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Costain, Sophie (DEFA) 20 October 2020 16:52 DEFA, Planning PA 20/1072/A - Erection of a detached dwelling, Land to rear of Olinda, Laxey
Good Afternoon
The Ecosystem Policy Team have many records of Dark Bush Crickets in the area surrounding where the new detached dwelling is to be built. Though there are no records directly on site this may be because the area has not previously been surveyed.
Dark Bush Crickets are a protected species listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1990. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild animal listed in Schedule 5, or damage or destroy any structure or place which they use for shelter or protection.
Dark Bush Crickets are associated with scrub and hedges and females lay their eggs in late summer within rotting wood, dead branches or bark crevices.
Though there are no plans at the moment showing where the property is to be located, there is potential for habitat that is being used by Dark Bush Crickets to be destroyed during the work, additionally the works could directly result in the reckless killing of this Schedule 5 species, both of which would be an offence.
If approval in principle is given, in order to comply with the Wildlife Act 1990, Environment Policies 4 & 5 and Strategic Policy 4 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, the Ecosystem Policy Team request that a Preliminary Assessment for Dark Bush Crickets is undertaken on the land by a suitably qualified ecologist and a report created which details the findings and recommendations for further survey. If found suitable then a Dark Bush Cricket survey should also be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist and a report detailing the findings, including a mitigation plan for their protection during and after the development, and includes reasonable avoidance measures, should be submitted to the Planning Directorate at the detailed planning application stage. The development should then be undertaken in accordance with the agreed mitigation plan.
The presence of Dark Bush Crickets will not stop the development from taking place but measures will need to be taken to ensure that the crickets are protected during and after the works and mitigation for the loss of any habitat is provided.
Best wishes
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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