DAN-Y-MYNYDD ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT - LRM Planning
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DAN-Y-MYNYDD ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Linc Cymru July 2021
Linc Cymru
July 2021
TACP
10 PARK GROVE
CARDIFF
CF10 3BN
Project Number: 2343
Revision: P1
Revision No. Date of Revision Comments Checked by Date Approved by Date
P1 16/07/2021 SS 16/07/2021 PMc 16/07/2021
The final revision will be deemed as accepted by the client if no comments are received within
two weeks of issue.
CONTENTS
CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................................I
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................. 1
2 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 PROPOSED WORKS ..................................................................................................................................... 2
3 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 DESK STUDY .............................................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 FIELD SURVEYS .......................................................................................................................................... 3
3.3 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.4 SITE ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 4
4 RESULTS .................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 DESK STUDY .............................................................................................................................................. 8
4.2 FIELD SURVEYS .......................................................................................................................................... 9
5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................................. 14
5.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS........................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................................. 16
6 RECOMMENDED FURTHER SURVEYS ..................................................................................................... 18
6.1 HABITATS ............................................................................................................................................... 18
6.2 PROTECTED SPECIES.................................................................................................................................. 18
7 POTENTIAL MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES.................................................................... 19
7.1 CONSTRUCTION MEASURES........................................................................................................................ 19
7.2 OPERATIONAL MEASURES .......................................................................................................................... 21
8 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 24
APPENDICES..................................................................................................................................................... 1
FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1.1 TACP were commissioned by Linc Cymru in 2020 to undertake site surveys and produce a
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) for the Dan-y-Mynydd Care Home site. Following these
surveys, TACP were commissioned to undertake an update survey and to undertake a detailed
ecological impact assessment in relation to the proposals.
1.1.2 Dan-y-Mynydd Care Home site covers approximately 1.04ha in Porth and consists of a brick
building, associated access road and car park, amenity grassland, scrub, broad-leaved
plantation and scattered trees, and ornamental planting. The additional car park is located to
the south and accessed via a narrow road to the west.
1.1.3 The proposals consist of a new two-storey apartment block and revised access and parking
areas as well as new landscape planting. These proposals will require the demolition of the
existing building and some land-use changes. There are currently no proposals to alter the
car park or the access road.
1.1.4 An extended phase 1 habitat survey was carried out to provide a baseline to assess the value
of habitats and their potential for protected species. All habitats were classified and mapped
with detailed target notes and floral species lists produced for each habitat area. An up-to-
date desk study and biological records search was also undertaken and used to inform the
ecological assessment.
1.1.5 Several habitats and species of ecological value were identified on site and in the wider area,
including species diverse amenity grassland, broad-leaved plantation woodland, bluebells,
bats, hedgehogs, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
1.1.6 A small number of ecologically significant impacts arising from the current proposals were
identified in relation to these, namely in terms of habitat and habitat feature loss, indirect
construction impacts, and operational management changes.
1.1.7 No further surveys are currently anticipated, although should other protected species be
found on site, this would need to be reviewed.
1.1.8 A variety of mitigation and enhancement measures should be implemented in order to
address the identified impacts. These measures are summarised below:
a. Habitat retention, creation, and enhancement
b. Implementation of best practice construction methods and consideration of
ecological features as part of these
c. Appropriate scheme design and inclusion of enhancement measures
d. Alteration of management regimes to encourage floral species diversity and increase
protected species potential
e. Implementation of pre-works ecological checks and staged clearance approaches
f. Creation of additional habitat features within new habitats including bat and bird
boxes, log/brash piles, and bare/gravel scrape creation etc.
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2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Background
2.1.1 TACP were originally commissioned by Linc Cymru in March 2020 to undertake an Extended
Phase 1 Habitat survey at Dan-y-Mynydd Care Home and adjacent car park and produced a
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) in April 2020 to assess the potential ecological impacts
of a proposed development, including the potential demolition of existing buildings. TACP
were further commissioned to undertake bat surveys in relation to the care home building in
May 2020 (TACP Bat Report June 2020).
2.1.2 Following these surveys, TACP have been commissioned to undertake an updated Extended
Phase 1 Habitat survey of the care home and car park sites and to undertake a detailed
ecological impact assessment in relation to the proposals.
2.1.3 This report provides an ecological overview of the site, including the results of the extended
phase 1 habitat survey, a description of potential ecological receptors and gives an ecological
impact assessment in relation to the site and proposed works. This assessment includes
recommendations for mitigation and enhancement in relation to the potential impacts
identified and requirements for additional and future surveys. Proposed areas for retention
and enhancement to benefit ecology and nature conservation have also been identified.
2.2 Site Description
2.2.1 Dan-y-Mynydd Care Home site covers approximately 1.04ha in Porth in the County Borough
of Rhondda Cynon Taf, as shown on Figure 1.0. The site consists of a large red brick building
that is currently not in use and associated access road and car park to the north and west.
Areas of amenity grassland, scrub, broad-leaved plantation and scattered trees, and
ornamental planting are located around the care home building.
2.2.2 The additional car park is located to the south of the care home site and accessed via a narrow
road to the west. The boundaries of the car park consist of dense scrub and ephemeral / short
perennial vegetation with broad-leaved plantation along each side of the access road.
2.2.3 Residential developments dominate to the north, east, and south of the site, while broad-
leaved woodland dominates to the west.
2.3 Proposed Works
2.3.1 The proposals consist of a new two-storey apartment block in a similar location to the current
building but with a slightly different footprint. Site access and parking will also be revised,
although again this is noted to be similar to the current layout. These proposals will require
the demolition of the existing building and some land-use changes.
2.3.2 A new landscape design has also been proposed including the thinning of trees, creation of
native hedgerows along the eastern and southern boundaries, new ornamental shrub planting
and garden/amenity areas, and inclusion of ecological measures for wildlife benefits.
2.3.3 There are currently no proposals to alter the car park or the access road.
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3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Desk Study
3.1.1 The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) gateway protected species data search undertaken
for the PEA and the detailed data search, undertaken in October 2019 for an adjacent site
have been referred to.
3.1.2 The results of the surveys undertaken by TACP in 2020 have also been incorporated.
3.1.3 An updated South East Wales Biological Records Centre (SEWBReC) data search was
undertaken for the area within 1km of the site to provide an indication of the protected
species that are present in the wider environment. This data search also included data for
internationally and nationally designed sites, such as Special Areas for Conservation (SAC), and
locally designated sites, such as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
3.2 Field Surveys
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
3.2.1 An extended phase 1 habitat survey was carried out by Samantha Shove, BSc MCIEEM CEnv
CEcol on 22nd June 2021 to provide an up-to-date baseline to assess the ecological value of
the habitats, their potential to support protected species, and identify any changes that may
have occurred since the previous survey.
3.2.2 This survey was conducted following appropriate Chartered Institute for Ecology and
Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidelines and the methods outlined in the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC)’s ‘Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a Technique for
Environmental Audit’ (JNCC, 2010).
3.2.3 All habitats within the site were classified and mapped with detailed target notes and floral
species lists produced for each habitat area.
Ground Level Roost Assessment
3.2.4 An update to the Ground Level Roost Assessments (GLRAs) were undertaken in relation to the
building and trees on the site, in accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) Bat Surveys
for Professional Ecologists Good Practice Guidelines (2016). This categorises habitats based
on the roosting, commuting and foraging habitats available, as summarised below:
a. Negligible – negligible habitat features unlikely to be used by roosting, commuting or
foraging bats.
b. Low – structure with one or more potential roost sites that could be used by individual
bats opportunistically or a tree of sufficient size and age to contain potential roost
features (PRFs) but with none seen from the ground or with very limited potential.
Habitat that could be used by small numbers of commuting bats such as a gappy
hedgerow or unvegetated stream but isolated. Suitable but isolated habitat that
could be used by small numbers of foraging bats such as a lone tree or scrub patch.
c. Medium – structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that could be used
by bats but unlikely to support a roost of high conservation status. Continuous habitat
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connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for commuting. Habitat
that is connected to the wider landscape that could be used by bats for foraging.
d. High – structure or tree with one or more potential roost sites that are obviously
suitable for use by larger numbers of bats on a more regular basis and potentially for
longer periods of time. Continuous high-quality habitat that is well connected to the
wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly by commuting bats. High-quality
habitat that is well connected to the wider landscape that is likely to be used regularly
by foraging bats. Site is close to and connected to known roosts.
Preliminary Protected Species Assessment
3.2.5 Habitats were also evaluated as far as possible for their potential to support rare and
protected species. Any incidental observations of either the species themselves or evidence
of their presence were also recorded.
3.3 Limitations
3.3.1 It is acknowledged that the survey was undertaken towards the end of the optimum period
and may have resulted in early flowering species not being identified. Given the previous
residential and amenity use of the site, the dominance of more common amenity species, and
the results of the desk study and records search, this limitation is not considered significant.
3.3.2 No species-specific surveys have been undertaken and as such the value of the site in terms
of protected species is based on the available desk study records, habitats present on site and
in the immediate area, and professional judgement. Details of recommended species-specific
surveys have been identified within Section 6.
3.4 Site Assessment
3.4.1 The CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) in the U.K and Ireland (2018)
have been used to undertake the impact assessment as detailed below. These guidelines
provide the basis for more thorough surveys and assessments, which are used to provide
detailed mitigation requirements and ecological enhancement measures.
3.4.2 The wildlife value has been assessed using the Ratcliffe Criteria. This assesses an ecological
feature in terms of:
a. Fragility
b. Rarity
c. Size (area of extent)
d. Diversity
e. Potential Value
f. Position within the Ecological/ Geographical Unit
g. Typicality
h. Recorded History
i. Naturalness
j. Intrinsic Appeal
3.4.3 The degree to which a feature can be replaced/substituted has also been taken into
consideration. Guidance suggests that the loss of a feature of national value that is
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irreplaceable may be considered more significant than the loss of a feature that can be
replaced or substituted.
3.4.4 The overall ecological value of the area has been considered in the context of the pattern of
habitat and interdependencies between habitats, as well as the relative legislative value of
any protected species, habitats, or sites.
3.4.5 The value of the ecological features has been given, as far as possible, in terms of geographical
context in accordance with CIEEM EcIA guidance (2018):
a. International/European (Very High) – e.g. Natura 2000 sites, significant populations
of European Protected Species (EPS), sites hosting significant populations under the
Bonn Convention, non-designated international features such as large populations
that are rare on an International/European scale.
b. National (U.K) (High) – e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Geological Conservation
Review sites, significant populations of U.K protected species, significant populations
of Section 7 species (Environment (Wales) Act 2016).
c. National (Wales) (Medium to High) – e.g. nationally important designations which
can be reasonably substituted such as National Parks, medium populations of
European or U.K protected species, significant populations of U.K or Wales ‘Red List’
of Birds of Conservation Concern or Wales Red Data List Species, medium to
significant populations of Section 7 species (Environment (Wales) Act 2016).
d. Regional (Medium) – e.g. regionally important designation which can be reasonably
substituted such as Local Nature Reserves, important inventory site such as Ancient
Woodland, small population of European or U.K protected species, medium
population of Section 7 species, medium populations of U.K or Wales ‘Red List’ of Birds
of Conservation Concern or Wales Red Data List Species
e. County (Low) – e.g. County Wildlife Sites or other county-wide designations, sites with
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) species, non-breeding individuals of European or
U.K protected species, small populations of Section 7 species, small populations of U.K
or Wales ‘Red List’ of Birds of Conservation Concern or Wales Red Data List Species
f. River Basin District (Low)
g. Estuarine System/Coastal Cell (Low)
h. Local (Negligible to Low) – features of value within the site area, district, borough, or
parish only
i. Zone of Influence (Negligible) – this can include any of the above features and is
determined by the extent/potential extent of impacts identified and can vary from
feature to feature, particularly for mobile species.
3.4.6 Ecological impacts are identified and described using the following characteristics:
a. Positive or negative – whether changes improve or reduce the quality of the
environment
b. Extent – the spatial or geographic area over which the impact may occur
c. Magnitude – see below
d. Duration – i.e. short-term, medium-term, and long-term in relation to the habitat or
species regeneration / lifecycle
e. Frequency and timing – how often and when changes occur
f. Reversibility – whether recovery is or is not possible within a reasonable timeframe
specific to the habitat or species
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3.4.7 The assessment includes direct, indirect, secondary, and cumulative impacts.
3.4.8 The magnitude of impact is assessed by the scale of loss or damage predicted to semi-natural
vegetation, wildlife habitats and protected species. The following criteria for determining the
magnitude of impact are used and are based upon, or adapted from, those given in the
guidance.
a. Major negative – The proposal may adversely affect the integrity of the site, in terms
of the coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, which
enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the population levels of
species of interest. This includes large-scale damage or loss of a large proportion of a
particular semi-natural habitat type or protected species habitats that are of
regional/national importance or listed as key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action
Plan Steering Group Report Loss of Protected Species.
b. Moderate negative – The site’s integrity will not be adversely affected but the effect
on the site is likely to be significant in terms of its ecological objectives. If, in the light
of full information, it cannot be clearly demonstrated that the proposal will not have
an adverse effect on integrity, then the impact should be assessed as major negative.
This would apply in the case of damage or loss of a small proportion of a particular
semi-natural habitat type or protected species habitat that are of local importance or
listed as key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group Report.
c. Slight negative – Neither of the above apply, but some minor negative impact is
evident. (In the case of Natura 2000 sites a further assessment may be necessary if
detailed plans are not yet available). This would apply in the case of damage or loss
of common semi-natural vegetation, wildlife habitats or important wildlife but not
protected species. Habitats are not locally or regionally important.
d. Neutral – No observable impact in either direction. This would apply in the case of
damage or minor losses of common types of habitats or common wildlife. Habitats
are not locally or regionally important.
e. Slight Positive – Impacts which provide a slight net gain for biodiversity overall. This
would apply in the case of an increase in the population of a species or area of habitat
which is not locally or nationally important.
f. Moderate Positive – Impact which provide a net gain for biodiversity overall (but
which will not positively affect the integrity of the site). This would include a small
increase in the proportion of a semi-natural habitat or habitat of a protected species
that are locally important or listed as key habitats within the UK Biodiversity Action
Plan Steering Group Report.
g. Major Positive – Impact which provides a net gain for biodiversity overall in terms of
increases in habitat diversity (and which may positively affect the integrity of the site).
This would apply in the case of a large-scale increase in a protected species or habitat
of a protected species that are locally important or listed as key habitats within the
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group Report.
3.4.9 The 2018 guidelines also identify the need to assess potential impacts on ecosystem services
resulting from a project’s ecological effects. Ecosystem services can be divided into four types,
as detailed below.
a. Supporting services – services necessary for the production of all other ecosystem
services, including soil formation, photosynthesis, primary production, nutrient
cycling, and water cycling.
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b. Provisioning services – products obtained from ecosystems, including food, fibre,
fuel, genetic resources, biochemical, natural medicines, pharmaceuticals, and fresh
water.
c. Regulating services – benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes,
including air quality regulation, climate regulation, water regulation, erosion
regulation, water purification, disease regulation, pest regulation, pollination, and
natural hazard regulation.
d. Cultural services – non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through
spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic
experiences thereby taking account of landscape values.
3.4.10 Significance is assigned by looking at the characteristics of change to habitats and species of
local and regional importance and assigning higher significance to greater loss of regionally
important habitats. The overall significance of each impact is determined from the ecological
value of the feature and the characteristics of the potential impact, as shown in Table 3.1
below.
Table 3.1: Overall significance of impact assessment
Nature Conservation Value of Ecological Feature
Potential Medium
Very High High Low Negligible
Impact (National
(International/ (National UK / (County / R. (Zone of
Wales / Influence)
European) Wales) Basin / Local)
Regional)
Major Very large Very large Moderate
Slight adverse Neutral
Negative adverse adverse adverse
Moderate Moderate
Large adverse Large adverse Slight adverse Neutral
Negative adverse
Slight
Slight adverse Slight adverse Slight adverse Slight adverse Neutral
Negative
Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Slight
Slight positive Slight positive Slight positive Slight positive Neutral
Positive
Moderate Moderate
Large positive Large positive Slight positive Neutral
Positive positive
Major Very large Very large Moderate
Slight positive Neutral
Positive positive positive positive
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4.1 Desk Study
4.1.1 There are no internationally designated sites within the site boundary. There are 3 nationally
designated sites within 5km of the site.
a. Craig Pont Rhondda Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located north west of
the site
b. Rhos Tonyrefail SSSI is located south west of the site
c. Nant Gelliwion Woodland SSSI is located south east of the site
4.1.2 There is one Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) listed within 1 km of the site
and is located along the west boundary of Dan-y-Mynydd Care Home.
4.1.3 One protected floral species was identified within 1km of the site, namely Bluebell
(Hyacinthoides non-scripta), which is listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act
(WCA) 1981 (as amended).
4.1.4 A number of records for invasive non-native species (INNS) were identified within 1km of the
site including Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and American Mink (Neovison vison).
These species are all listed on Schedule 9 of the WCA 1981 (as amended), which makes it
illegal to plant or otherwise cause these species to grow or spread in the wild. A small number
of INNS not included on Schedule 9 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) were also identified within
1km of the site.
4.1.5 At least 4 different bat species were identified within 1km of the site including Common
Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), Noctule
(Nyctalus noctule), Brown Long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus), and unclassified Pipistrelle
species (Pipistrellus sp). The nearest light sensitive species (a long-eared bat species) was
recorded approx. 550m to the south of the site. Five roost sites were recorded within a 2km
radius of the site, including a Pipistrelle maternity roost 220m from the site. The nearest roost
is of Pipistrelle species and is approx. 110m from the site. The surveys undertaken in May
2020 did not identify roosting activity on site but did confirm the presence of Common and
Soprano Pipistrelle and Noctule bats utilising the site for foraging/commuting purposes. All
UK bat species are protected by European legislation and are listed under Annex IV of the
Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC), which is transposed into UK law by the
Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 2017. This provides full protection from
harm, destruction, and disturbance to the individual animals, their young and all breeding and
resting sites. Bats are also protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981 (as amended) and
Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and are also afforded protection under the
Bonn and Bern Conventions. Certain species are also included on the UK BAP and LBAP Priority
Species lists.
4.1.6 Multiple records for European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) were identified within 1km
of the site. This species is listed on Schedule 6 of the WCA 1981 (as amended), which makes
it illegal to kill or capture wild hedgehogs and as a living organism of principal importance for
the purpose of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in relation to Wales on Section 7 of the
Environment (Wales) Act 2016. They are also afforded protection under the Bern Convention
and to some degree under the WCA 1981 (as amended).
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-8-4.1.7 There are no records of other protected mammals such as European Otter (Lutra lutra), Water
Vole (Arvicola amphibious), Eurasian Badger (Meles meles), Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus
avellanarius), Polecat (Mustela putorius) or Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) within 1km of the
site.
4.1.8 All bird species, including their eggs and nests, are protected from harm during the breeding
season under the WCA 1981 (as amended) to varying degrees. Further protection is afforded
to those listed on Schedule 1 of this Act making it an offence to ‘intentionally or recklessly
disturb these birds at, on or near an ‘active’ nest’. Certain species are also afforded further
protection under Annex I of the EC Birds Directive. All UK birds are categorized under the
Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) listings as Red, Amber or Green for their conservation
status. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action. Amber is
the next most critical group, followed by Green.
4.1.9 Within 1km of the site, there were no WCA Schedule 1 species recorded. There were 6 Red-
listed species recorded within 1km of the site: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Grey
Wagtail (Motacilla cinereal), Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
and Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix). Five Amber-listed species have also been
recorded: Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus
fuscus), Dipper (Cinclus cinclus), Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) and Willow Warbler
(Phylloscopus trochilus). Many of these species are also listed as priority species under the UK
and RCT Biodiversity Action Plans.
4.1.10 No reptile records were found within 1km of the site.
4.1.11 A record for Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus) was found within 1km of the site. This
species is protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981 against sale or trade in any form. No
records were found for other amphibian species within 1km of the site.
4.1.12 No protected, rare, scarce, or notable invertebrates were recorded within 1km of the site.
4.2 Field Surveys
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
4.2.1 The site comprises of a variety of habitat types, as follows including the phase 1 habitat code
(in brackets). These areas are shown on Figure 2.0 with target notes provided in Appendix A:
a. Plantation broad-leaved woodland (A.1.1.2)
b. Dense / continuous scrub (A.2.1)
c. Broad-leaved scattered trees (A.3.1)
d. Tall ruderal (C.3.1)
e. Refuse-tip (I.2.4)
f. Amenity grassland (J.1.2)
g. Ephemeral / short perennial vegetation (J.1.3)
h. Introduced shrub (J.1.4)
i. Buildings (J.3.6)
j. Track (J.3.7)
k. Mosaic
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-9-4.2.2 The site largely consisted of amenity grassland with a tall unmanaged sward generally
dominated by Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) and Red Fescue (Festuca rubra). Black Medick
(Medicago lupulina) and Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) were often abundant with
frequent Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris), and
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). A variety of other common wildflower, grass, and sedge
species were also recorded throughout the amenity grassland areas increasing the
biodiversity value of these in comparison to more intensively managed amenity grassland
habitats. As such these areas do have some biodiversity value, which would increase with
time if left unmanaged, although this is limited to the local level only. As such this habitat is
considered to be of low ecological value.
4.2.3 The broad-leaved plantation woodland to the north western part of the site is dominated by
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) with Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) with a sparse tall ruderal
understorey. The plantation woodland along the western side of the car park access road is
dominated by Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Hazel (Corylus avellana) with some Ash (Fraxinus
excelsior) with a Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg) dominated understorey. The plantation
woodland along the northern boundary of the car park Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and
Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) and also has a Bramble dominated understorey. These habitats
have some biodiversity and nature conservation value, which would continue to increase with
time, although this is limited to the local level only. As such this habitat is considered to be of
low ecological value.
4.2.4 A majority of the dense scrub recorded is found to the south western boundary of the access
road and the western boundary of the car park and are dominated by Bramble with few other
species. A small area of dense scrub was noted to the eastern boundary of the care home site
to the north side of the wooden shed. This area consisted of self-sown Sycamore saplings and
Bramble. Despite the dominance of Bramble, these habitats do have some biodiversity and
nature conservation value, although this is limited to the local level only. As such this habitat
is considered to be of low ecological value.
4.2.5 To the western boundary of the care home site is an area of scattered broad-leaved trees,
consisting of Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), with an unmanaged diverse amenity
grassland understorey. This habitat does have some biodiversity and nature conservation
value, which would continue to increase with time, although this is limited to the local level
only. As such this habitat is considered to be of low ecological value.
4.2.6 The tall ruderal vegetation to the north western part of the site, associated with the broad-
leaved plantation, is not dominated by any one species, and consists of frequent, locally
frequent, and occasional Grey Sedge (Carex divulsa), Red Fescue, Yellow Pimpernel
(Lysimachia nemorum), Ribwort Plantain, Bramble, Dandelion, and Common Vetch (Vicia
sativa). This habitat does have some biodiversity value, which may increase with time if left
unmanaged, although this is limited to the site level only. As such this habitat is considered
to be of negligible ecological value.
4.2.7 The ephemeral / short perennial vegetation recorded on site is located along the eastern and
southern boundaries of the car park to the south of the care home. The eastern boundary
consists largely of Creeping Cinquefoil with locally frequent Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber),
Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), and Bramble as
well as Downy Birch, Ash, and Grey Willow seedlings and saplings. The southern boundary
consists of Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) and Bramble with some Ash saplings. These
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-10-habitats do have some biodiversity value, which may increase with time, although this is
limited to the site level only. As such this habitat is considered to be of negligible ecological
value.
4.2.8 There are two areas of introduced shrub within the site, one to the south eastern corner that
appears to have previously been planted and used as a garden area and the second along the
western side of the main building, which appears to have been planted for ornamental
purposes. A variety of native pioneer species were noted within the area along the side of the
building due to the current lack of site management. Despite including a variety of non-native
species, these habitats do have some biodiversity value, which may increase with time,
although this is limited to the site level only. As such this habitat is considered to be of
negligible ecological value.
4.2.9 The eastern side of the car park access road consists of a mosaic habitat with a mix of scrub
and grassland species as well as self-sown seedlings and saplings from the surrounding trees
and woodland. No one species dominates the vegetation with locally abundant, frequent, and
locally frequent Montbretia, Cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata), Great Willowherb
(Epilobium hirsutum), Field Horsetail, Herb Robert, Ivy (Hedera helix), Creeping Cinquefoil,
Bramble, and Common Vetch. This habitat does have some biodiversity and nature
conservation value, which would continue to increase with time, although this is limited to
the local level only. As such this habitat is considered to be of low ecological value.
4.2.10 The remainder of the survey area consisted of the main brick building, small number of
outbuildings and sheds, one with a small scrubby waste area beside it, and associated access
roads and parking areas. These were largely devoid of vegetation and are therefore
considered to be of negligible ecological value.
4.2.11 None of the habitats on site are considered to be protected or UK/Local BAP priority habitats.
4.2.12 No protected floral species were recorded during the survey.
4.2.13 Himalayan Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii) and Montbretia (Crocosmia sp.) were recorded
on site. Both of these species are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act
(WCA) 1981 (as amended).
Ground Level Roost Assessment
4.2.14 There have been few changes in relation to the previously identified potential roost features
of the main building with the gaps in lead flashing around ventilating units on the roof, under
roof tiles and air vents on walls offering some limited potential. During the survey it was noted
that some sections of the fascia boards have been removed (Appendix A, Target Note 7). This
has created access into parts of the roof space, which in turn has created additional bat
roosting opportunities. However, this appears to be relatively recent and is unlikely to
increase the roost potential of the site in the short term. Therefore, the main building is still
considered to have low potential for roosting bats. The small outbuildings were also noted as
having low roosting potential.
4.2.15 The trees on site have limited features with bat roosting potential and as such are considered
to have negligible potential.
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-11-4.2.16 Although roosting activity was not confirmed during the 2020 surveys, the site is still
considered to have low ecological value for roosting bats as there are still potential roost
features present. This potential would increase over time as the building in left unused and
the accesses into the roof spaces attract and encourage roosting behaviour.
4.2.17 There are areas of suitable habitat for bats to forage and commute, mainly along the east,
west and northern boundary of the site. Given the results of the 2020 bat surveys and the
lack of significant habitat changes on site, it is considered that the site has low ecological value
for foraging and commuting bats.
Preliminary Protected Species Assessment
4.2.18 The habitats on site have some potential for use by hedgehogs, particularly given the
unmanaged nature of the site and the cover provided. As the site is located on the urban-
rural edge, which is known to provide good habitat for hedgehogs, it is considered that these
populations could be medium sized in the wider area and as such the site is considered to
have low to medium ecological value for hedgehogs.
4.2.19 A number of the habitats on site provide potential bird nesting habitat with a majority of the
habitats providing foraging habitat. Varied bird activity was observed during the site survey
indicating that the site is utilised by small likely non-breeding populations and as such the site
is considered to have low ecological value for birds, although it should be noted that the site
is part of a wider mosaic which is likely to support small to medium breeding populations.
4.2.20 The habitats on site have some potential for reptile species despite the lack of records in the
area, particularly given the location of the site on the urban-rural fringe. Overall it is
considered that the site could support small populations and as such the site is considered to
have low ecological value for reptiles.
4.2.21 The habitats on site have some potential for more common amphibian species, including
Palmate Newt, which has been recorded in the area although this is limited as this species
prefers more acidic sites. Due to the unmanaged nature of the site and the dense tall sward,
amphibians could be found across the site as there is sufficient moisture and cover
throughout, although the lack of still or slow-moving waterbodies within the site boundary
suggests that breeding amphibian populations are highly unlikely, although it should be noted
that spawn can be laid in temporary shallow pools. Overall it is considered that the site could
support small populations and as such the site is considered to have low ecological value for
amphibians.
4.2.22 The variety of habitats and the floral species present would support more common
invertebrate species populations, able to adapt to the previous and surrounding levels of
human activity. Overall it is considered that the site is likely to support a variety of small
populations, limited to widespread and common species, and as such the site is considered to
have negligible ecological value for invertebrates.
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-12-Ecosystem Services
4.2.23 The site and survey area provides a number of ecosystems services on a site and local level,
considered as follows:
a. Supporting services – soil formation, photosynthesis, primary production, nutrient
cycling, and water cycling.
b. Provisioning services – none applicable for this site.
c. Regulating services – air quality regulation, climate regulation, water regulation,
erosion regulation, water purification, and pollination.
d. Cultural services – the site is not currently accessible to the public therefore cultural
services are limited.
4.2.24 As the services provided are primarily limited to the site level, the site is considered to have
negligible value in terms of ecosystems services.
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-13-5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS
5.1 Construction Impacts
Habitats
5.1.1 There are no designated sites within the site area and none of those identified by the desk
study would be affected by the current proposals in terms of habitats. Potential impacts on
designatory species have been addressed in the species-specific assessments below.
5.1.2 The development proposals in their current form would result in the permanent loss of some
of the habitats within the site boundary, approximately 0.34ha amenity grassland, 0.02ha
broad-leaved plantation woodland, less than 0.01ha dense scrub, 0.02ha tall ruderal
vegetation and 0.03ha introduced shrub as well as a small number of broad-leaved scattered
trees. The proposals will also result in the loss of all existing buildings and other hard standing
on site.
5.1.3 The loss of the amenity grassland, broad-leaved plantation woodland, broad-leaved scattered
trees, and dense scrub would result in a slight negative impact resulting in a slight adverse
ecological significance of impact at the local level only.
5.1.4 The loss of the tall ruderal and introduced shrub vegetation would result in a slight negative
impact which is considered to be of neutral ecological significance overall.
5.1.5 The loss of the buildings and hard standing areas would result in a neutral impact with a
neutral significance overall.
5.1.6 The remaining habitats within the survey area would be subject to direct and indirect
disturbance during the construction works. These impacts are considered to be slight to
moderate negative, depending on construction methodologies, resulting in a slight adverse
ecological significance.
Bats
5.1.7 The loss of habitats on site would reduce the extent of available foraging habitats for bats
resulting in a slight negative impact.
5.1.8 No impacts on roosting bats are currently anticipated, although pre-works inspections will be
required as detailed in Section 7 below.
5.1.9 No other direct impacts on bats are anticipated. However, there may be indirect impacts
depending on the construction methodologies, particularly in terms of light and noise
pollution. Given the location of the site on the urban-rural fringe and the species known to
be in the area these impacts could be slight negative.
5.1.10 Overall the potential impact on bats is considered to be slight negative in magnitude resulting
in a slight adverse significance of impact.
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-14-Hedgehog
5.1.11 The identified loss of habitats would reduce the extent of available habitats for hedgehogs
resulting in a slight negative impact. Clearance of these areas could also result in direct
mortality, injury or disturbance to hedgehogs resulting in a further slight negative impact in
terms of hedgehog populations.
5.1.12 Depending on the construction requirements, further direct impacts on hedgehogs may occur
should they utilise the site during the works, particularly if there are excavations left open
overnight as these could result in trapped or injured animals. There may also be indirect
impacts depending on the construction methodologies, particularly in terms of light and noise
pollution. As such these construction impacts are considered to be of a slight negative
magnitude.
5.1.13 Overall the potential impact on hedgehogs is considered to be slight negative in magnitude
resulting in a slight adverse significance of impact.
Breeding and Non-Breeding Birds
5.1.14 The identified loss of habitats would reduce the extent of available habitats for both breeding
and non-breeding birds resulting in a negligible to slight negative impact. Clearance of these
areas, as well as the building demolition, could also result in direct mortality, injury, or
disturbance to birds, particularly as clearance is currently anticipated to be undertaken during
the breeding season (late February to early September inclusive, weather dependent),
resulting in a further slight negative impact in terms of bird populations.
5.1.15 There may also be indirect impacts depending on the construction methodologies, particularly
in terms of noise pollution and disturbance of adjacent retained habitats, and particularly
during the breeding season when bird species are more sensitive to indirect impacts. As such
these construction impacts are considered to be of a slight negative magnitude.
5.1.16 Overall the potential impact on birds is considered to be slight negative in magnitude resulting
in a negligible significance for non-breeding birds and slight adverse significance of impact for
breeding birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians
5.1.17 The identified loss of habitats would reduce the extent of available habitats for both reptiles
and amphibians resulting in a slight negative impact. Clearance of these areas could also result
in direct mortality, injury or disturbance to both species groups resulting in a further slight
negative impact in terms of their populations.
5.1.18 Further direct impacts on reptiles and amphibians may occur should they utilise the site during
the works, particularly if works are undertaken during the active season and excavations left
open overnight as these could result in trapped or injured animals. These impacts are
considered to be of a negligible to slight negative magnitude.
5.1.19 Indirect impacts are not anticipated in terms of either reptiles or amphibians.
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-15-5.1.20 Overall the potential impacts on reptiles and amphibians are considered to be slight negative
in magnitude resulting in a neutral to slight adverse significance of impact.
Invertebrates
5.1.21 The identified loss of habitats would reduce the extent of available habitats for invertebrate
populations on site resulting in a slight negative impact. The clearance works could result in
direct mortality and injury to and disturbance of invertebrate species, although this is
considered to be negligible in terms of magnitude.
5.1.22 Further direct impacts are not anticipated.
5.1.23 Indirect construction impacts would be limited to light pollution effects on nocturnal
invertebrate species, this is considered to be slight negative in magnitude.
5.1.24 Overall the potential impact on invertebrate is considered to be slight negative in magnitude
and therefore neutral in terms of significance.
Ecosystem Services
5.1.25 The construction impacts identified above would also results in changes to the ecosystem
services provided by the site, particularly in terms of reduced supporting services (soil
formation, photosynthesis, primary production, nutrient cycling and water cycling) and
regulating services (air quality regulation, climate regulation, water regulation, erosion
regulation, water purification, and pollination). The magnitude of these impacts is considered
to be slight negative at the site level only and are therefore of a negligible magnitude and
neutral significance.
5.2 Operational Impacts
Habitats
5.2.1 The operation phase could further impact the remaining habitats on site particularly as
management is reinstated. These impacts could be either positive or negative depending on
the management approaches applied. Should management regimes return to those applied
previously, i.e. high frequency / intense management for amenity purposes only, these
impacts could be slight negative in magnitude.
5.2.2 No other operational impacts are identified therefore the significance of operational impacts
on habitats is considered to potentially be slight adverse.
Bats
5.2.3 The operation phase is not anticipated to result in changes to the current lighting levels within
the site or result in other operational impacts.
Hedgehog
5.2.4 The operational management of remaining habitats could impact hedgehog populations and
as stated above, this could be either positive or negative. Should the previous regime be
reinstated these impacts could be slight negative in magnitude.
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-16-5.2.5 The operation phase is not anticipated to result in changes to the current lighting levels within
the site or result in other operational impacts. Therefore, the significance of operational
impacts on habitats is considered to potentially be slight adverse.
Breeding and Non-Breeding Birds
5.2.6 The operational management of remaining habitats could impact breeding and non-breeding
bird populations and as stated above, this could be either positive or negative. Should the
previous regime be reinstated these impacts could be slight negative in magnitude.
5.2.7 The operation phase is not anticipated to result in changes to the current lighting levels within
the site or result in other operational impacts. Therefore, the significance of operational
impacts on habitats is considered to potentially be slight adverse.
Reptiles and Amphibians
5.2.8 The operational management of remaining habitats could impact breeding and non-breeding
bird populations and as stated above, this could be either positive or negative. Should the
previous regime be reinstated these impacts could be slight negative in magnitude.
5.2.9 The operation phase is not anticipated to result in changes to the current lighting levels within
the site or result in other operational impacts. Therefore, the significance of operational
impacts on habitats is considered to potentially be neutral to slight adverse.
Invertebrates
5.2.10 The operational management of remaining habitats could impact breeding and non-breeding
bird populations and as stated above, this could be either positive or negative. Should the
previous regime be reinstated these impacts could be slight negative in magnitude.
5.2.11 The operation phase is not anticipated to result in changes to the current lighting levels within
the site or result in other operational impacts. The significance of operational impacts on
habitats is considered to potentially be neutral.
Ecosystem Services
5.2.12 The operational phase is anticipated to have a continued impact in terms of both supporting
and provisioning services resulting from the overall reduction in habitat areas. These services
could also be impacted by reinstatement of the previous management regime. The
magnitude of this impact is considered to be slight negative at the site level only and is
therefore of a negligible magnitude and neutral significance.
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-17-6 RECOMMENDED FURTHER SURVEYS
6.1 Habitats
6.1.1 No further habitat surveys are currently required given the low ecological value of those
present.
6.1.2 Should works not be undertaken within 2 years of the surveys detailed within this report, up-
to-date habitat surveys would be required.
6.2 Protected Species
6.2.1 No species-specific surveys are currently recommended given the results of the biological
records search and the habitats present on site.
6.2.2 It is noted that sections of the building roof space have been exposed and could result in bat
roosting activity within the structure, although this is considered unlikely in the short term
given the results of previous roost activity surveys. Should bat roosting activity be identified,
consultation with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will be required and the need for further
surveys may be identified.
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-18-7 POTENTIAL MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES
7.1 Construction Measures
Habitats
7.1.1 No direct impacts have been identified on the designated sites and therefore mitigation
measures should not be required.
7.1.2 Some of the identified habitat losses have been assessed to be of slight adverse significance
at the site and local level therefore mitigation should be included. The current landscape
proposals provide this through the inclusion of standard trees and native hedgerow planting.
The identified tree thinning works would also provide ecological benefits in terms of reducing
shading to the understorey layers and allowing remaining trees to mature better. No
additional amenity grassland has been identified, although there is sufficient remaining
habitat and other habitat provision to mitigate this.
7.1.3 Where the identified habitat losses have been assessed to be of neutral significance mitigation
would not be required (species specific mitigation requirements are detailed for each species
below, as appropriate). However, as all public authorities have an obligation to enhance
biodiversity as well as conserve it under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, the creation
and/or reinstatement of species rich habitats would be undertaken wherever possible and
where appropriate.
7.1.4 The direct and indirect impacts identified in relation to the retained habitats should be
mitigated through avoidance measures and the application of best practice demolition and
construction methodologies such as:
a. Careful placement of site compounds
b. Use of secure and clearly identified barrier fencing to prevent accidental
encroachment into retained/adjacent areas
c. Clear identification of access routes into and through the site, maximising the use of
existing haul roads and other hard standing
d. Implementation of appropriate material and waste management plans including
contingency and emergency measures
e. Use of dust suppression measures as and when appropriate
f. Involvement of an Ecological/Environmental Clerk of Works during clearance and
construction works to identify and address other risks as and when they arise.
General Construction Measures
7.1.5 The potential indirect construction impacts on protected species would largely be mitigated
through the implementation of the following measures:
a. Restrictions to night-time working
b. Use of directional and low-level lighting to reduce additional light spill into retained
and adjacent habitats
c. Closure or covering of any excavations overnight to prevent trapping or injuring
animals. Where this is not possible, excavations should be fenced off and a means of
escape provided.
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-19-Bats
7.1.6 The potential impact resulting from the loss of potential foraging habitats would be partially
mitigated through the proposed best practice and habitat enhancement measures detailed
above.
7.1.7 The potential indirect construction impacts would be mitigated through the implementation
of the general construction measures detailed above.
7.1.8 Should roosts be confirmed in the immediate area, further mitigation measures may be
required. It is noted that the current landscape proposals identify the inclusion of 5 in-built
bat roost boxes as part of the new building. These will provide replacement roosting potential
and enhancement for bats in the area. These will need to be considered when installing any
security or other lighting within the site boundaries to maximise the benefits of including
these features.
Hedgehog
7.1.9 The potential impact resulting from the loss of potential hedgehog habitats would be
mitigated through the proposed best practice and habitat enhancement measures detailed
above. Habitat features to benefit hedgehogs, such as log/brash piles or creation of
‘hedgehog homes’, could be incorporated into some of the new and retained habitat areas
within the site. The creation of hedgehog highways through the boundary fences, particularly
to the west, should be implemented. This requires the creation of holes 130mm by 130mm
at the base of fences in various locations to allow hedgehog access.
7.1.10 The clearance approach detailed in relation to reptiles and amphibians below would benefit
hedgehogs on site and reduce the risk of harm to individual animals.
7.1.11 The potential indirect construction impacts would be mitigated through the implementation
of the general construction measures detailed above.
Breeding and Non-Breeding Birds
7.1.12 The potential impact resulting from the loss of potential breeding and non-breeding bird
habitats would be mitigated through the proposed best practice and habitat enhancement
measures detailed above. Mitigation has also been provided through the installation of the
12 bird boxes identified on the landscape plan within the new building and retained habitats.
7.1.13 Ideally, vegetation clearance would take place outside the bird nesting season (late February
to early September inclusive, weather dependent). However, clearance works need to
consider the sensitivity of other species and the overall construction programme so where
this is not possible ecological checks would be undertaken prior to clearance (on the day of
clearance, preferably in the morning when bird activity is generally higher). Should breeding
birds be present, a minimum no-works buffer of 10m radius (species dependent) should be
established around the nest location. This buffer should be kept in place until such time as
the young have fledged, and the nest has been confirmed as inactive by a suitably experienced
ecologist.
7.1.14 The potential indirect construction impacts would be mitigated through the implementation
of the general construction measures detailed above.
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