Coldra Woods Hotel by Celtic Manor and Starbucks Drive Thru Restaurant. Dormouse Method Statement

Transcription

1 Coldra Woods Hotel by Celtic Manor and Starbucks Drive Thru Restaurant Broadhall (Coldra Woods) Ltd; Coldra Manor Resort and Idris Davies Ltd. Tel: St. John Hughes MSc MCIEEM Date: 04/04/2017 Report ref: EVG DMS

2 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION PROJECT BACKGROUND...4 Location and Context... 4 Project Site... 4 Proposed Development BASELINE AND SITE ASSESSMENT...5 Habitat Description... 5 Survey... 5 Interpretation / Evaluation IMPACT ASSESSMENT (IN ABSENCE OF MITIGATION)...6 Impacts... 6 Short-term Impacts: Disturbance... 6 Medium Long-term Impacts: Habitat Loss... 7 Long-term Impacts Habitat Modification... 7 Long-term Impacts: Fragmentation and Isolation... 7 Long-term Impacts: Post-development Interference... 7 Predicted Scale of Impact LAND OWNERSHIP MITIGATION SITE...8 Mitigation Site Ownership MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION...8 Summary of Mitigation Strategy WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECOLOGIST WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKE BY THE DEVELOPER...11 Dormouse Habitat Doc Ref : EVG DMS

3 9 POST-DEVELOPMENT SITE SAFEGUARDS...12 Habitat/Site Management and Maintenance Monitoring: Population & Habitat Usage Mechanism for Ensuring Delivery PROGRAMME OF WORKS...13 TABLES Table 3.1 Summary of dormouse nest tube monitoring. Table 10.1 Indicative programme of works 2017/18 APPENDIX I Figure 1. Location plan Figure 2. Phase I Habitat Map Figure 3. Proposed layout Doc Ref : EVG DMS

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This (DMS) has been prepared on behalf of Broadhall (Coldra Woods) Ltd; Coldra Manor Resort and Idris Davies Ltd. (the Developer) in relation to the proposed development site near Coldra Wood, just north of Junction 24 of the M4 Motorway, Newport National Grid ref: ST The DMS will be implemented during vegetation clearance works associated with preparation of the site for the construction phase of the project. It covers the key matters relating to dormice which will be addressed, and the measures that will be put in place to maintain the local favourable conservation status of the species, during the site preparation phase. It is accompanied by the Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme DMMS (Ref: EVG DMMS) that primarily addresses subsequent commitments. The DMS and DMMS serve to inform the application for an European Protected Species (EPS) licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for works (vegetation clearance) that are likely to affect dormice. A baseline survey for dormice (Ecological Assessment Ref: EVG ES) produced evidence of dormice within the project site. A certain extent of scrub / hedgerow habitat and trees will need to be removed in order to accommodate the development. Further to resulting in the loss of habitat suitable for dormice, such habitat works have potential to cause disturbance displacement of dormice, and potentially impact directly on dormice. Therefore, appropriate mitigation (including compensation) measures are required. Accordingly, this DMS sets out the mitigation measures which will be implemented in order to avoid / minimise potential impacts on dormice. The main objectives are to: define the timing and method of habitat works; to guide these works such that the risk of impact on dormice is minimised; and ensure no net loss of habitat (DMMS). Implementation of the DMS and DMMS will be the responsibility of the Developer, or whoever takes over ownership of the site. Certain elements of the DMS and DMMS will be supervised or undertaken by a suitably qualified and licence Ecologist. Delivery of the mitigation measures and results of monitoring will be reported Newport City Council (and NRW) over a period of five years. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [1]

5 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This (DMS) has been prepared by on behalf of Broadhall (Coldra Woods) Ltd; Coldra Manor Resort and Idris Davies Ltd (collectively the Developer) in relation to the proposed hotel, drive-thru restaurant and associated infrastructure at the site near Coldra Wood, just north of Junction 24 of the M4 Motorway, Newport National Grid ref: ST It, together with the Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme DMMS (Ref: EVG DMMS) serve to inform the application for a European Protected Species (EPS) mitigation licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). 1.2 The DMS presents background to the project site and context relating to the local status of dormouse, including a summary of the survey results relating to the project site. Albeit that the loss of habitat of dormouse potential (scrub / hedgerow habitat and certain trees) has been minimised insofar as is possible through the design phase, a certain extent of such habitat will need to be removed. Accordingly, mitigation (including compensation, described in the DMMS) measures have been identified in order to minimise the risk of detriment to the favourable local conservation status of the species. 1.3 The main objectives of the DMS are therefore to time and guide works (vegetation clearance) such that the risk of incidental mortality and disturbance related impact on dormice are minimised; to ensure that the loss / disturbance of suitable habitat is kept to a minimum; and that works take place within the appropriate legal provisions afforded to this species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation Regulations (Natural Habitats &c.) 1994; and in accordance with best practice guidance including that published by English Nature (2006) 1. The DMMS is aimed at achieving no net loss of suitable habitat for dormice. 1.4 This DMS (together with the DMMS) therefore outlines a strategy for implementation of appropriate mitigation, and the means by which this will be achieved. 1.5 The DMS sets out the following information: 1 Bright, P., Morris, P., Mitchell-Jones, A. J., Dormouse Conservation Handbook 2nd Edition January English Nature, Peterborough Doc Ref : EVG DMS [2]

6 Background to the project, including site context; Identifies works which are to be covered by a licence - Section 2; The evidence and site status for dormouse - Section 3; Potential impacts and assessment in the absence of mitigation - Section 4; An outline of site ownership - Section 5; An overview of how potential impacts have been / will be overcome in order to ensure no detriment to the maintenance of the favourable local conservation status of the species Section 6; Works to be undertake by the Ecologist Section 7; Works to be undertaken by the Developer / Landowner Section 8; Post-development site safeguards Section 9; and Programme of works Section 10. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [3]

7 2 PROJECT BACKGROUND Location and Context 2.1 The proposed development site is located just north of Junction 24 of the M4 Motorway, Newport National Grid ref: ST The site is contained to the north, west and south by existing highway infrastructure, and to the east by the existing Coldra Court Hotel (formally the Hilton Hotel). It is accessed directly off the A38, which lies to the south. 2.3 A location plan is presented in Appendix I Figure 1. Project Site 2.4 The project site is comprised of two fields of semi-improved grassland; plantation; hedgerows; scrub; a minor drainage line; and broadleaved woodland. 2.5 The site has been the subject of ecological surveys, including a Phase I habitat survey and protected species (including dormouse) surveys 2. The Phase I Habitat map is reproduced in Figure 2 Appendix I. Proposed Development 2.6 The proposed development is illustrated in Figure 3 Appendix I. Licensed Works 2.7 Works for which an EPS licence is required include the clearance of certain scrub, hedgerow habitat and trees, occupying 0.4ha and which provide habitat of dormouse potential, or known to support dormice within the project site in order to create the necessary space for construction of the development outlined above. 2 (2017). Proposed Development Site, Coldra Woods, Newport: Ecological Assessment. March Doc Ref: EVG EA Doc Ref : EVG DMS [4]

8 3 BASELINE AND SITE ASSESSMENT Habitat Description Affected Habitats 3.1 Areas which will be affected by vegetation works include scrub, hedgerow habitat and certain trees. These areas are enclosed in the construction zone indicated in Figure 2 - Appendix I. Survey 3.2 A survey of the project site produced evidence of dormouse with areas of hedgerow habitat and scrub 3. Evidence included actual dormice and dormice nests. The results are summarised in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 Summary of dormouse nest tube monitoring. Date Evidence 17/5/16 Nil 29/6/16 Nil 21/7/16 Nil 19/8/16 Nil 7/9/16 Nil 30/9/16 2x Dormice nests one situated within the hedgerow separating the two fields; and the other in scrub in the far south eastern region of the site Interpretation / Evaluation 3.3 Although published guidelines relating to mean number of pre-breeding season dormice per hectare for a given habitat type 4 provides indicative numbers of dormice, this is not the case with respect to scrub in particular. Scrub can provide a wide range of potential food sources, and nest building opportunities. For the purposes of prediction, the figure of 4-10 adult dormice per hectare for Optimal habitat has therefore been used in relation to scrub on site. In terms of woodland, a figure of 2 adult dormice per hectare has been used in that the understorey is not particularly complex as a result of the high shading tree canopy. 3.4 A prediction of 2-4 adult dormice being affected is made on the basis of clearing 0.4ha of scrub/hedgerow habitat and associated trees. This is however qualified by the fact that autumn numbers (i.e., post breeding season) can be several times 3 (2017). Proposed Development Site, Coldra Woods, Newport: Ecological Assessment. March Doc Ref: EVG EA 4 English Nature, Dormouse Conservation Handbook, Second Edition. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [5]

9 higher, and that such numbers would be of Moderate Local significance; Moderate to Low District significance; and Low County significance. 4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT (IN ABSENCE OF MITIGATION) 4.1 This impact assessment has been conducted assuming the presence of dormice in the predicted numbers. Impacts 4.2 The project has the potential to impact on dormice, either directly or indirectly, including: incidental mortality; disturbance impacts; and a reduction in the extent of suitable habitat. Short-term Impacts: Disturbance 4.3 Construction phase disturbance impacts which have potential to affect dormice include noise from the operation of machinery used in the clearance of vegetation. This may result in very localised displacement of dormice, including in the immediate adjacent habitats which are not directly affected. If occurring during the breeding season this could potential result in abandonment of young - potential adverse impacts of High significance at the site level, and Moderate significance at a Local level. 4.4 There is potential for dormice to use the areas of habitat to be cleared for hibernation hibernating dormice prefer dense, cool (stable temperature), and relatively humid environments which are more often associated with dense hedgerows, log piles / dead wood, coppice stools, and woodland. Therefore, there is potential for disturbance of hibernating dormice which can result in mortality due to exposure to cold, or as a result of increased energy expenditure and subsequent starvation prior to spring. 4.5 The risk of causing dormouse mortality, whether through abandonment of young or as a result of disturbance to hibernating individuals will therefore be minimised through appropriate timing and methods of vegetation clearance see Section 6 Mitigation & Compensation, and Section 10 Programme of Works. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [6]

10 Medium Long-term Impacts: Habitat Loss 4.6 Most of the vegetation to be cleared will be permanently removed. The areas to be cleared have been kept to a minimum and represents a moderate adverse impact of less than Local level significance, although High adverse at site level. Long-term Impacts Habitat Modification 4.7 Coppicing will be re-introduced to the woodland occupying the western region of the site as part of compensation measures for the loss of suitable habitat. This is likely to result in medium to long-term beneficial impact for dormice at a site level. Long-term Impacts: Fragmentation and Isolation 4.8 Whilst the project involves the creation of a new entrance which severs the belt of plantation providing connectivity along the southern boundary, it also involves the planting up (with native scrub) of the existing entrance. Long-term Impacts: Post-development Interference 4.9 External lighting associated with the development has been kept to a minimum, and measures taken to avoid direct illumination of the neighbouring woodland, scrub, hedgerow habitat and plantation. The potential for disturbance of dormice from lighting is therefore limited. Predicted Scale of Impact 4.10 Collectively, the scale of unmitigated short-term disturbance impacts and permanent loss of suitable habitat amounting 0.4ha in extent is of Moderate significance at Local level; Moderate Minor significance at District level; and Minor - Negligible significance at a county level Therefore, through timing and method of vegetation works, the risk of direct and indirect disturbance impact to dormice will be minimised such that the overall effect on the local conservation status of the species is Minor. Furthermore, compensation for the loss of suitable habitat will be carried out see Section 6 Mitigation & Compensation, resulting in an overall Neutral effect. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [7]

11 5 LAND OWNERSHIP MITIGATION SITE Mitigation Site Ownership 5.1 The project site and mitigation areas (including woodland in the west of the site) are under option to purchase by the Developer. The Developer, or any subsequent site owner will be obliged to implement this DMS if developing the consented site as planned. 6 MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION Summary of Mitigation Strategy 6.1 The DMS has been developed to directly address the identified potential impacts of the project with mitigation measures that are at least proportionate to the magnitude of impacts, individually and collectively. 6.2 The mitigation strategy is based on the minimum of ensuring that there is no detriment to the maintenance of the favourable local conservation status of dormouse within its natural range. 6.3 There are five broad aspects to the project which are key to ensuring no detriment to the local conservation status of dormouse. These are: Minimise the extent of habitat loss Timing of vegetation clearance Method of vegetation clearance Informed contractors Protection of retained habitat Habitat management (see DMMS) 6.4 A specific pre-construction exercise to capture and relocate dormice is not considered necessary, although should dormice be encountered during the licensed vegetation clearance, then effort would be made to capture these by hand (licensed Ecologist) and relocate them within retain woodland (in the west of the site). Minimise the Extent of Habitat Loss / Disturbance 6.5 The likely extent of habitat clearance has been kept to the minimum through the design phase, which has been strongly influenced by the minimum required floor space for a hotel and associated infrastructure. No unnecessary habitat clearance Doc Ref : EVG DMS [8]

12 will be carried out. No construction related activities or access in general will take place within areas of retained structured habitat (plantation, scrub, hedgerow habitat and woodland). Timing Vegetation Works 6.6 Vegetation clearance will undertaken during late September / October. This timing is post breeding season and prior to winter hibernation, and dormice if present would most likely be able to redistribute themselves into retained suitable habitat. This will minimise the risk of incidental mortality of immobile young, or dormice in hibernation. The works will be carried out under strict supervision by a suitable experienced and licensed Ecologist see Section 7 below. Method of Vegetation Clearance 6.7 Areas of vegetation which are to be cleared will initially be inspected by the Ecologist for the presence of any dormice nests insofar as is possible, and dormice captured and relocated (to prior installed nest boxes in retained woodland) if they do not move into neighbouring retained habitat on their own accord Vegetation clearance works will be progressed under the strict supervision of the Ecologist. The works will be carried out carefully with hand held tools (including brush cutters and chainsaws as necessary), commencing from the furthest point from retained habitat, and working towards retained habitat such that any dormice if disturbed, will move towards and into the retained habitat. The Ecologist will make regular, thorough inspections of the working face of the vegetation. Informed Contractors 6.9 Prior to any vegetation works commencing all contractors responsible for carrying out these works will be informed by the Ecologist of: Doc Ref : EVG DMS [9]

13 the potential presence of dormice within areas of vegetation to be cleared general dormouse ecology what dormice and their nests look like the legislation afforded to the species the measures and methods to be adopted in order to minimise the risk of impact on dormice 6.10 It will be a requirement that all site operatives involved in vegetation clearance will be thus informed prior to carrying out works Instruction will be provided on the protocol to follow in the event that a dormouse or dormouse nest is encountered during works which are not supervised by the Ecologist. That is, to stop works in that area immediately, and call the Ecologist for advice Construction staff will be informed not to carry out any construction activities outside the cleared areas, and not to cause any damage to retained scrub and trees/woodland see Protection of Retained Habitat below. Protection of Retained Habitat 6.13 As indicated, the necessary works area has been kept to a minimum, and beyond which no construction activities will take place, including the storage of materials, disposal of waste, and creating access routes in / through retained habitat. All site operatives will be informed of this requirement see Informed Contractors above. Tree protection measures will prevent access into the woodland in the western region of the project site. Users of the hotel will not have access to the woodland. Habitat Creation 6.14 In direct compensation for the loss of 0.4ha of structured habitat (comprised of plantation, scrub and hedgerow habitat) which will occur as a result of the project, new replacement habitat (scrub) will be created, and existing retained habitats enhanced (introduce coppicing to the woodland in the west of the site). These measures are described in Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme [Ref: EVG DMMS]. As an additional enhancement measure, dormouse nest boxes (thirty) were installed within areas of retained habitat in the general vicinity of the project site. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [10]

14 Ongoing Habitat Management / Enhancement 6.15 The Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme [Ref: EVG DMMS] that has been prepared for the project includes the proposal to plant new native scrub and introduce suitable woodland management in the form of coppicing. This involves a long-term commitment by the Developer (or any subsequent owner) to suitably manage the woodland, principally for the benefit of dormice. 7 WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECOLOGIST 7.1 The proposed dormouse nest boxes were installed by the Ecologist in suitable areas of retained habitat, prior to vegetation removal. 7.2 Prior to vegetation works the Ecologist will inform all personnel involved in this work of the potential presence of dormice and protocol to follow should dormice be encountered see Informed Contractors above. The Ecologist will however be present during, and supervise the vegetation clearance works. 7.3 The Ecologist (appropriately licensed) will carry out a pre-works inspection for dormice nests within and immediately adjacent to areas of structured vegetation to be cleared. If encountered, nests will be carefully inspected for and dormice, which if present, will be relocated to the nest boxes in retained habitat. If dependent young are present then works in the area of the nest (suitable buffer to be identified by the Ecologist) will be postponed and the nest monitored. Once the Ecologist has confirmed that the young have left the nest, works will resume and be completed in that area(s). 8 WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKE BY THE DEVELOPER Dormouse Habitat In-situ Retention of Habitat 8.1 The Developer will ensure that areas of retained habitat are protected during construction phase of the project in accordance with the Tree Impact & Protection Plan. Protection measures will be put in place once the necessary vegetation clearance is complete, and prior to any construction activities commencing on site. Doc Ref : EVG DMS [11]

15 Modification of Existing Habitat 8.2 This primarily relates to the project in so far as the proposed woodland management is concerned, i.e., introducing coppicing to woodland in the west Co see Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme [Ref: EVG DMMS]. New Habitat Creation 8.3 In compensation for losses, species-rich scrub will be planted along the eastern boundary; infill the existing entrance; and a block west of the hotel building see Figure 2- Appendix I. This planted habitat will be maintained and managed for the benefit of dormice see Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme [Ref: EVG DMMS]. 8.4 As indicated above, thirty dormouse nest boxes were installed. These nest boxes will be used for post construction monitoring. 9 POST-DEVELOPMENT SITE SAFEGUARDS Habitat/Site Management and Maintenance 9.1 Implementation of all the dormouse related mitigation will be the responsibility and obligation of the Developer. This includes making adequate financial provision to have the nest boxes maintained and monitored by a licensed Ecologist, as well as for implementation of the Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme [Ref: EVG DMMS]. Monitoring: Population & Habitat Usage 9.2 Monitoring of dormouse activity will be carried out over a period of 5 years, with year 0 being the first year post-construction. Monitoring will consist of inspection of the installed nest boxes during the months of May and September (peak nest building periods) of each year (DMMS). Monitoring results will be provided to Newport City Council, and NRW in accordance with the terms of an EPS licence. Mechanism for Ensuring Delivery 9.3 Delivery of the mitigation presented in this DMS (in conjunction with the Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme [Ref: EVG DMMS]) will be ensured through audit and reporting of the relevant dormouse related works Doc Ref : EVG DMS [12]

16 and monitoring, by the Ecologist. Annual reports (for five years) will be provided to Newport City Council (and NRW). 10 PROGRAMME OF WORKS 10.1 Table 10.1 presents an indicative programme of works / activities which are of relevance to, or form a key part of the dormouse mitigation measures as presented in this DMS Works which would potentially impact on dormouse or suitable habitat for this species (i.e., clearance of structured vegetation) will only be commenced once the appropriate EPS licence for these works has been obtained from NRW. Table 10.1 Indicative programme of works 2017/18. Works/Action Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May 1 Install nest boxes & Pre-works inspection by the Ecologist (personally licensed) - of areas of structured vegetation to be cleared ( under EPS Licence) 2 Clearance of vegetation the Developer [only once an EPS licence has been granted] under the supervision of the Ecologist 3 Construction phase ensuring protection of retained habitat [only once Action 2 has been completed] 4 Carry out first year coppicing within the woodland as specified in the Dormouse Management & Monitoring Scheme (DMMS), and thereafter the management and monitoring commitments as outlined in the DMMS. 5 Carry out all proposed planting the Developer. 6 Carry out nest box monitoring (licensed Ecologist) and reporting in accordance with the terms of an EPS licence Prior to September Sep each year Soonest planting season during & postconstruction May each year Doc Ref : EVG DMS [13]

17 APPENDIX I Figure 1. Location plan Doc Ref : EVG DMS [14]

18 Figure 2. Phase I Habitat Map Doc Ref : EVG DMS [15]

19 Figure 3. Proposed layout Doc Ref : EVG DMS [16]