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PROOF OF EVIDENCE

VANESSA HALL - ECOLOGY

ON BEHALF OF SWAN

PLANNING APPEAL No app/n4205/a/99/1033664

Industrial development (B1, B2 & B8)

Land South Park Road, Westhoughton
  1. My name is Vanessa Hall. I have a Bachelor of Science with Honours in environmental Biology. I am giving evidence on ecology on behalf of the No Xanadu Campaign. I have worked in the environmental sector and in nature conservation since 1993. During this time I have worked with a variety of local groups around the country on various projects including managing a team in Liverpool which worked extensively with the Merseyside Ranger Service and also at locations in Wales and Scotland.

  2. I am the Chair of Manchester Green Party, Village Green Co-ordinator for CfPS (Campaign for Planning Sanity). I have recently presented an ecological appraisal to the Xanadu Public Inquiry at Leigh, and have worked closely on other similar projects in the North West.

  3. My evidence is concerning the ecology of the site, the environmental impact of the development both on the site and the wider than local. However it is somewhat limited due to not being able to gain access to the site to carryout a field study. The report is thus based upon a perusal of the various documents produced for both the present application and the withdrawn mixed housing and business use application, coupled to the report by the LOS (Leigh Ornithological Society). I have also visited the locality and walked the footpaths and other public access points such as the recreation ground.

  4. I find it incredible that a development that has by the developers own admission protected species (Great Crested Newts & Kingfishers) has not been the subject of a formal Environmental Statement. The fact that these species are on the site is a clear indication that there is a significant impact on the environment from the development of this site, this impact should rightly be taken on board in the planning process.

  5. A number of bird species use the site (see appendix ‘A’ proof Dave Fearnley). It is used by skylarks as a nesting site. The skylark is more than of strictly local consequence in this case since they will form just a part of a greater population across a greater area.

  6. A similar point applies to the kingfishers. Aside to the physical disturbance to the birds there is the question of their food supply being disrupted. The fish that they eat will need to eat invertebrates present in the stream. Invertebrates are small creatures and their ecology can therefore operate at a small scale. The island habitat effects that I outline below can operate over much smaller distances than with larger animals.

  7. I find it disappointing to learn that it is proposed to move some plants from areas where they now occur to make way for the development. This is a gardening effort rather than sound conservation practice. The plants are growing where they are because the ecological conditions are correct for them. These ecological conditions are governed by a large number of variables including soil type, soil microorganisms, tiny variations in microclimate the presence of other plants and the effects these have on the other parameters. In scientific terms even modelling the interactions a few species mathematically becomes extremely complicated. Recreating these conditions is difficult at best.

    8. Island Biogeography and Metapopulation dynamics

  8. This sections sets out the way wildlife corridors are made up.

  9. The following reference occurs in ( Bolton Env forums, publicity brochure December 1998) as distributed at the Climate Change Conference December 1998. It reads "Open green space is an essential part of sustainable urban life. It creates recreational opportunities, is visually attractive, a haven for wild life and absorbs noise. By preserving and increasing green space we can enhance economy of our towns as users enjoying a more welcoming environment".

  10. The ecologist report for mixed use development (now withdrawn) was conducted in a very piecemeal fashion by walking down footpaths and using binoculars, whilst due to the restrictions placed upon my access to the site by the Appellants my own report is based on the same procedure, it must be emphasised that a credible assessment cannot be carried out unless full a full field study is completed. Little reliance can then be placed upon the ecological study. All that can be said is what has been observed, not what has been missed by not studying the site, as only a field study can achieve.

  11. Policy is changing regarding greenfield sites, the government has acknowledged that it is not right and redevelopment of brownfield sites including run down urban areas is now the preferred option. The LPA have in there first draft development plan acknowledged the importance of this site to the natural environment, by removing it as a development site. And in doing so they are fully in accord with latest government policy.

  12. Upon reading this report it will become apparent that the area has great biodiversity with rare and protected wildlife and diverse flora and fauna. In addition it must be highlighted that the site is not sustainable for either the community or the environment under Agenda 21. The presence of a number of protected wildlife species plus the diverse concentration and delicate array of Ornithological, Mammalian, Botanical, Insecta and Lepidoptera species and their habitats must be protected.

  13. The ecological survey of the land was carried out on the 25th August 1997. Many of the plant species flower far earlier in the season, with examples being bluebells or wood anemone. In addition some animals, birds or invertebrates may use the site on a seasonal or monthly basis. Nocturnal activities of birds such as owls are not taken into account. Therefore a few hours on a day late in summer does not make a rigorous report about species diversity on the given site.

  14. In the Supporting Statement in respect of the proposed development there is mention of a possibility of protected animal species being present on the site. This implies that the developers are unsure as to whether such species exist within Lee Hall. The legal consequences associated with the disturbance of these creatures, and that evidence of their existence has been found by both external bodies and also by HGP Planning, suggests a far more precise and accurate survey needs to be conducted.

  15. In addition, the developers are aware of the needs for further survey work, as in their Supporting Statement (produced after the ecological survey submitted for a previous planning application, that was subsequently withdrawn) they state: -

    16. ‘Survey work has to be undertaken an appropriate time in the season and the results will be made available during the local planning authority’s consideration of this planning application.’

    Great Crested Newts

  16. Firstly, how can a survey that has been undertaken from footpaths and roads determine that the area is species poor. Secondly, what may appear to be poor, useless land to us makes the perfect habitat for fauna such as the great crested newt. Previous surveys undertaken by other bodies have found the presence of such amphibians. This species is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Great crested newts need a large habitat area of rank, marshy grassland and scrub in order to survive.

    17. Bats and Badgers

  17. In addition to great crested newts, both bats and badgers are also present within Lee Hall. The large areas of grassland are perfect for foraging badgers and track marks from such forages have been found on the site. Such open areas of grassland are rapidly decreasing across England and this has contributed to a decline in badger populations, thus leading to a need for protection.

    18. Ornithology

  18. The survey was undertaken well outside the ornithological breeding season. Within a very short time, 27 bird species were observed. Many if these species (e.g. skylark, yellow hammer etc.) are declining due to loss of habitat, such as that found on the site. Additionally, over a quarter of the found species are listed on the Red or Amber List of ‘Birds of Nature Conservation Concern’ (RSPB 1996). A much more rigorous survey would identify many more species, and could include more endangered species. The comprehensive list compiled by the Leigh Ornithological Society shows a more complete picture, compiled as it has been over the last 20 years.

  19. The report leads one to assume that the hedges found on the site are of little consequence and have little biodiversity. It must be noted that latitudinal differences in the United Kingdom obviously mean less diversity the further north one goes. The Northumberland Wildlife Trust Conservation Officer has pointed out that any hedgerow is valuable to wildlife.

  20. Hedges have a diverse importance, not only for particular species such as small mammalians and Lepidoptera, but in turn provide an important food source for owls, badgers and bats. Indeed owls have been sighted using the site as a feeding ground.

  21. Contrary to the report’s findings this site is of great ecological interest that warrants preservation. Indeed, any damage to wildlife is sufficient to warrant planning permission being refused.

    22. Vanessa Hall

    March 2000

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