Ecological Impact Assessment of Residential Development on Land off Wentwood Drive in Bleadon, North Somerset
jh ecology carried out baseline ecological surveys on behalf of Coldharbour Land Ltd to identify ecological constraints to a residential development in Bleadon. Through desk study, and baseline and further protected species surveys jh ecology identified the hedgerows and ancient semi-natural woodland bounding the site as habitats of importance for commuting and foraging bats, including the nationally rare greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe bats.
jh ecology has provided advice on this project since 2014; this has included liaison with the local planning authority and Natural England and preparation of a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) screening for likely significant effects on the North Somerset and Mendip Bats Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The site lies on the edge of the consultation zone for this SAC. Planning approval for development of the site with up to 50 dwellings was granted in December 2016. Following planning approval jh ecology produced a Construction Ecological Management Plan (CEcoMP) and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) required to discharge planning conditions.