Protected lizards and slow worms in a designated County Wildlife Site that were at risk after a developer dumped tonnes of construction rubble on their hibernation nests have been saved – thanks to swift action from a Babergh councillor and officers.
Concerned members of the public informed Cllr Humphrey Todd, Babergh District Council’s ward member for Great Cornard, that a huge amount of earth had been moved from the development in Cats Lane, Great Cornard, onto the wildlife site.
The housing development, which is under construction, is next to the designated wildlife site because of its exceptional populations of common lizard and slow worm – species that are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Babergh’s Environmental Protection Team immediately investigated the claims amid fears that both protected species, which were hibernating at the time, would suffer severe population loss as a result.
In 2007 both animals were added as priority species to the UK Biodiversity Action Place because of dwindling population numbers across the country.
A subsequent inspection of the site confirmed that an unauthorised dumping of earth had taken place and Babergh’s duty of care meant other enforcement agencies had to be notified. Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Constabulary were kept updated on the situation.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust staff acted as wildlife experts to Babergh and advised that hibernating reptiles are usually several inches below the original ground level and that immediate, but careful, removal of the extra earth could mean the population might not be affected.
The Camelot Property Group, which co-operated from the outset, employed wildlife consultants to supervise the removal of the soil - and within three weeks of the initial information being received, the site was cleared.
John Winders, Babergh’s Principal Development Control Officer, said: “Babergh’s Local Plan is specifically designed to prevent development occurring that would have a material impact on any protected species.
“As a result, Babergh acted immediately and were appreciative the developer understood our position and took remedial action as a priority.
“This is an illustration of how partnership working and communications between a local authority and developer are vital - not only save protected species from population losses but also stopped enforcement action from being necessary.”
Dr Simone Bullion, Senior Conservation Officer at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: The Trust welcomed the opportunity to support Babergh when dealing with this wildlife issue, to ensure prompt action which will hopefully result in most of these reptiles being saved.
"This illustrates that Babergh has demonstrated good practice in terms of its duties under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, which states that local authorities must have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity in its district."
And Cllr Todd added: “I was truly impressed by the speed with which Babergh reacted to my advice of a problem for the wildlife on the site - and also very pleased that the developer co-operated so fully to rectify this problem. It shows what can be achieved when we work all together.” ENDS
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