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Case Studies
Local Authority & Governmental
The Wichelstowe development site comprises 300ha of Greenfield land, which supports a range of important habitats and species including historically and ecologically important hedgerows, great crested newts, water vole and badgers. The site is proposed for development consisting of 4500 residential units, three schools, business parks, town centre, a country park and associated infrastructure. Greenfield development at this scale clearly presents a number of challenges, which Ecosulis was appointed to resolve.
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Key Challenges |
Ecosulis Solutions |
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Large, complex, Greenfield development |
Collaborative approach to project with ongoing discussion and meetings with discipline heads. Detailed input to design to ensure Green Infrastructure principles incorporated. Balanced approach to ecology with consideration of other key drivers such as developable footprint, landscape, hydrology, infrastructure etc. |
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High presence of protected species |
Robust, timely and nationally recognised survey field team and data collation. Experienced ecological project managers providing pragmatic recommendations and mitigation strategies. Significant previous experience of similar issues. Integrating needs of protected species into overall project design |
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Strong public opposition |
Attendance at Public Exhibitions and promotion of project objectives with respect to biodiversity |
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Strong opposition from nature conservation organisations |
Ability to justify assessments, provide well thought out rationale for proposals and clear intension to provide biodiversity gain. Demonstration of technical excellence during Appeal Inquiry and Examination in Public |
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Programme delays as a result of economic downturn |
Presence of ecologist at monthly design meetings ensured the timing implications that protected species pose were understood and accounted for in programme reviews. Access to senior project manager and rapid mobilisation of Ecological Clerks of Works ensured that delays during construction were minimised |
Outcome:Ecosulis’s strategic and integrated approach at the design stage, outlined below, facilitated the granting of outline planning permission in 2005 and a number of subsequent reserved matters permission. Our understanding of the site and rapid mobilisation has also ensured that delays to construction works have been avoided.
Ecosulis’s approach to the design of Wichelstowe was cited as a successful example in demonstrating the value of carrying out ecological surveys and building any mitigation or compensation necessary into the design of the scheme well in advance of the development in the Governments "Planning for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation - A Guide to Good Practice (March 2006)".
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