Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

My representation relates to site BA1 whereby it is proposed to build 2,800 houses North of Baldock on land including Blackhorse Farm.

I refer particularly to the existence of nesting Corn Buntings on the proposed site. The Corn Bunting is a farmland bird species that has declined by up to 90% in recent years. Recent survey work by Herts Bird Club (published 2014) identified at least 11 breeding pairs of Corn Buntings in the area on which you are proposing to build. The site is a 'local hotspot' for this bird and is of County Level Importance.

Corn Bunting is a Priority Species and the proposed site a Priority Habitat and, as such, I strongly object to housing being built in this area.

I understand, however, from your proposed submission, that you have a number of provisions that will 'increase, protect and enhance
biodiversity', 'protect the environment', 'secure any necessary mitigation measures that reduce the effect of the development' etc.

In particular, you have specified in SP14 (page 61) that 'planning permission for residential-led development will be granted where the following site specific requirements are met'...(in point j iii) 'appropriate mitigation, compensation and/or enhancement of key features of biodiversity measures will be taken....including...... identified protected species and priority habitats'....of which the Corn Bunting must be a part.

You state that you have a policy of habitat compensation i.e. finding a suitable site where the Corn Buntings will wish to breed. In order to go ahead with your plans for BA1, it will be necessary to find, construct or implement in some way, the appropriate compensatory habitat and ensure that sufficient Corn Buntings are breeding there before starting to implement your proposed building plan.

You have stated your policy in this respect as Policy NE6 (page 117) and I support this policy with the aforementioned proviso that sufficient Corn Buntings are breeding on the alternative site in advance of the start of any building works.

I believe these to be the only circumstances in which BA1 building should go ahead.