Aiming to retain trees
In response to the comments by the campaign group, a council spokesperson said: “South West Maidenhead will meet, in a managed way, a significant proportion of our future housing need, by creating a sustainable, high-quality and distinctive place.
“Of course, all forms of development, land use and construction work unfortunately have some impact upon the environment, habitats and wildlife.
“As part of their preapplication work, developers need to commission independent ecological surveys of their sites to accompany their planning applications, identify protected species, consider impacts on habitats, identify measures to minimise adverse impacts, and meet any legal obligations in relation to any protected species.
“The developer in this case has started this Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process by submitting a scoping opinion request in advance of any future planning application. The council is considering this request, including consultation with the relevant statutory bodies.
“From a planning policy perspective, sustainability and the environment are key considerations in the Borough Local Plan and the draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for South West Maidenhead.
“Developers are very alive to the aspirations of the council and the community for this area. The SPD, which once finalised and adopted will become a key consideration in deciding planning applications, reaffirms important commitments to delivering a sustainable, net carbon zero development.
“This includes seeking 10 per cent biodiversity net gain, a green/blue infrastructure network helping wildlife move across the site, a highly connected green spine running north-south through the site, retention of Rushington Copse and as many other trees as practically possible, along with planting new trees where possible.”