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

The development site is in a now de-designated Site of Importance for
Nature Conservation (SINC), less than 1.5 kilometres from the
Sherburn Willows SSSI and the Sherburn Willows Nature Reserve
which is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The development
site is therefore important for biodiversity and adequate mitigation is
essential. The surveys and ecological assessment appear to have
been done correctly and at appropriate times of the year. However we
have comments on the following aspect of the development:
Proximity to Sherburn Willows Nature Reserve and SSSI
The Environmental Impact Statement acknowledges that the proposed
development is unlikely to have an effect on water resources and visual
receptors, including water resources and nature conservation
desingations, however we do not believe enough consideration has
taken place regarding visitor pressure placed on Sherburn Willows
Nature Reserve if the three planned developments proceed. Therefore
we believe the following measures are necessary:
• 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: Conclusions on the cumulative impact of the
proposed development. The addition of over 700 dwellings to
Sherburn has a considerable impact by itself and its future impact in
combination with other potential residential developments to meet local
housing targets should be considered at this stage.
Water Vole Protection
Surveys for other developments have revealed active use of the
ditches and watercourse neighbouring the site by water voles. We
believe that the proposed development needs to take the following into
consideration to avoid negative impacts on water vole:
• As stated in the Ecology Chapter connectivity of ditches into the
wider landscape will be very important so that water vole
populations are maintained on the site and surrounding
184