RSPB doubting wildlife survey over new homes
RSPB Scotland has questioned the conclusions of a survey carried out by a developer to progress its plans to build hundreds of new houses in Kinross.
One of its senior conservation officers has written to Perth and Kinross Council pointing out an ecology survey used to support Persimmon Homes’ recently approved bid to build 300 houses at Lathro Farm was completed outwith the bird breeding season.
The survey, which was carried out by consultants in February this year to meet a condition attached to Persimmon’s planning consent, found “no evidence” of protected species on the site.
But RSPB Scotland believes the survey should have been carried out later in the year.
The wildlife charity was responding to a second application lodged by Springfield Properties to build another 47 houses at the same site.
It has concerns a number of mature oak trees, some of which appeared to have been afforded protection through other conditions attached to Persimmon’s original planning consent, could be felled should the second application be approved.
Its conservation officer said: “RSPB Scotland has some concerns regarding the [second] proposal, its interaction with the approved development, what is due to happen to mature oak trees on the site and any compensatory planting.
“Can the council clarify what Springfield’s plans are for the trees on site? As there appears to be a risk that consideration of the oak trees will fall between the two planning applications.”
The officer’s letter continues: “RSPB Scotland has concerns that the area of trees has not been included in any surveys for nesting birds or protected species (ie bats).
“For the original planning application, it was stated by [Persimmon’s consultants] Envirocentre that this area of trees is outwith the development area. However, given the plans for the recent application this is clearly not the case.”
The letter goes on: “The original breeding bird survey was carried out on February 8 (which is not during the bird breeding season - generally considered to be AprilAugust). A second pre-construction survey on May 30 focused only on the fields.
“Neither of these provides sufficient detail or covers the correct area/habitats to provide a baseline about what is present on site to inform the current planning application and its possible impact.
“There also appears to be no proposal to carry out a bat survey. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) can provide further guidance
RSPB letter
regarding the latter and advise that a bat survey cannot be included as a condition of planning approval but must be completed prior to granting planning permission. This is to ensure compliance with the law and Scottish Government policy.”
The officer concludes: “We note that in relation to the original planning application the council[‘s] biodiversity officer recommended [trees should be retained and protected within the development].
“[If] the council is minded to approve this application we recommend that a suitably worded condition is included around retention of trees or planting a suitable mix of native broadleaves and provision of nest boxes to compensate for lost nesting habitat.
“We would also recommend that a full breeding bird survey is carried out to assess what would best provide for the species present on site.”
The PA asked PKC to respond to the points raised by RSPB Scotland.
A spokesperson said: “The preconstruction ecology survey as required by the [original] planning consent was carried out just outwith
The Lathro Farm site on the outskirts of Kinross the optimal time period.
“This was recognised by our biodiversity officer - however the information was also considered to be acceptable to satisfactorily meet the condition.
“A further ground nesting bird survey was conducted in the past few weeks and this further survey was also considered acceptable.
“In terms of a bat roost survey, certain trees both within and outwith the site were identified as having bat roost potential.
“As there was no actual record of roosts, it was considered reasonable that, should the trees be felled during April to September (bat roost season), then a survey by a qualified bat ecologist was required to be submitted and approved prior to any felling.
“Photos of the site submitted on June 5 confirmed that the trees in question have not been felled and are currently fenced off and protected.
“Should Persimmon Homes wish to fell them before the end of September, then a bat roost survey will have to be carried out and submitted for our approval prior to any felling.”
The spokesperson added on the matter: “Comments by the RSPB on the recently submitted application by Springfield Homes will be assessed by the case officer, as part of the normal assessment process for a planning application before the outcome of the application is finally determined.”