Image by Markus Distelrath from Pixabay
What Does RWT expect to see?
What do RWT expect within any development proposals:
No damage or loss to peat deposits on site.
No loss or damage of ancient woodland or veteran/specimen trees.
No impact on water flow across the development – soil loss, erosion and channel modification of the upland stream system is unacceptable.
No loss or impact of species-rich grassland.
Better bird survey data to assure us that upland birds have been properly considered in the design layout and build.
Infrastructure is kept to a minimum and is not accessible to the public, increasing access and potentially disturbance through road infrastructure that can be accessed by 4x4’s post development is of significant concern to RWT.
20% Biodiversity Net Gain is robustly and vigorously applied to post development and properly monitored and funded to ensure success.
A long-term management plan for the development site, legally binding landowners, to positive management for nature and climate.
RWT, as a local organisation that is also part of the community needs to see:
Long-term support made available to landowners, in and around the development, ensuring positive habitat management continues.
Clear detail on the number of jobs that will be created and supported locally.
An assurance that the community development fund will be spent locally, annually, and that it has a legal guarantee to exist for the full 40 years of the development, even if sold on.
Currently these expectations and concerns have not been met and we expect to object to the developments we have seen detail on.