Ecology watchdog challenges conservation area housing scheme
By Rory Poulter 14th Sep 2022
The official nature and environment watchdog has condemned a plan to build three homes on an important area of green space.
The area, which falls in the Twickenham Green conservation area, is used by a 'staggering' number of bats, insects and other species.
The planning application for the so-called Backlands site behind the Prince Albert pub, Hampton Road, has also drawn objections from 58 local households and residents.
Now Habitats & Heritage (H&H) has raised 'strong objections' to the development, while arguing it should be left untouched by builders.
The area has been at the centre of controversy after the developer cleared a number of trees and ground cover, before lodging the plan to build three new homes. This move triggered protests by residents.
Habitats & Heritage (H&H) is the charity that cares for the natural and historic environment and climate in south and west London. Its aim is to see nature flourish whilst protecting and enhancing south and west London's historic environment.
It acts as the secretariat of the Richmond Biodiversity Partnership, which writes and oversees the Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan – a supplementary planning document that seeks to conserve biodiversity in Richmond borough.
In an official objection to the scheme H&H said: "In 2021, H&H deployed a static bat detector facing into the Backlands between 14th to 23rd August which gathered a staggering 1772 records of bat activity, all of which were externally verified by a bat expert to ensure their accuracy.
"This data shows an abundance of Common Pipistrelle activity (1480 records) from early evening through to dawn, the former indicating there could likely to be a nearby maternity roost.
"Other species recorded were Soprano Pipistrelle (283), Daubenton's (3), Leisler's Bat (3) and Noctule (3)."
It added: "Bats can tell us a lot about the state of the environment, as they are top predators of common nocturnal insects and are sensitive to changes in land use practices. The pressures they face – such as landscape change, development, and habitat fragmentation are also relevant to many other wildlife species, making them excellent 'indicators' for the health of other wildlife.
"The evidence gathered at the Backlands, suggests it provides an important refuge for wildlife and plays an important role in connecting gardens and combatting habitat fragmentation."
In a damning conclusion, the group adds: "We strongly object to the planning application on the grounds of loss of habitat for bats and a variety of other species, and for the importance of connectivity that the space provides.
"Any development on this space will be detrimental to bats, insect life and other important species who contribute to both the ecological and climate emergencies."
A second group, Nature-Connected Neighbourhoods CIC, objected to the development, saying: "We are in an ecological emergency. It is imperative that we do not lose wildlife corridors - in fact we need to increase habitat and mobility.
"These give species (both flora and fauna) the opportunity to adapt to climate change and other environmental pressures (including the wildfires and droughts that have recently affected the borough) and help to create resilience for local populations."
The ecological groups are calling for the planning decision to go to councillors on the planning committee, rather than being left to officials.
Details on the planning application and how to comment can be found here -
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