required for first 5 years

4.22 Prune back any diseased or rotten wood (including the removal of main stems and limbs) back to sound wood. A suitably skilled and qualified arboriculturalist shall carry out such pruning. Arisings should be cleared to a designated composting area or removed from the site.

Frequency: One visit in early/mid- summer and/or as required.


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fpcr4.23 Spray and weed around tree boles.

Frequency: One visit during each of spring, early and late summer and/or as required.

4.24 Feed season using an approved liquid feed (N10:P15:K10) at a rate of 60g/ m² to promote healthy growth, taking care not to over feed.

Frequency: Twice annually, in early May and late September

4.25 Water trees in periods of extreme drought. Water in the morning or in the evening to restrict water evaporation. After establishment continue to water only if deemed to be required.

Frequency: As required for first 5 years

4.26 Top up mulch levels where necessary.

Frequency: as required.

New ornamental shrub

4.27 Ornamental shrub planting is proposed at locations through the site comprising a variety of woody species to enhance the visual amenity of such spaces. Recommended planting densities are 2-3 plants per m2 to allow space for growth. Species have been selected with specific regard to their wildlife value and will provide a varied nectar, fruit and seed resource suitable to support a range of invertebrate and vertebrate species.

4.28 Suitable species for inclusion within the planting scheme include:

Latin Common Name

Cornus alba siberica Dogwood

Cytisus x praecox 'Allgold' Broom

Lonicera nitida 'Maigrun' Honeysuckle

Lonicera pileata Honeysuckle

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire' Russian sage

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' Photinia

Potentilla 'Farrer's White' Cinquefoil

Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken' Dwarf laurel

Prunus lusitanica Laurel

Pyracantha x waterei Fire thorn

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary

Rubus cockburnianus Ghost bramble

Ulex europaeus Gorse

Viburnum tinus Laurustinus viburnum

Amelanchier lamarckii Snowy mespilus

Cotinus coggygria 'Flame' Smoke bush

Viburnum x carlcephalum Fragrant snowball

4.29 A 50mm depth wood chipping or bark mulch will be applied to all areas of shrub planting, and topped up as necessary.

4.30 Long-term management of shrub habitat in public areas will include the following:


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fpcr4.31 Any loose plants will be firmed in and straightened. Shrubs plants will be replaced that are lost,

damaged or become sick or weak from senescence, vandalism, theft, disease, drought, inclement or stormy weather, fungal or other pathogenic or pest attack, or other adverse cause. Such shrubs will be replaced with the same or similar species on a one for one basis. Nursery stock shall be container grown and shall be a minimum stock size of 3L pot to National Plant Specification classifications of stock size, quality, and number of breaks.

Frequency: Annually and/or as required for first 5 years

4.32 All habitats provided in the proposed development area should be managed in the long term to ensure that the overall biodiversity gains are maximised. Consequently the habitat enhancements proposed as part of the scheme will be in accordance with local and national planning policies.

Protected / notable species

4.33 Roosting bats are not considered to be a constraint to the demolition of these buildings, nevertheless it is recommended that demolition is undertaken in a precautionary manner, given the suitability of the buildings to support small numbers of locally common species on occasion though the year. To this end the ridge tiles and three rows of tiles adjacent to the ridge and along the eaves and gable ends will be removed carefully by hand at least 24 hours prior to demolition, with each tile carefully checked underneath for the presence of bats. Removal of these tiles will expose the ridge beam and wall tops to further discourage use by roosting bats, and encourage any bat present to disperse. In the unlikely event that bats are recorded during any demolition works, operations will cease immediately and advice from FPCR Environment and Design Ltd should be sought.

4.34 To minimise the risk of harm to terrestrial fauna during works, any trenches or other deep excavations left overnight will be provided with a sloping end or a ramp to prevent animals, from becoming trapped. Alternatively they will be suitably covered before dusk to prevent any passing animals falling in. Materials such as netting, wiring or cutting tools will not be left in the works area where they might entangle or injure wildlife.

6.7.1 Wherever possible, works adjacent to hedgerows and trees will be undertaken during daylight hours to minimise night time disturbance which may otherwise affect bat foraging/commuting habits.

6.7.2 The lighting scheme will be carefully designed to minimise potential disturbance due to light spill onto existing and new potential bat foraging areas and roost sites including hedgerows, tree and shrub planting, and potential roost sites including bat boxes. Where artificial lighting cannot be avoided the lighting scheme will be designed with reference to the Bat Conservation Trust and Institute of Lighting Professionals guidance6,7,8 and will be designed to reduce spill and be downwardly directional. All new lighting will meet the current environmental standards of good practice in order to reduce potential light pollution and will use the lowest intensity possible for its purpose. Disturbance through lighting effects are therefore expected to be negligible for local bat species.

6 Bat Conservation Trust. 2009. Bats and Lighting in the UK. Bats and the Built Environment Series. 7 Bat Conservation Trust. 2011. Statement on the Impact and Design of Artificial Light on Bats. 8 Institute of Lighting Professionals. 2011. Guidance notes for the reduction of Obtrusive Light.


14

fpcr4.35 As part of the proposed scheme a range of bird and bat boxes will be erected at least 4m up on

retained trees and/or on within the eves or gables of selected buildings to provide increased opportunities for use by nesting birds and roosting bats. Recommended box locations are provided in Figure 2. Suitable designs include:

Integral (building) bat box designs:

• Habibat bat box (choice of brick, rendered, stone or custom timber facings);

• Ibstock enclosed bat box ‘C’;

• Schwegler bat tube 1FR &/or 1WI

Bat boxes suitable for use on trees:

• 1FF Schwegler Bat Roost;

• Untreated timber double-chamber designs;

Suitable bird box designs for use on trees:

• Traditional Wooden Bird Nest Box

Suitable bird box designs for use on buildings:

• Schwegler 1SP sparrow nest box;

• Schwegler 16S swift box;

• Schwegler brick nest boxes - types 24, 25, 25A or 26

Available from http://www.nhbs.com and other suppliers.

5.0 OUTLINE MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS

Habitat Prescription

Retained hedgerows

Retained hedgerows will be protected from damage and from soil compaction during construction using fenced RPAs where construction works are to be undertaken in the vicinity, in accordance with guidance in British Standard 5837 (2005).

Existing hedgerows will be enhanced/gapped up using listed native species. Planting will be undertaken between October to March, avoiding periods of inundation or prolonged ground frost. Failed specimens will be replaced on a like-for-like basis.

Hedgerows will be cut once annually in late November after the leaves have started to drop to a height of between 1.5m and 2.5m to suit circumstances. Hedgerows will be trimmed into an ‘A’ profile to promote a wide base to benefit local wildlife. Hedgerows will not be cut during heavy frost or during bird breeding season (March to September inclusive).

Any diseased or rotten wood will be pruned back to sound wood, including the removal of main stems and limbs. Cut material will be removed from the site. No on-site burning will be permitted.

New species-rich short / amenity grassland

Areas of native species-rich short/amenity grassland will be established using a suitable seed mix such as the Emorsgate flowering lawn mix (EL1), British Seed Houses WFG20 species rich lawn or similar, as per Section 5.

The Contractor should protect newly seeded areas where appropriate to prevent seedling destruction by pedestrians. Fertiliser will not be applied at any point.

During initial establishment this grassland should be mown to a height of 50mm 6-8 weeks after germination and subsequently to a height of 35-40mm as required, but not more regularly than once every 4 weeks until such a time as a knitted turf is established. To encourage flowering mowing will be halted entirely during June and July.

Mowing will be reduced during prolonged dry periods and the mowing height increased to 50mm at such times. Similarly in very wet conditions all grass cutting operations will cease until conditions allow for grass cutting to take place.

Arisings will be removed off site to encourage grassland establishment and prevent soil enrichment and thatching.

Pernicious weeds including common ragwort, thistles, docks, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam will be spot-treated with herbicide as necessary. Spot treat persistent pernicious weeds using herbicide following the first season’s growth and/or manual hand strimming of target areas either in late summer when adjacent grassland is mown or in early spring.


12

fpcrHabitat Prescription

Amenity grassland will be rolled in late summer, once the majority of seeds have dispersed. The sward will be scarified and the ground spiked during October in suitable open weather conditions using a suitable scarifying and spiking machine.

Grassland around the bases of hedgerows, trees and native shrub planting will be left unmanaged where possible to provide a more structured habitat.

All litter, stones or other debris should be collected and removed by the Contractor immediately prior to grass cutting operations.

Short/amenity grassland will be watered during periods of extreme drought during the first 5 years following planting. After establishment watering will continue only if deemed to be required.

New native tree / shrub planting

New areas of tree planting will be established between October to March, avoiding periods of inundation or prolonged ground frost. Mulch using wood chippings or bark. Individual tree guards will be required to prevent damage to saplings by browsing rabbits and deer. Planting will include suitable native species for the region (see Section 5).

Review and remove guards and stakes as necessary after three years. If the tree has yet to establish, replace or adjust ties, spacers and tree tubes as appropriate. If the tree has established well, then remove all stakes, ties, spacers, tubes etc. and make good surfaces disturbed – filling any holes with suitable topsoil.

Replace failed specimens on a like-for-like basis during the first five years of establishment. Top up mulch levels where necessary.

Prune any diseased or rotten wood (including the removal of main stems and limbs) back to sound wood. Remove all stems and limbs which are unsafe or are in danger of falling or breaking during gales. A suitably skilled and qualified arboriculturalist shall carry out such pruning. Remove all diseased material from site. Do not site burn.

During the first 5 years following planting, water trees in periods of extreme drought. After establishment continue to water only if deemed to be required.

All new areas of tree planting shall be fertilised using an approved liquid feed (N10:P15:K10) at a rate of 60g/m² during early May and late September during the first 5 years following planting to promote healthy growth, taking care not to over feed.

Group planting will be assessed after 5 years, and where necessary, some specimens removed to enhance the development of others, however a non-intervention management approach to individual trees will be adopted wherever possible.

New ornamental shrub

Prune out dead, leggy and broken branches, without damage to natural habit of plant. Prune back shrubs in the period October to March. Firm in and straighten any plants loosened. Replace dead or dying shrubs with the same or similar species on a one for one basis.

Top up mulch levels where necessary, using to a 50mm depth using wood chipping or bark mulch.

Shrubs will be dead-headed after flowering.

Prune no more than one third of woody growth cut to ensure a continuous supply of flowers and fruits in autumn/winter (October to March inclusive). Prune out dead, leggy and broken branches, crossover branches, invasive suckers, dead wood and damaged stems, pruning back to a node, shoot or bud. Shrubs will not be box clipped or rounded off. Trim shrubs and ground cover planting back from paths etc.

Weed growth will be removed by hand as necessary to ensure weed free and tidy planting beds.

During the first 5 years following planting, shrubs will be watered during periods of extreme drought. After establishment watering will continue only if deemed to be required.

All shrubs shall be fertilised using an approved liquid feed (N10:P15:K10) at a rate of 60g/ m² during early May and late September, taking care not to over feed.

All litter, stones or other debris should be collected and removed by the Contractor at each visit, leaving the site clean and tidy.


13

fpcr

6.0 MONITORING AND WORK PROGRAMME

6.1 In order to ensure that the habitats created within the site reach and maintain their maximum value to nature conservation, all habitats should be monitored every two years with some specific surveys being carried out every year.

6.2 Results of this monitoring should be used to inform changes to the management plan, particularly at the end of the initial five-year work programme. The prescriptions provided here should not be set in stone and will be altered if required. The management plan should run for a period of ten years, the work programme will be reviewed at the end of the five year period. An outline is detailed below. Flexibility is essential and managers will have the ability to adjust the regime in order to respond promptly to changing circumstances.

6.3 Litter should be removed from the site as part of the general management and maintenance visits.


14

fpcr

Table 3 – Five Year Work Programme

Description of works Years Active with Priority

1 2 3 4 5 Post 5

yrs

Species-rich Short/Amenity Grassland

1. Sow areas as per the manufacturer’s instructions and protect newly seeded areas where appropriate

ü

2. Mow to 50mm 6-8 weeks after germination. ü

3. Subsequently mow to 35-40mm as required, but not more regularly than once every 4 weeks until a knitted turf is established. Leave longer unmown grass around hedgerow/trees etc. Do not mow during June & July.

ü ü ü ü ü ü

4. Remove arisings to a designated composting area or off-site. ü ü ü ü ü ü

Hedgerows

1. Gap up existing hedgerows and plant new hedgerows with native woody species.

ü - - - - -

2. Cut in late winter to avoid the bird breeding season, but not during severe frost.

ü ü ü ü ü ü

Tree and Shrub Planting

1. Plant young tree and shrub species ü - - - - -

2. Replace dead or dying species on a like for like basis. - ü ü ü ü -

3. Prevent encroachment into adjacent habitats. ü ü ü ü ü ü

Monitoring

1. Monitor general green infrastructure habitats every two to three years and use results to inform future management. - - ü - - ü

St Modwen

Land off Bramshall RoadUttoxeter

PHASE I HABITAT PLAN

NTS @ A3

J:\4300\4348\Ecology\Management Plan 2014\4348 Phase 1 Bramshall Road.cdr

Figure 1

RG / RG 16.06.2014N

This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person,either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.

Ordnance Survey material is used with the permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.

Site boundary

Improved grassland

Hedgerow (with reference)

Tree

Fence

Species-poor semi-improved grassland

I

SI

Hard standing

Building

fpcr

environmental assessment arboricultureecologymasterplanning landscape design urban designFPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person,either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.

Ordnance Survey material is used with the permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.

SI

SI I

I

I

Bramsh

all Road

T1

H1

H2

H3H4

H5

H6

Bat box Bird box

BuildingsSuitable integral bat box designs:-Habibat bat box (choice of brick or rendered facings);-Ibstock enclosed bat box ‘C’;-Schwegler bat tube 1FR &/or 1WI

Suitable bird box designs:-Schwegler 1SP sparrow nest box;-Schwegler 16S swift box;-Schwegler brick nest boxes - types 24, 25, 25A or 26

Trees -1FF Schwegler Bat Roost;-Untreated timber double-chamber designs;-Traditional Wooden Bird Nest Box

Available from http://www.nhbs.com and other suppliers

LAND WEST OF UTTOXETER

SITE LAYOUT AND BAT / BIRD BOX LOCATION PLAN

NTS @ A4

Figure 2

RG 16.06.2014

N

fpcr

Appendix 1

St Modwen

Land West of Uttoxeter

Arboricultural Impact Assessment and

Tree Protection Measures July 2014

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No. 07128076. [T] 01509 672772 [F] 01509 674565 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fpcr.co.uk This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.

Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date

- Draft TCB / 17.06.14 HCK / 18.06.14

Final TCB / 01.07.14 DS / 01.07.14

Arboricultural Assessment fpcr

J:\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\4348TPP Final.doc 1

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 2

2.0 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 2

3.0 ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................................. 2

4.0 TREE MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................... 4

5.0 TREE PROTECTION MEASURES ................................................................................... 4

6.0 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................. 7

FIGURES

Figure 1: Site Location Plan (Drawing no. 4348-A-01)

Figure 2: Tree Survey Plan (Drawing no. 4348-A-02)

Figure 3: Tree Retention Plan (Drawing no. 4348-A-03 REV A)

Figure 4: Tree Protection Plan (Drawing no. 4348-A-04 REV A)

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Protective Fencing Examples

Appendix B: Protective Fencing Signage

Appendix C: No Dig Specification



1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This statement has been prepared by FPCR Environment and Design Limited on behalf of St Modwen to provide the methods of protection and pruning requirements of retained trees located at Land West of Uttoxeter, (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’).

1.2 This document sets out the methodology for all proposed works that affect trees on the site and their means of protection during the construction phases of the approved development. Compliance with this method statement, once approved by the Local Authority’s Arboricultural Officer, will be a requirement of all relevant contractors associated with the development proposals.

1.3 This report should be read in conjunction with the previous Arboricultural Assessment (Land West of Uttoxeter) Ref: 4348AA, produced by FPCR Environment and Design Limited in May 2013.The AMS has been based upon the drawing of the layout produced by RG+P, (drwg.no. 40083 021 E Sketch Layout - Phase 1).

1.4 The AMS outlines the various components in respect of tree work requirements, tree protection measures and provides details for practical application of such measures including construction details where known.

2.0 RESULTS

2.1 A total of four individual trees and a single group of trees were situated within the Phase 1 application area. Refer to Figure 2 – Tree Survey Plan (drawing no. 4348-A-02) and 4348 Appendix A – Tree Schedule) submitted within the previous Arboricultural Assessment, May 2013 for full details of the trees included in this assessment.

3.0 ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

3.1 The following paragraphs present a summary of the trees assessed within the previous Arboricultural Assessment, May 2013 and offers discussion of particular trees and groups recorded in the context of any proposed development in the form of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment in accordance with section 5.4 of BS5837. Any final tree retentions will need to be reconciled with the advice contained within this report.

3.2 The AIA has been based upon the Additional Parking Proposals, (drwg.no. 40083 021 E Sketch Layout - Phase 1) and seeks to outline the potential impact that the proposals would have on the existing trees being retained. The above drawing outlines the proposals for a residential development with associated access road and supporting green infrastructure. An overlay of the above layout has been incorporated in the Tree Retention Plan (Figure 3) to assist in identifying potential conflicts with the existing trees.

3.3 To facilitate the proposed development as per the above plan no significant tree loss will be required. The proposed built element of the development is to be set within the field compartments which are physically devoid of tree cover. The existing trees on site, which are situated around the field boundaries, are to be retained and reinforced as landscape buffer strips and as part of the open space provision by virtue of their positions. The proposed layout has illustrated the indicative positions of additional new tree planting as part of the built element and open spaces, will increase the net amount of tree cover on the site.



3.4 It would be recommended that further tree planting where possible should be considered to that which is shown on the layout in order to secure a greater amount of overall tree cover.

3.5 The proposed main vehicular access for the development is to be positioned to the south of the site off Bramshall Road. In order to facilitate this, TG16 will need to be removed to provide the necessary opening in the field hedgerow for the access road and to accommodate the required visibility splays. The removal of this tree cover should not constrain the development, from an arboricultural perspective, due to the low quality of trees within the group. The trees were of generally small proportions and showed signs of decline. New tree planting should be provided as part of the landscaping scheme for the development around the new entrance which will suitably mitigate for the loss of this material to provide a higher quality entrance feature to the new housing area. The open space area immediately to the east side of the new access point should be considered for a number of key feature trees along the line of the road.

3.6 The proposed access road situated to the north of T102 is to be positioned in close proximity to the root protection area of this specimen. The key issue with construction of the new road will be paying specific attention to existing and future ground levels so that any work does not result in significant disturbance to the trees rooting environment and physical presence of roots both during the work and for roots to potentially damage the new road as the trees continues to develop.

3.7 To ensure the successful integration and future survival of T102 again it will also be of paramount importance not to damage any roots that may be present during the construction of residential dwelling plot 009 paying specific attention to any excavation work so that it does not result in significant disturbance to the trees rooting environment and physical presence of roots.

3.8 It would therefore be beneficial to carry out investigation in the form of trial pits / trenches around T102 through the use air spade technology (Air Space uses a jet of air to carefully blast away soil to expose roots) prior to any decisions being taken as this would reveal the size and extent of the roots that may be present and thus enabling appropriate choices to be made for the construction.

3.9 Following any investigation a decision can be made as to the appropriate course of action once the trial pits have been excavated. If no significant supporting roots are present, it may be possible to adopt a traditional form of highway construction with careful pruning under supervision of minor roots. This may be achievable and considered appropriate provided only minor roots are severed cleanly using sharp pruning tools. If this is the chosen option, it would be prudent to also consider the installation of a proprietary root barrier following pruning of the roots to prevent further root growth in the direction of the new foundations.

3.10 In order to enable the future health of this tree, it may however be necessary to consider “no dig construction methods” to ensure roots are not severed during any subsequent construction works, therefore enabling successful survival of the tree during and after the site development. A method statement approach may be best to ensure works are not going to significantly impact on this tree and that the correct tree protection measures are provided to safeguard the tree from damage.



Mitigation for Tree Losses

3.11 As stated in corresponding Arboricultural Assessment new tree planting should form an integral part of any new development. Therefore the landscaping scheme should consider providing tree planting in the following situations; new amenity planting as part of any proposed hard landscaping in and around the proposed areas of car parking.

3.12 Tree planting should take into consideration the possible future effects of growth from trees that may be positioned within or around areas of asphalt. The implementation of appropriate planting techniques such as tree planting pits along with root barriers and irrigation systems may be required to achieve the natural integration of new tree cover within a hard landscaped environment.

4.0 TREE MANAGEMENT

4.1 Should the layout in its current form be approved, a review of the relationship between the layout and the retained trees should be undertaken by a qualified arboriculturalist to prepare an approved schedule of tree works listing all the trees requiring work (making use of reference numbers), accompanied by a plan showing the location of each tree.

4.2 All retained trees should be subjected to sound arboricultural management as recommended within section 8.8.3 of BS5837 Post Development Management of Existing Trees, where there is a potential for public access in order to satisfy the landowner’s duty of care. Additionally inspections annually and following major storms should be carried out by an experienced arboriculturalist or arborist to identify any potential public health and safety risks and to agree remedial works as required.

4.3 All tree works undertaken should comply with British Standard 3998:2010 and should therefore be carried out by skilled tree surgeons. It would be recommended that quotations for such work be obtained from Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors as this is the recognised authority for certification of tree work contractors.

4.4 All vegetation and, particularly, woody vegetation proposed for clearance should be removed outside of the bird-breeding season (March - September inclusive) as all birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended) whilst on the nest. Where this is not possible, vegetation should be checked for the presence of nesting birds prior to removal by an experienced ecologist.

5.0 TREE PROTECTION MEASURES

5.1 Retained trees will be adequately protected during works ensuring that the calculated RPA for all retained trees can be appropriately protected through the erection of the requisite tree protection barriers. Measures to protect trees should follow the guidance in BS5837 and will be applied where necessary for the purpose of protecting trees within the site whilst allowing sufficient access for the implementation of the proposed layout. These have been broadly summarised below.



General Information and Recommendations

5.2 All trees retained on site will be protected by barriers or ground protection around the calculated RPA or other defined constraints of this assessment as detailed by section 6 and 7 of BS5837.

5.3 Barriers will be erected prior to commencement of any construction work and before demolition including erection of any temporary structures. Once installed, the area protected by fencing or other barriers will be regarded as a construction exclusion zone. Fencing and barriers will not be removed or altered without prior consultation with the project arboriculturalist.

5.4 Any trees that are not to be retained as part of the proposals should be felled prior to the erection of protective barriers. Particular attention needs to be given by site contractors to minimise damage or disturbance to retained specimens.

5.5 Where it has been agreed, construction access may take place within the RPA if suitable ground protection measures are in place. This may comprise single scaffold boards over a compressible layer laid onto geo-textile materials for pedestrian movements. Vehicular movements over the RPA will require the calculation of expected loading and the use of proprietary protection systems.

5.6 Confirmation that tree protective fencing or other barriers have been set out correctly should be gained prior to the commencement of site activity.

Tree Protection Barriers

5.7 Tree protection fencing should be fit for the purpose of excluding any type of construction activity and suitable for the degree and proximity of works to retained trees. Barriers must be maintained to ensure that they remain rigid and complete for the duration of construction activities on site.

5.8 In most situations fencing should comprise a scaffold framework comprising a vertical and horizontal framework, well braced to resist impacts. For particular areas where construction activity is anticipated to be of a more intense nature higher fencing may be necessary. Where site circumstances and the risk to retained trees do not necessitate the default level of protection an alternative will be specified. The standard fencing specifications as recommended in BS5837 has been illustrated in Appendix A.

5.9 It may be appropriate on some sites to use temporary site offices as components of the protection barriers.

Ground Protection

5.10 Where it has been agreed, construction access may take place within the RPA if suitable ground protection measures are in place. Guidance on examples of appropriate ground protection for several different scenarios is provided in section 6.2.3 of BS5837. The location of and design for temporary ground protection should be detailed as part of an Arboricultural Method Statement required by conditioning should planning permission be granted. In all cases, the objective is to avoid compaction of the soil which can arise from a single passage of a heavy vehicle, especially in wet conditions, so that tree root functions remain unimpaired.



Protection outside the exclusion zone

5.11 Once the areas around trees have been protected by the barriers, any works on the remaining site area may be commenced providing activities do not impinge on protected areas.

5.12 All weather notices should be attached to the protective fencing to indicate that construction activities are not permitted within the fenced area. The area within the protective barriers will then remain a construction exclusion zone throughout the duration of the construction phase of the proposed development. An example of the signage to be used is given in Appendix B.

5.13 Wide or tall loads etc. should not come into contact with retained trees. Banks man should supervise transit of vehicles where they are in close proximity to retained trees.

5.14 Oil, bitumen, cement or other material that is potentially injurious to trees should not be stacked or discharged within 10m of a tree bole. No concrete mixing should be done within 10m of a tree. Allowance should be made for the slope of ground to prevent materials running towards the tree.

5.15 No fires will be lit where flames are anticipated to extend to within 5m of tree foliage, branches or trunk, taking into consideration wind direction and size of fire.

5.16 Notice boards, telephone cables or other services should not be attached to any part of a retained tree.

5.17 Any trees which need to be felled adjacent to or are present within a continuous canopy of retained trees, must be removed with due care (it may be necessary to remove such trees in sections).

Protection of Trees Close to the Site

5.18 There were a number of trees located on the boundaries of the site. The root protection area of these trees will need to be protected in the same way as all the retained trees within the site. All trees located outside the boundaries of the assessment site yet within close proximity to works should be adequately protected during the course of the development by barriers or ground protection around the calculated RPA.

5.19 Any trees which are to be retained and whose RPAs may be affected by the development should be monitored to identify any alterations in quality with time and to assess and undertake any remedial works required as a result.

Protection for Aerial Parts of Retained Trees

5.20 Where it is deemed necessary to operate a wide or tall load, plant bearing booms, jibs and counterweights or other such equipment as part of the construction works it is best advised that appropriate, but limited tree surgery, be carried out beforehand to remove any obvious problem branches. Any such equipment would have potential to cause damage to parts of the crown material, i.e. low branches and limbs, of retained trees within the protective barriers. This is termed as ‘access facilitation pruning’ within BS5837. Any such pruning should be undertaken in accordance with a specification prepared by an arboriculturalist.

5.21 It is strongly advised that a pre-commencement site meeting is held with contractors who are responsible for operating machinery, as described above, to firstly highlight the potential for



damage occurring to tree crowns and to ensure that extra care is applied when manoeuvring machinery during such operations within close proximity to retained trees to avoid any contact.

5.22 In the event of having caused any such branch or limb damage to retained trees it is strongly recommended that suitable tree surgery be carried out, in accordance with British Standard 3998:2010 to correct the damage, upon completion of development.

5.23 In conclusion, the proposed development should be seen as an opportunity, in terms of arboriculture, to improve and increase tree cover in the local area without the loss of any arboriculturally significant trees.

6.0 CONCLUSION

6.1 To facilitate the proposed development no significant tree loss will be required as the proposed build element of the development is to be positioned centrally to the application area which is largely devoid of tree cover.

6.2 The majority of existing trees on site are to be retained and reinforced as landscape buffer strips by virtue of their positions. Additional new tree planting should also be included which will increase the net amount of tree cover on the site.

6.3 The proposed main vehicular access is to be positioned to the south of the site off Bramshall Road. In order to facilitate this, TG16 will need to be removed. The removal of this tree cover should not constrain the development, due to the low quality found within the group. New tree planting proposed as part of the landscaping scheme for the development will suitably mitigate for the loss of this material.

6.4 The proposed access road situated to the north of T102 is also positioned in close proximity to the root protection area of this specimen. Construction of the new road will need to pay specific attention to existing and future ground levels so that any work does not result in significant disturbance to the trees rooting environment and physical presence of roots both during the work and for roots to potentially damage the new road as the trees continues to develop.

6.5 To ensure the successful integration and future survival of T102 again it will also be of paramount importance not to damage any roots that may be present during the construction of the new road.

6.6 Any proposed tree surgery work should be carried out by skilled tree surgeons as described in section 4.3 and in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations. An inspection should be carried out by a suitably qualified arboriculturalist to determine any future pruning works and to specify such works.

6.7 In conclusion, the proposed development should be seen as an opportunity, in terms of arboriculture, to improve and increase tree cover in the local area without the loss of any arboriculturally significant trees.

KEY

Assessment Boundary

Ordnance Survey material is used with the permission of The Controller of HMSO,

Crown copyright 100018896.

This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design ltd and is issued on

the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person,

either wholly or in part with written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.

rev date description by

CAD file:

client

project

drawing title

scale

drawing number

drawn date

rev

environmental assessment

arboriculture

ecology

masterplanning

landscape design

urban design

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd

Lockington Hall

Lockington

Derby DE74 2RH

t: 01509 672772

f: 01509 674565

e: [email protected]

w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

St Modwen


SITE LOCATION PLAN

FIGURE 1

1:2500 @ A4 TCB June 2014

4348-A-01 -J:\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\Plans\Fig 1 Site Location Plan.dwg

ParkFields

TG16

NOTES

All dimensions to be verified on site. Do not scale this drawing. All discrepancies to be

clarified with project Arboriculturalist. Drawing to be read in conjunction with Arboricultural

Assessment and Appendix A - Tree Schedule .

Drawing produced in colour, a monochrome copy should not be relied upon, and is based

on digital information supplied by the client in dwg format. The exact position of trees are to

be checked and verified on site prior to any tree work or construction work being

undertaken.

Trees are living organisms that change over time, the condition of all trees illustrated

herein, are to be checked by a qualified arboriculturalist or tree surgeon should works

commence 12 months after the time of this survey. Please note that no works should be

undertaken to any trees illustrated herein without first obtaining the proper authorisation to

do so.

This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the

condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either

wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.

Ordnance Survey material is used with the permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown

copyright 100018896.

- 17.06.14 First Issue TCB


CAD file:

client

project

drawing title

scale

drawing number

drawn date

rev


arboriculture

ecology

masterplanning

landscape design

urban design


Lockington Hall

Lockington

Derby DE74 2RH

t: 01509 672772

f: 01509 674565


w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

St Modwen


Uttoxeter

TREE SURVEY PLAN

FIGURE 2

1:1000 @ A3 TCB June 2014

4348-A-02 -J:\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\Plans\Fig 2 Tree Survey Plan.dwg

N

0

Scale 1:1000 @ A3

25 50m

Category U - Unsuitable for Retention

(BS 5837:2012)

KEY

Category A - Trees of High Quality

(BS 5837:2012)

Category B - Trees of Moderate Quality

(BS 5837:2012)

Category C - Trees of Low Quality

(BS 5837:2012)

Root Protection Area (the RPA has been altered

where appropriate to reflect underground constraints)

Individual / Group Number and BS Category

T1 (A)

TG1 (A)

Group hatching

(Colour indicates BS Category)

Indicative Shade Pattern (where appropriate)

Hedgerow hatching

(Colour indicates BS Category)

0.0 m

2

255

001

002

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051

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007008

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055055

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V

002

Easement

*

**

*

*

*

4B1203

4B1203

4B1381

011

011

019

038

038

042

042

058

058

059

173.0 m

2

4B1381

3B938

3B938

4B1149

3B839

3B839

4B1149

4B1381

4B1209

FOG

4B1203

4B1203

5B2072

4B1149

3B965

3B920

4B1765

4B1765

4B1765

3B938

4B1203

4B1203

4B1381

Substation

ParkFields

NOTES







undertaken.





do so.







- A 01.07.14 DWG: 021_E_Sketch_Layout_-_Phase_1_0_Phase_1_-_Site_Layout inserted TCB


CAD file:

client

project

drawing title

scale

drawing number

drawn date

rev


arboriculture

ecology

masterplanning

landscape design

urban design


Lockington Hall

Lockington

Derby DE74 2RH

t: 01509 672772

f: 01509 674565


w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

St Modwen


Uttoxeter

TREE RETENTION PLAN

FIGURE 3

1:1000 @ A3 TCB July 2014

4348-A-03 - A\\Fpcr-vm-04\projects\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\Plans\Fig 3 Tree Retention Plan REV A.dwg

N

0

Scale 1:1000 @ A3

25 50m

KEY

Tree to be Retained

Tree to be removed to facilitate the proposals

Category U - Unsuitable for retention on

arboricultural grounds

Root Protection Area

(Shown for retained trees only)

Individual / Group Number and BS Category

T1 (A)

TG1 (A)

Indicative Shade Pattern (where appropriate)

ParkFields

0.0 m

2

255

001

002

002

051

003

004

005

006

007008

009

010

011

012

013

014

015

016

017

018

019

020

021

022

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025

026

027

028

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009

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007

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047

048

049

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052

053

054

055

056

057

058

059

028

029

029

028

029

030

030

031

031

032

033

034

035

036

036

037

039

040

041

041

043

044

045

046

047

048

048

049

050

051

052

053

054

055055

056

057

V

002

Easement

*

**

*

*

*

4B1203

4B1203

4B1381

011

011

019

038

038

042

042

058

058

059

173.0 m

2

4B1381

3B938

3B938

4B1149

3B839

3B839

4B1149

4B1381

4B1209

FOG

4B1203

4B1203

5B2072

4B1149

3B965

3B920

4B1765

4B1765

4B1765

3B938

4B1203

4B1203

4B1381

Substation

6.5m

6.5

m

24.0m

4.0m

4.0

m

8.0m

8.0m

8.0m

8.0m

8.0

m

15.0m

8.0

m

8.0m

15

.0

m

NOTES







undertaken.





do so.







- A 01.07.14 DWG : 021_E_Sketch_Layout_-_Phase_1_0_Phase_1_-_Site_Layout inserted TCB


CAD file:

client

project

drawing title

scale

drawing number

drawn date

rev


arboriculture

ecology

masterplanning

landscape design

urban design


Lockington Hall

Lockington

Derby DE74 2RH

t: 01509 672772

f: 01509 674565


w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

St Modwen


Uttoxeter

TREE PROTECTION PLAN

FIGURE 4

1:1000 @ A3 TCB July 2014

4348-A-04 - A\\Fpcr-vm-04\projects\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\Plans\Fig 4 Tree Protection Plan REV A.dwg

N

0

Scale 1:1000 @ A3

25 50m

KEY

Tree to be Retained

Tree to be removed to facilitate the proposals

Category U - Unsuitable for retention on

arboricultural grounds

Root Protection Area

(Shown for retained trees only)

Area of Temporary Ground Protection During

the Construction Phase of the Development

Individual / Group Number

T1

TG1

Line of Tree Protective Barriers

(and distance from tree or retained structure)

6.0m

Tree Protection Barriers to be altered when

construction begins around RPA

2

3

6

4

1

0.6m

5

7

1

2

3

Standard specification for protective

barrier

1. Standard scaffold poles

2. Heavy gauge 2m tall galvanized tube and

welded mesh infill panels

3. Panels secured to scaffold frame with wire ties

4. Ground level

5. Uprights driven into the ground until secure

(min depth of 0.6m)

6. Standard scaffold clamps

7. Construction Exclusion Zone signs

NOTES



either wholly or in part with written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. CAD file:

drawing title


arboriculture

ecology

masterplanning

landscape design

urban design


Lockington Hall

Lockington

Derby DE74 2RH

t: 01509 672772

f: 01509 674565


w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

APPENDIX A

PROTECTIVE FENCING SPECIFICATIONS

J:\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\Plans\Appendix A - Protective Fencing Examples.dwg

Above ground stabilising systems

1. Stabiliser strut with base plate secured with

ground pins

2. Feet blocks secured with ground pins

3. Construction Exclusion Zone signs

Protective Fencing to be positioned to the specified

dimensions in accordance with Tree Retention Plan and BS

5837:2012

TREE PROTECTION AREA

KEEP OUT !PROTECTIVE FENCING. THIS

FENCING MUST BE

MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE

WITH THE APPROVED PLANS

AND DRAWINGS FOR THIS

DEVELOPMENT.

!(TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990)

TREES ENCLOSED BY THIS FENCE ARE PROTECTED BY

PLANNING CONDITIONS AND/OR ARE THE SUBJECTS OF A

TREE PRESERVATION ORDER.

CONTRAVENTION OF A TREE PRESERVATION ORDER MAY

LEAD TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION

ANY INCURSION INTO THE PROTECTED AREA MUST BE

WITH THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE LOCAL

PLANNING AUTHORITY

Geotextile membraneCellular Confinement system

with granular fill

Existing

ground level

Edging curb

Depth varies dependant

upon required loading

capacity

Permeable Surface

Cellular Confinement system

with granular fill

Geotextile membrane

Permeable surface


Existing ground level

Edging curb

Permeable Surface

Granular Fill

Existing

Soil level


Geotextile Membrane

CAD file:

drawing title


arboriculture

ecology

masterplanning

landscape design

urban design


Lockington Hall

Lockington

Derby DE74 2RH

t: 01509 672772

f: 01509 674565


w: www.fpcr.co.uk

architecture

APPENDIX C

NO DIG CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION

J:\4300\4348\Arboriculture\Arb 2014 TPP\Plans\Appendix C - No Dig Specification.dwg

NOTES



either wholly or in part with written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.

Biodiversity Enhancement and Habitat Management … Application...Biodiversity Enhancement and Habitat Management Plan 1 fpcr 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The site off Bramshall Road, west

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