MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Green Infrastructure and Countryside. Tourism, leisure & Culture Service. Enterprise MEMORANDUM To: David Wong From: Aidan Neary Biodiversity and Ecology Officer Date: 27/05/2015 Our Ref: AN 00383 Kingswood, Chepstow Your Ref: DC/2015/00383 Ext. 4963 RE: DC/2015/00383 Kingswood, Chepstow Dear Dave, Thank you for consulting with me on this dormer enlargement and external cladding works application. I would now like to make the following comments with regards to protected species: Bats: I have read the Bat Survey Report undertaken by AWT Ecological Consultancy dated January 2015. I am satisfied that the survey was carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist and at an appropriate time of year. Following a preliminary roost assessment and activity surveys in September 2014 the report notes the presence of a day roost for a single common pipistrelle bat within the hanging tiles of the property. NRW confirm in their letter dated 21st February 2015 that they do not object to the scheme and that the favourable conservation status will not be detrimentally affected subject to the development being carried out in accordance with mitigation and compensation details outlined in the bat report. Depending on the construction timing and implementation of a like for like roost replacement a European Protected Species derogation licence may be required. I am satisfied with the proposed timings and compensation included in the recommendations section of the report. Please therefore include the following conditions on any approval: Submission of a copy of the EPS licence (adapted from BS 42020:2013) The herby permitted works shall not in any circumstances commence unless the local planning authority has been provided with either: a) a licence issued by Natural Resources Wales pursuant to Regulation 53 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (Amendment) 2012 authorising the specified activity/development to go ahead; or b) a statement in writing from a suitably experienced ecological consultant; to the effect that it does not consider that the specified activity/development will require a licence. REASON: to ensure that plant and animal species which come within the terms of The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012 are effectively protected and that a copy of the NRW development licence is submitted to the LPA. Working method compliance: The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the mitigation and avoidance measures for bats outlined in Section 6 ‘Recommendations and Mitigation Strategy’ of the Bat Survey Report undertaken by AWT Ecological Consultancy dated January 2015;unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To safeguard roosting habitat of Species of Conservation Concern in accordance with Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and LDP policy NE1 Bat Roosting Provision Opportunities for the continued use of the building by roosting bats shall be incorporated in the scheme to be as a minimum as outlined in Section 6 of the revised Bat Survey report undertaken by undertaken by AWT Ecological Consultancy dated January 2015;unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To safeguard roosting habitat of Species of Conservation Concern in accordance with Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012 and LDP policies NE1 Elevation Plan details Unfortunately, the bat report did not provide detailed architectural plans showing the location of the compensatory bat roost features to be incorporated within the dwelling. In order to assist with any potential future enforcement issues, an elevation plan showing the exact location of these features is required. Therefore, please include the following condition on any consent: Prior to the commencement of any works associated with the development hereby approved, an elevation plan showing details of the provision of roosts and a means of access for pipistrelle bats into the dwelling shall be submitted to the local authority for approval. The approved details shall be implemented before the new dwelling hereby approved is first occupied. REASON: To provide compensatory roosting features for bats, in accordance with paragraph 5.2.8 of Planning Policy Wales (2010), paragraph 1.4.3 of TAN 5 (2009) and Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Informatives: Bats: Please note that Bats are protected under The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This protection includes bats and places used as bat roosts, whether a bat is present at the time or not. We advise that the applicant seeks a European Protected Species licence from NRW under Regulation 53(2)e of the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012 before any works on site commence that may impact upon bats. Please note that the granting of planning permission does not negate the need to obtain a licence. If bats are found during the course of works, all works must cease and the Natural Resources Wales contacted immediately (NRW) (02920 772400). Regards Aidan Neary Biodiversity and Ecology Officer aidanneary@monmothshire.gov.uk Tel: 01633 644936