Agenda with Maps and Applications (21Mb) - pdf - Selby District ...

• The provision of well designed open spaces within the development
area itself for the exercising of dogs and community use so that
Sherburn Willows is protected to some extent from excessive
pressure;
• The Trust would like to see a part time reserve officer funded who
could co-ordinate with local residents and provide information and
interpretation of the reserve and the surrounding area.
Interpretation signage which would indicate the importance and
value of the reserve would be welcomed. New residents could then
understand the reserve’s value and how wildlife can be protected.
• The developers could also fund membership of the Yorkshire
Wildlife Trust for new residents which would aid understanding of
local wildlife and the reserve.
• The Trust would be happy to discuss options with the developer.
The cumulative effect of the development and its location at Sherburn
in Elmet
We feel there should be more emphasis in Chapter 13 of the
Environmental Statement (Summary of Effects and Conclusions) on
the cumulative impact of the proposed development. The proposal has
a considerable impact and its future impact in combination with other
potential residential developments to meet local housing targets should
be considered at this stage. We can agree with the ES reasoning that
the development of a Phase 2 and 3 allocated site to meet housing
requirements at this location will reduce the development pressure on
nearby sensitive sites but only in terms of direct land take. This
development is likely to exert considerable pressure on Sherburn
Willow Nature Reserve and more accountability should be taken of this
indirect negative impact of the development on such sensitive areas,
and subsequent measures taken to mitigate against such impacts in so
far as practicable.
Water Vole Protection
As acknowledged in the Water Vole Survey chapter of the
Environmental Impact Statement the site has been shown to have a
population of water vole and the ditches have high value for water vole.
Surveys revealed active use of the ditches and watercourse
neighbouring the site by water voles. The development needs to take
into consideration connectivity of ditches, provision of habitat for water
vole through SUDS and wetland, protection of ditches with well
managed hedgerow containing thorny native species to protect water
vole and avoid negative impacts. The Trust would want a condition
that a management plan for ditches is in place, referencing the above
document and sufficiently funded for the lifetime of the development
Hedgerow Protection
With regard to planned creation of new hedgerow along the south of
the site and other panned hedgerows it would be recommended that a
5m buffer should be retained both sides of all hedgerows on the edge
of the development, no hedgerows incorporated in individual gardens,
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