Ecological survey work has been ongoing at the site since 2019, with the most recent surveys undertaken in 2023. These surveys have identified that the site is unlikely to support dormouse due to the previous heavy management and that the wet ditch along the eastern boundary had no evidence of water vole or otters. The surveys indicated that there may be suitable habitat for reptiles and invertebrates and additional surveys have been instructed. The existing buildings have been surveyed for bats and have been noted as having negligible suitability for bat roost.
The proposals offer the opportunity to deliver new habitats, including species-rich grassland and new tree planting. This habitat creation will increase the ecological value of the site which is currently intensively managed for agriculture, and help exceed the Government's targets on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
In terms of trees, these are mainly present along the boundaries of the site. An assessment of the health of these trees has been undertaken, and as many will be retained as possible and incorporated within the masterplan. All retained trees will be protected during the construction process to ensure they are not damaged. Substantial additional tree planting will be undertaken which will also make all streets tree lined, which will provide visual amenity and conservation value for the development in the long term – this will result in tree cover well in excess of that currently seen on the site.
Due to the topography of the site and the wider village the site is not prominent when viewed from the wider context. As a result there would be minimal impact on the landscape of the area resulting from the proposal. Any impact that would occur would be adequately mitigated via additional planting to the boundaries of the site.