A1(T) Elkesley Junction Improvements - Highways Agency

6 Ecology and Nature Conservation6.1 Findings at Stage 2 AssessmentThe Preferred Version is not in close proximity to a protected site, no protectedspecies or habitats have been identified, therefore, no significant impacts areexpected.Potential local level impacts are expected in the Preferred Version due to thedestruction of hedgerows causing habitat fragmentation.No significant impacts are predicted on the ecology of any watercourse in the area.There would be a loss of trees and the loss of garages along Coalpit Lane. Thegarages have the potential to support seasonal bat roosts, however no roosts havecurrently been identified.6.2 Reason for Scoping OutSurveys conducted as part of the Stage 2 assessment identified that the schemearea is dominated by habitats that are of negligible ecological value and that thepotential for protected species to occur is low. For this reason, further detailedecological surveys were not considered necessary as part of the Stage 3assessment.There remains a low potential for small numbers of common reptiles to occur in theexisting A1(T) road verges and a low potential for bats to roost in a small number ofsemi-mature trees adjacent to the existing A1(T).There would be a requirement for pre-construction checks to ensure legalcompliance with respect to nesting birds, reptiles and bats.It is therefore considered that the proposal will have no significant impact on ecologyand has therefore been scoped out for further assessment at this stage.36