Environmental and ecological surveys were an integral part of the planning application following investigations into the final development phase of Chorley Royal Ordnance Factory in Lancashire.
The site was still operational but did include a few disused buildings. The scope of ADAS’ work included internal and external bat surveys in these buildings, the surrounding trees and around the ponds.
Great Crested Newt and amphibian surveys were also required for six ponds and a reservoir, as well as a pond biodiversity and water vole survey on the streams and waterways within the site.
Following an initial survey, one of the buildings was positively identified as containing a bat maternity roost and several others contained evidence of bat activity. The species and population numbers were assessed by licensed bat workers over a number of dawn and dusk surveys.
Mitigation recommendations included turning one of the old site buildings into a permanent bat house and integrating an artificial roost into the development plans.
Despite the complicated series of surveys, ADAS’ multi-skilled approach meant it was able to complete the analyses quickly and did not hinder the planning application.
For further information on how ADAS can help with ecological surveys for development projects please contact Jon Abbatt by e-mail jon.abbatt@adas.co.uk or telephone 015396 21801.