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From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) To: DEFA, Planning Subject: PA 20/00894/A - Approval in principle for the erection of a dwelling, Ballaragh Old Farmhouse, Laxey Date: 03 September 2020 15:30:04 Good Afternoon

PA 20/00894/A - Approval in principle for the erection of a dwelling, Ballaragh Old Farmhouse, Laxey

A bat & owl survey was undertaken at this barn in August 2014. Though no evidence of bats was found and it was concluded that the barn was not being used by maternity colonies, there is a possibility that bats are using the barn as a hibernation roost or have started using the barn as a maternity roost since this survey was undertaken. Additionally, the report also found that the barn was being used by nesting swallows and nesting house sparrows (a Wildlife Act 1990 Schedule 1 species) Following the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Advice note on the Lifespan of Ecological Reports and Surveys, as the survey and report is more than 3 years old, The Ecosystem Policy Team consider that this bat survey is out of date. https://cieem.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Advice-Note.pdf

Therefore, in order to comply with the Wildlife Act 1990 and Environment Policy 4 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, the Ecosystem Policy Team request that a preliminary assessment for roosting bats and nesting birds is undertaken on the barn by a suitably qualified ecologist and a report detailing the findings and recommendations for further survey, be submitted to the Planning Directorate for approval prior to determination of this application. If evidence of bats is found then a bat roost survey should also be undertaken by a licenced bat ecologist and a report detailing the findings, including a mitigation plan for the bats protection during and after the development, should be submitted to the Planning Directorate for approval prior to determination of this application. Mitigation will also be required for any nesting birds.

Bat surveys should be undertaken in line with best practise, as set out in the Bat Conservation Trusts Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists - Good Practice Guidelines.

Bats are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1990. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take, or to damage or destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place bats use for shelter or protection, or to disturb bats while they occupy a structure or place which they use for that purpose.

All birds, their nests, eggs and young are protected by law (Wildlife Act 1990) and it is an offence to: · intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild bird · intentionally or recklessly take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built · intentionally or recklessly take or destroy the egg of any wild bird · intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

Best wishes

Sophie

Miss S Costain, Ecosystem Policy Officer Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John's, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel +44 (0)1624 685963 Fax +44 (0)1624 685851 Email [email protected] Website: www.gov.im/defa DEFA - working for a clean, safe, healthy, attractive and vibrant environment which will be enjoyed by present and future generations alike.

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