11/00713/F - Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

perceived cumulative effects (on settlements and local residents generally), as well as
combined and sequential cumulative effects”.
Third parties have raised concerns about the cumulative impacts of the two developments.
Objectors have submitted a document prepared by consultants The Landscape Partnership,
which concludes that there are concerns with how the cumulative impact of the 2 schemes
has been assessed. It states that ‘Instead of fully addressing the changes in landscape
character associated with both developments, it [RES’ assessment] refers back to the total
capacity identified in the LUC guidance of 2003’.
Concerns have also been expressed about the cumulative impact of the proposals upon the
AONB. However, on the latter point, there has been no objection from either Natural
England, which has a statutory duty towards the preservation of the AONB, or from the
Norfolk Coast Partnership, although the latter body does express ‘concern’ about cumulative
impacts.
WILDLIFE AND ECOLOGY
The application site does not lie within a protected area for nature conservation or contain
any statutorily designated sites. However, it is necessary to consider the potential effects of
the proposed development upon nature conservation interests, and species which exist
elsewhere nearby and within the site. Notwithstanding the characteristics of the site, it is
used by a variety of bird species and bats.
The ES has identified 7 species of bat near to the application site. A maternity roost of
brown-long eared bats was found just outside the site boundary at Barwick Hall Farm. It is
noted that bats arising from this roost did not appear to make substantive use of the site.
The most abundant and frequently recorded species was the Common Pipistrelle with the
second most abundant species being the Soprano Pipistrelle. In summary the distribution of
bats was mainly limited to locations around hedgerows, pond on Jack's Lane and woodland
edge habitats.
No evidence of badgers was found within the application site during either the badger survey
or any other survey work undertaken.
No great crested newts or natterjack toads appear to be located within the application site.
Three species of amphibian were recoded; these species are smooth newt, common toad
and common frog.
Brown hares (priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan) were observed on several
occasions during survey visits in 2009. Five animals were seen at any one time located just
outside the southern boundary of the site.
A small herd - a stag and four does - of non-native deer were observed on one visit along
the westernmost track.
A variety of bird species have been observed in the vicinity of the site or have the potential to
be affected by the development. Of particular interest is the over-wintering population of
Pink Footed Geese that forages in the area.
The application is within approximately 7km and 15km of land which forms part of the North
Norfolk Coast and the Wash Special Protection Areas (SPA) respectively. A Special
Protection Area (SPA) is an internationally designated site as classified under the EC Birds
Directive (79/409/EEC) and the UK is bound by the terms of the EC Birds Directive and The
10/01419/FM Development Control Board
25 July 2011
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