Housing construction work by Barratt and David Wilson Homes had been halted back in March due to the coronavirus crisis, but before the construction work can begin again, ecological experts are now on-site for pre-construction work to ensure the protection of bats and great crested newts.
The site at Appleton Cross in south Warrington is set for the construction of 370 new homes by Barratt and David Wilson Homes – both part of Barratt Developments – is now on hold until the necessary ecology work linked to bats and newts is completed, reports Warrington Guardian.
The work, which is permitted under a great crested newt licence, includes the erection of newt fencing and trapping newts. Simultaneously, under a bat licence, work will be conducted to clear bats from trees, before removing the trees as part of the previously granted planning permission.
Great crested newts are a protected species, while bats and their resting or breeding places are also protected. The current work would be deemed illegal without the necessary licences.
In the past, relocating these protected animals has caused delays to new roads, a huge rail freight hub, a 1,400-home development and a football club’s state-of-the-art £14m training complex. Even an illegal rave in Norfolk only made the news because it was too close to a protected breeding site.
Barratt Homes Manchester and David Wilson Homes North West say they are working to reopen construction sites as soon as possible, ensuring that operations can proceed safely and in line with the government’s social distancing guidelines.
The construction companies, selected by Homes England to build the properties, aim to continue to deliver ‘the high-quality homes the country needs’, while making sure that employees, their families, suppliers, sub-contractors, and customers remain safe.
A spokesman added: “In readiness for this, we have instructed our consultants to carry out the necessary ecological work at Orchard Meadows, as approved in the planning consent for the site, ensuring social distancing and the necessary health and safety precautions are taken at all times.
“The ecology works being undertaken follow stringent Natural England licence conditions, under the supervision of a licensed expert and with the utmost care.
“To ensure that no bats are harmed and to minimise disruption to their habitat, a significant number of new roosts will be installed plus the development landscaping will incorporate replacement foraging habitats and bat-friendly lighting designs.”
Warrington Borough Council has confirmed that the developers submitted information to discharge planning conditions relating to ecology earlier this year. “This information was found to be acceptable and the conditions have been discharged,” said a spokesman.
“If the works are undertaken in accordance with the approved details and in compliance with all relevant legislation and Natural England guidance, the developer is able to commence the works without any further consent from the council being required.”
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