environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 9: Biodiversity and Geological
Conservation.
7.5 The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) was launched in 1994 with the
main aim „To conserve and enhance biological diversity within the UK, and
to contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity through all
appropriate mechanisms‟. The UK BAP comprises a series of Action Plans
for „priority‟ habitats and species, determined by the fact that they are
either globally threatened or are rapidly declining in the UK. The action
plans outline measures required to conserve these priority habitats and
species. The national strategy for biodiversity is delivered at local level via
Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs). The study area is covered by the
Rotherham BAP. There are also a number of species and habitats for
which action plans have been prepared, relevant to the Penny Hill site.
These are listed in the report included at Appendix 3.
7.6 The Natural Area Profiles (NAP) concept sets out the objectives of Natural
England for the conservation of wildlife and natural features over the area
concerned and summarises the wildlife interest associated with the main
habitats found within the Natural Area. There are no species-specific
actions or objectives set out in the NAP, however a number of generic
objectives are set out which could apply to some of the habitats
encountered within the study area. The habitats/features highlighted in the
Coal Measures NAP relevant to the study area are woodland, rivers &
streams and mixed farming.
CONSULTATION
Scoping
7.7 Both Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the Applicant
consulted a number of organisations who commented on the potential
ecological impact of the proposal.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) stated the
following specific points:
(i) Habitat surveys should include a qualitative assessment of
hedgerows affected by the proposed development to ensure
identification of mitigation and enhancement measures; and
(ii) Detailed year round bat survey should be incorporated into the
EIA survey plans and any mitigation, in accordance with
guidance from Natural England.
Natural England stated that the assessment should address any
impact on second tier biodiversity sites (locally designated) and provide
clarity that there would not be any impact on internationally or
nationally designated sites.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement