redcar and cleveland borough council habitat survey and ... · redcar and cleveland borough council...

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Habitat Survey and Protected Species Risk Assessment Housing and New Employment Site Allocations

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust April 2014

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Habitat Survey and Protected Species Risk Assessment April 2014 Housing and New Employment Site Allocations Page 1

Executive Summary Nine sites were subject to a Phase 1 Survey and desk study to investigate whether there are any ecological constraints to their development. Nothing was identified that would mean that the sites were un-developable as a whole or in part for ecological reasons. A summary of the recommendations generated by the study is provided below. Ref Site Name European Designated

Sites Habitat Recommendations

Species Recommendations

H3.05 Morton Carr Lane, Nunthorpe

Within 5km of North York Moors SPA

Retain young woodland and hedgerows in landscaping

Bat roost risk assessments required for any mature trees to be removed

No scrub removal or tree felling during the bird breeding season

H3.08 Normanby Hall Within 5km of Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA

Retain woodland and mature trees in landscaping, ensuring habitat connectivity is maintained

Improve Middle Gill through de-culverting and consider its function as SUDS

Bat surveys required for buildings

Bat roost risk assessments required for mature trees

Water vole surveys required for Middle Gill prior to planning

No scrub removal or tree felling during the bird breeding season

H3.09 Former Redcar and Cleveland Town Hall

Within 5km of Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA

None None

H3.12 Bylands Close, Redcar


None None

H3.14 Land adjacent to Ryehills School, Redcar


None None

H3.21 Former Luke Senior House, Guisborough


None None

H3.27 Home Farm, Skelton


None Bat surveys required for buildings

Consider potential use of buildings by nesting birds when scheduling works

H3.28 Stanghow Road, Skelton


None None

ED7 Land adjacent to Skippers Lane Industrial Estate


Seek to retain existing planting in landscaping

None


1. Introduction 1.1 Purpose and scope This study provides an assessment of the ecology of eight sites that have been identified by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for Housing Site Allocations and one for New Employment Allocations. It was carried out to investigate whether there were any ecological constraints which might affect development at the sites. The sites subject to the study were as follows. H3.05 Morton Carr Lane, Nunthorpe H3.08 Normanby Hall, Normanby H3.09 Former Redcar and Cleveland Town Hall, Eston H3.12 Bylands Close, Redcar H3.14 Land adjacent to Ryehills School, Redcar H3.21 Former Luke Senior House, Guisborough H3.27 Home Farm, Skelton H3.28 Stanghow Road, Skelton ED7 Land adjacent to Skippers Lane Industrial Estate 1.2 Site Location and General Character The sites are all situated in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland and vary in their character and surroundings. They are generally small sites; the largest is 7.3 hectares, and all are adjacent to or within the existing built environment. A detailed description is provided for each site in the report. 1.3 General Survey Methodology A Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken at each site with the aim of establishing its biodiversity value. The survey involved a walkover survey at each site and also made use of aerial photographs and the findings of previous ecological surveys to record the presence / absence of key plant and animal species found in and around the site and the communities and habitats that they form. All sites were visited by an experienced and qualified ecologist during the week of 14th April 2014, during which the habitats found were identified and mapped according to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee 1993 Phase 1 Methodology. Additional notes were made on species composition and structure where appropriate and are described in this report. The potential for protected and priority species1 and the need for further species surveys were assessed, based on habitat suitability, site observations and the results of the ecological records search described in the Desk Study, below. 1.4 Desk Study A search for designated wildlife sites and protected and priority species records was carried out using Natural England’s “Nature on the Map” web site, the NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Gateway Site and the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust’s databases.

1 Priority species were assessed using the list of England Priority Habitats and Species published by Natural

England under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006


H3.05 MORTON CARR LANE, NUNTHORPE Grid Reference: NZ 542149 Site Location and General Character A 4.3 hectare site on the southern edge of Nunthorpe. It is bounded by open ground, a railway and the busy Nunthorpe by-Pass (A1043). The site consists of a former tree nursery(?) with blocks of similar tree species now outgrown and forming young woodland. These are interspersed with rough grassland. The site is heavily used for walking and dog walking by way of an established Public Right of Way on its north eastern edge and a number of informal paths which run through it. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North York Moors Special Protection Area lies just within 5km, to the west of the site.

• Langbaurgh Ridge Geological SSSI and Roseberry Topping SSSI are approximately 4km from the site

• Poole Hospital Woodland Local Wildlife Site is at 1.5km and Marton West Beck Local Wildlife Site is at 1.7km from the site.

Habitat Survey Habitats present within the site

• Grassland (improved)

• Hedgerow with hedgerow trees

• Woodland (mixed broadleaved and conifer plantation) Habitats Adjacent to the site


• Hedgerow with hedgerow trees

• Developed land (houses gardens public roads) The site contains trees growing in rows or clumps, often made up of a single species with stands dominated by, for example, spruce, birch or hazel. This has developed to the extent that parts now have a closed canopy. The under storey and ground flora has not developed, but the area has been colonised by a large garden / woodland bird population as well as rabbits, small mammals and foxes. Between tree clumps are areas of open ground which support tussocky, rough grassland. As a result of its former agricultural use the grassland is dominated by coarse species such as rye grass and cocksfoot, with a poor herb content. There are no ponds, streams or other water features on the site. Recommendation: Development should seek to incorporate and improve some of the young woodland and developed hedgerows as part of a landscaping scheme for open space within the development and as part of a woodland belt / buffer on its periphery. Protected Species No species that are specially protected under the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010) and/or the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) have been recorded within the site or in its immediate vicinity. The nearest records for protected species are for great crested newt at 1.4 km to the east (at Morton Grange). Habitats within the site are not suitable for breeding


populations of great crested newt, but may provide suitable foraging habitat for other protected species, most notably bats. The following recommendations are made with the aim of ensuring that any works undertaken on the site comply with the legal protection afforded to certain species. Recommendation: It is advised that prior to undertaking any tree work within the site that a detailed bat roost risk assessment is undertaken to establish their status as a bat roost site. Bats and their roosts are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010). Recommendation: It is advised that no habitat management or removal works are undertaken on the site during the bird breeding season (which typically extends from the beginning of March to the end of August). This in order to comply with the protection afforded to breeding birds and their nests under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Priority Species The site has potential to host priority species, particularly farmland birds and brown hare. There is no legal protection afforded to priority species, but Local Authorities have a general duty to conserve biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006). Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.08 NORMANBY HALL Grid Reference: NZ 542178 Site Location and General Character A vacant and derelict Grade 2 listed property and the remaining part of its outbuildings and immediate grounds, comprises 3.5 hectares of land within a well-established residential area of the Borough. The grounds of the hall include large specimen trees set in grassland and mature woodland which continues beyond the site boundary. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North Tees Mudflats, part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area is just within 5km to the north of the site.

• Lovell Hill Ponds SSSI is approximately 4km from the site.

• Middle Beck Local Wildlife Site is at 1.5km and Eston Hills Local Wildlife Site at 2km.

• Flatts Lane Local Nature Reserve and Country Park is 1km to the south Habitat Survey Habitats present within the site


• Stream

• Woodland (mixed broadleaved and conifer)

• Developed land (houses, gardens, public roads) Habitats Adjacent to the site

• Stream

• Woodland (mixed broadleaved and conifer)

• Developed land (houses gardens public roads) The grounds immediately surrounding the vacant Hall give the appearance of former parkland, but in fact are the close curtilage of the property and generally consist of out-grown or re-colonised ornamental vegetation rather than longstanding, semi-natural habitats. Areas of grassland are species-poor and consist of false oat and rye grass with patches of bramble. Mature trees include broadleaves such as oak and ash as well as ornamental conifers. The site does not include ponds, but three small streams / drains enter the site before disappearing into a covered culvert immediately in front of the hall. These form Middle Gill, a tributary of Spencer Beck. Recommendation: Development should seek to retain any good quality woodland and to ensure connectivity of habitat to allow it to function as a green corridor through to Flatts Lane woodland and Country Park to the south. Recommendation: Seek to improve Middle Gill through de-culverting and consider its function in the sustainable management of surface water. Protected Species There were no signs of water vole in the stream at the time of survey and water vole has not been recorded in the vicinity, however, it is possible for the species to colonise the area in the intervening period before development takes place. The Hall has a high risk of use as a bat roost and has potential for use by other protected species such as barn owl. These species are specially


protected under the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010) and/or the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Recommendation: It is advised that as part of the development of proposals for the buildings, that bat surveys are undertaken to establish their status as a bat roost site. Bats and their roosts are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010). Recommendation: It is advised that prior to undertaking any works to mature trees within the site that bat roost risk assessments are undertaken. Bats and their roosts are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010). Recommendation: Water vole surveys should be undertaken on Middle Gill when plans for the site are finalised. This in order to comply with the protection afforded to water voles under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Recommendation: It is advised that no trees or scrub management or removal works are undertaken on the site during the bird breeding season, which typically extends from the beginning of March to the end of August. Care should also be taken with regard to nesting birds in the buildings during the breeding season. This in order to comply with the protection afforded to breeding birds and their nests under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Priority Species The site has potential to host priority species, particularly farmland birds and brown hare. There is no legal protection afforded to priority species, but Local Authorities have a general duty to conserve biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006). Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.09 FORMER REDCAR AND CLEVELAND TOWN HALL AND SURPLUS ADJACENT LAND Grid Reference: NZ 546193 Site Location and General Character Land at the site of the former Redcar & Cleveland Town Hall was cleared of buildings and structures in 2012. The site also includes surplus adjacent land at Eston Park school and amounts to a total of 4.3 hectares. It is set within a large area of residential development and consists principally of vacant ground and amenity grassland. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North Tees Mudflats, part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area is just within 5km and to the north of the site.

• Lovell Hill Ponds SSSI is 4km to the east of the site.

• Lazenby Woods Local Wildlife Site is at 1.9km and Eston Hills Local Wildlife Site at 2km.

• Flatts Lane Local Nature Reserve and Country Park is 1km to the south Habitat Survey Habitats present within the site


• Bare ground Habitats Adjacent to the site

• Developed land (houses gardens public roads) There are no features of ecological interest at this site. Protected and Priority Species There were no signs of protected or priority species at the site. Similarly, there have been no records made of protected or priority species in the surrounding area. Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.12 BYLANDS CLOSE, REDCAR Grid Reference: NZ 597230 Site Location and General Character An area of 0.7 hectares of flat ground within the residential area of Redcar. The land was formerly a care home which was demolished and cleared in 2012-13. It is now under short amenity grass. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area is 2.5km to the north of the site.

• Redcar Rocks SSSI is 2.5km from the site.

• Coatham Marsh Local Wildlife Site is 1.7km to the north west. Habitat Survey Habitats present within the site



• Developed land (houses gardens public roads) There are no features of ecological interest at this site. Protected and Priority Species There were no signs of protected or priority species at the site and there have been no records made of protected or priority species in the surrounding area. Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.14 LAND ADJACENT TO RYEHILLS SCHOOL, REDCAR Grid Reference: NZ 609237 Site Location and General Character 1.23 hectares of land that was occupied by school buildings and a car park until these were demolished in 2005, when new premises constructed to the south of the development site could be occupied. The land is now under short amenity grass, with scattered ornamental trees on its northern perimeter. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area is 2.5km to the north of the site

• Redcar Rocks SSSI is 1.5km from the site

• Redcar and Cleveland Coast Local Wildlife Site is 0.9km to the east. Habitat Survey Habitats present within the site



• Developed land (houses gardens public roads) There are a few scattered ornamental trees on the edge of the site, but nothing else of ecological interest. Protected and Priority Species There were no signs of protected or priority species at the site and there have been no records made of protected or priority species in the surrounding area. Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.21 FORMER LUKE SENIOR HOUSE, GUISBOROUGH Grid Reference: NZ 610161 Site Location and General Character A small area of flat ground in a densely built area on the north side of Guisborough. The land was occupied by a care home, Luke Senior House, until 2012 when it was demolished and the site cleared. It now comprises bare ground. There are no features that might support wildlife on the 0.5 hectare site. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North York Moors Special Protection Area is 2.65km to the south of the site.

• Chapel Beck Local Wildlife Site is 1.1km to the north and Chaloner Pits Local Wildlife Site is 1.5km to the north




• Developed land (houses gardens public roads) There are no features of ecological interest present. Protected and Priority Species There were no signs of protected or priority species at the site. Great crested newt, otter and water vole have all been recorded at the Local Wildlife Sites described above, at a distance of more than 1km. There is also no habitat relevant to these species at the development site Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.27 HOME FARM, SKELTON Grid Reference: NZ 659190 Site Location and General Character A small site (1.6 hectares) close to the centre of Skelton. The majority of the site comprises the old agricultural buildings remaining from Home Farm. These are in disrepair with open doorways and sides, although roofs and roof tiles remain largely in place. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North York Moors Special Protection Area is 5km to the south of the site

• Saltburn Gill SSSI is 2km to the north of the site.

• Layland Beck Local Wildlife Site is 1km to the east and Skelton Beck Woods Local Wildlife Site is 1km to the north


• Developed land (vacant and derelict farm buildings)



• Developed land (houses gardens public roads)

• Grassland (improved) – including a churchyard Despite decaying conditions and evident vandalism, the derelict farm buildings may provide suitable habitat for roosting bats or nesting birds. Small areas of vacant ground between the buildings are either under hard-standing, roads or rough ground vegetated with tall, coarse grasses including docks and nettles. There are small scrub specimens (hawthorn or elder plants) on the peripheries of the site. There are no ponds, streams or wetland features present. Protected Species The agricultural buildings have a high risk of use as a bat roost and have potential for use by other protected species such as barn owl. These species are specially protected under the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010) and/or the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Recommendation: It is advised that as part of the development of proposals for the buildings that bat surveys are undertaken to establish their status as a bat roost site. Bats and their roosts are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations (2010). Priority Species The site has potential to host priority species particularly birds such as swift or house sparrow. There is no legal protection afforded to priority species, but Local Authorities have a general duty to conserve biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006). Recommendation: Particular care will need to be taken if demolition or other building works are undertaken during the bird breeding season, which typically extends from the beginning of March


to the end of August. This in order to comply with the protection afforded to breeding birds and their nests under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


H3.28 STANGHOW ROAD, SKELTON Grid Reference: NZ 665188 Site Location and General Character A small site on the edge of Skelton, but still contained within a residential environment. The site formerly contained flats and these are now demolished, leaving areas of hard standing surrounded by rough grassland including former gardens. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North York Moors Special Protection Area is 5km to the south of the site

• Saltburn Gill SSSI is 1.5km to the north of the site.

• Layland Beck Local Wildlife Site is 0.6km to the east and Skelton Beck Woods Local Wildlife Site is 1.3km to the north




• Developed land (houses, gardens, public roads) The area contains hard standing, rubble, rough ground and has ornamental trees and shrubs on its periphery. Plant communities are comprised of ruderal species typical of waste ground and include dock, dandelion, couch grass, cocksfoot, bramble, buddleia and nettle. The trees present are small and include flowering cherry and other blossom bearing species. There are no ponds, streams, other water features or buildings on site. Protected and Priority Species There were no signs of protected or priority species at the site and there are no records of any such species from the locality. Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


ED7 LAND ADJACENT TO SKIPPERS LANE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE Grid Reference: NZ 531203 Site Location and General Character A 7 hectare triangle of land to the south of the A66 in South Bank. It consists of a former scrap yard, allotments and amenity grassland / sports pitches. It is generally in poor and untidy condition with hard-standing, rubble, waste materials and unmanaged areas of former ornamental edge planting. Surrounding land uses include amenity grassland on areas of cleared terraced housing and an industrial / commercial estate at Skippers Lane. Designated Wildlife Sites

• The North Tees Mudflats, part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area is 1.4km to the north of the site.

• Middle Beck Local Wildlife Site is 1.5km to the west Habitat Survey Habitats present within the site


• Woodland (in the form of mixed broadleaved / conifer landscape belt)


• Developed land (business premises, houses, gardens public roads) The landscape planting consist of species such as willow, whitebeam and elder. There are no other features of ecological interest present. Recommendation: It may be possible to retain and incorporate some of the established landscape planting in the boundary of any new development. Although not of great significance, there is a general shortage of natural features in the wider area. Protected and Priority Species There were no signs of protected or priority species at the site. Water vole has been recorded at Middle Beck Local Wildlife Site which is 1.5km away. There is no habitat relevant to these species at the development site Recommendation: It is advised that no habitat management or removal works are undertaken in the areas of scrub / existing landscape planting during the bird breeding season, which typically extends from the beginning of March to the end of August. This in order to comply with the protection afforded to breeding birds and their nests under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Invasive Weeds No invasive plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) were observed on the site.


Plan showing site locations and boundaries

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