Biodiversity Officer Response to Surveys
Argyll and Bute Council · 2 June 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Local Review Body — 2 June 2025 and its agenda
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Classification: OFFICIAL Notice of Request for Review - Land East of Taliesin West, Garelochhead (Ref: 24/0008/LRB and 20/01822/PPP) Please find below my response to the Protected Species Walkover Report. European Protected Species Otter (Lutra lutra) • No evidence recorded on site Comment: I agree that pre-works checks should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist immediately prior to works commencing. Bats (varying species) • 4 Potential Bat Roosting Features (PRF) of Low suitability were recorded on site • 3 Potential Bat Roosting Features (PRF) of Moderate suitability were recorded on site • No PRF’s are to be destroyed by the proposed development • 2 PRF’s (one with low suitability and one with moderate suitability) are likely to result in disturbance from the proposed development • The site offers High suitability for foraging / commuting bats Comment: I agree with the findings and find that the development would not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species at a favourable conservation status in its natural range but the potential roots should be protected where possible. The trees identified as having PRF should not be removed and should be protected during the construction period. Also the proposed mitigation measures within the report should be following and secured by condition and a condition should ensure a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is provided at the next application stage (AMSC). This should include details of mitigation measures necessary to avoid disturbance to any potential roosting and / or foraging / commuting bats including the retention of the trees with PRF. Recommendations: The following should be covered by conditions that shall be discharged at the next application stage (AMSC): • Prior to commencement of development a CEMP shall be submitted to and approved by the local authority. The CEMP shall include the appropriate mitigation measures as recommended within the Protected Species Walkover Report, namely: - A pre-works inspection by a licensed bat ecologist to confirm the absence of bats immediately before construction begins. - Supervision of all works near potential roost features under the guidance of the bat ecologist. - The use of low-impact methods of construction, such as hand tools near PRFs, to reduce disturbance.
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Classification: OFFICIAL - Scheduling of work within non-sensitive periods in relation to bats (late November until March). • Prior to commencement of development a tree survey shall be submitted to the local authority. This survey should identify any trees to be felled, all trees to be retained and include the retention of all trees with potential bat roost features. A Tree Protection Plan shall also be submitted to ensure the all retained trees and their root systems are protected throughout construction. • Prior to commencement of development an updated Landscaping plan shall be submitted to and approved by the local authority. This plan should include; - each tree retained and proposed to be planted; including species location and age of each tree, timings of planting and programme of ongoing monitoring and management. - Proposed biodiversity enhancement measures to include location and purpose (bat / bird / red squirrel box, retention of log piles etc.). - Location and species of woodland meadow mix, timings of planting and programme of ongoing monitoring and management. - Location and species of bee, bird and butterfly meadow mix, timings of planting and programme of ongoing monitoring and management. - Location and species of hedging mix, timings of planting and programme of ongoing monitoring and management. It is noted that the applicant should pay regard to the ‘Developing with Nature’ guidance on the NatureScot website https://www.nature.scot/doc/developing- nature-guidance#planting-for-nature • Throughout the construction period it is required that the applicant appoints an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) for the duration of the works. The ECoW shall carry out pre-works surveys, Toolbox Talks and ensure implementation of the required mitigation measures. • Throughout the construction period the applicant is required to consult with an appropriate expert on the removal of the Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) on site to ensure it is removed appropriately and with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Helen McCallin BSc (Hons), MSc Local Biodiversity Project Officer Argyll & Bute Council