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

7.83 Where hedgerow sections are removed to allow for access tracks to be
constructed, the remainder of the hedgerow will be gapped up to
equivalent length (where necessary) using native hedgerow species local
to the Rotherham area to provide alternative habitat for birds, mammals
and invertebrates.
BATS
Legal Obligations and Guidance - Bats
7.84 Legal obligations towards bats are generally concerned with roost
protection. Planning Policy Statement Biodiversity and Geological
Conservation 2004 (formally PPG 9) makes it a legal obligation of
developers to sustain, and where possible improve, the quality and extent
of natural habitat and geological and geomorphological sites; the natural
physical processes on which they depend; and the populations of naturally
occurring species which they support. Bats therefore have to be
considered as part of this proposed development.
7.85 The Eurobats Resolution (2006) led to Natural England developing interim
guidance regarding bats and wind farms (2008). This guidance advises
that survey effort should aim to establish bat activity across the site, and
good practice recommendations are made for development including
buffer zones from habitat features such as hedgerows.
Mitigation - Bats
7.86 Bats are nocturnal and active at night. It is recommended that works be
undertaken during daylight hours where possible to minimise disturbance
during construction. During operation turbines will be running overnight,
with potential direct impacts on bats. Following Natural England‟s Interim
guidance regarding bats and wind turbines (2008), buffer zones of a
minimum of 50m have been placed around features which may act as bat
flightlines and foraging areas such as hedgerows and woodland.
7.87 The layout of the access tracks minimises the need to cross field
boundaries and therefore only a small amount of hedgerow and trees will
be removed. Where trees are removed or if hedgerow removal is
necessary replacement hedges/treelines will be planted and connected
with other flightlines on the site and will be at a suitable distance from
turbines. Planting would include native hedge species such as blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and spindle
(Euonymus europaeus) and include occasional fast growing standards
such as wild cherry (Prunus avium) or field maple (Acer campestre).
7.88 The wind farm has been designed to avoid areas of woodland and
buildings; therefore these habitats will be retained and left undisturbed. A
buffer zone of 200m has been implemented around these areas as they
provide good foraging habitat and potential roost sites.
188
Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement