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

The site has an established, species rich hedgerow along Low Street
which is classed as important at a local level under the Hedgerow
Regulation 1997. Hedgerows are listed on national and local
biodiversity action plans and we are disappointed to hear about the
proposed removal of part of the Low Street hedgerow due to its high
ecological value. We would advise that plans should be amended to
allow for the retention of this hedgerow if possible. We are however
pleased to see that new hedgerows will be created and existing ones
repaired to compensate for such losses. Please ensure that all
vegetation species used are native and of local provenance in order to
best compensate the hedgerow losses along Low Street. We
appreciate the timing of the removal of vegetation and bird nesting
material so that it is outside of the bird nesting season (March to
August inclusive) in section 10.5.8 of the Ecology report. All species of
birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife &
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
We support the proposed preservation of trees along the water course
in addition to future woodland creation along the south and through the
centre of the site, creating a habitat corridor. This should compensate
for the possible loss of bird nesting spots and allow wildlife to move
across the site to the surrounding countryside. We wish such planting
to be of a variety of species and heights in order to provide a diverse
mosaic of habitats for surrounding wildlife. Again the planting of native
species of local provenance would be preferred.
Access and green infrastructure
Welcomes the provision of areas of green space within the site, and
the use of footpaths and cycle routes throughout the site. We support
the footpath and cycle links to the existing park and surrounding
settlements and employment zones. We are pleased to see that the
location of access roads to the site has taken the presence of existing
trees and hedgerows into consideration in order to reduce the loss of
such habitats.
The planting of marginal vegetation to the attenuation and flood
compensation area is welcomed. Such area will not only provide
drainage for the site in the event of flooding but also provide new
foraging and nesting areas for birds and mammals through the planting
of vegetation. We would suggest that such vegetation to be of native,
locally sourced species only and consist of a variety of species in order
to increase the diversity of invertebrate species in the site.
Landscape
The proposed development is not within any sites designated for their
landscape value. However, landscape issues should be considered
with any proposal, as the development should always compliment the
local character and distinctiveness of the surrounding area. We
appreciate the consideration of the development with regards to the
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