Issue - meetings

Removal of hedgerow approx. 150 metres in length.

The Service Manager, Development Services, introduced the application informing Members that a number of further comments had been received following the publication of the report. The Service Manager informed Members that additional comments received related to hedgerow wildlife and tenancy arrangements on the land.

Ms. Leigh Barton, tenant of the land subject to the application, spoke in objection.

RESOLVED:

Grant consent for the Removal of Hedgerow.

Reasons for Decision

In the opinion of the Borough Council the proposed development does not qualify as an important hedgerow as outlined in the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. As such the proposed removal of the hedgerow is considered acceptable and a Hedgerow Retention Notice shall not be issued.

Notes to Applicant

When considering carrying out any work to trees it is important to consider the provisions made in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Conservation (natural habitats) Regulations 1994 and the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000, which mean it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a bat, Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a bat, Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses for shelter or protection, damage, destroy or block access to the resting place of any bat, Intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a wild bird, Intentionally or recklessly take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird when it is in use or being built, Intentionally or recklessly take, damage or destroy the egg of any wild bird. These points outline the main parts of the above legislation. If you are unsure about these issues, it would be advisable to contact an ecological consultant before undertaking any tree work operations.

Your attention is drawn to the attached comments from the Nottinghamshire County Council’s Senior Practitioner for Nature Conservation with regards to the proposed replacement hedgerow and tree planting.