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Manx Roots Limited, 78 Greenlands Ave, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 2PH T: 07624 259720 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

August 2023

Additional Tree Removal Details for Approved development 22/00549/B

Site Address: Former Holiday Centre, Victoria Road, Douglas Client Name: Excel Group Ltd Document Ref: TRD-120723_revA Consultant: Andrew Igoea BSc (Hons), MArborA Report Date: 08/08/23 Document Checked by: Ben Brooker L4DipArb, TechArborA Signed on behalf of Manx Roots Ltd.

Ben Brooker, Managing Director

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Summary The following document provides additional details of tree removal within partially retained/removed tree groups on a development site situated between Victoria Road and Switzerland Road, Douglas. Trees that need to be removed to facilitate the approved development (22/00549/B) were identified on the ground using either marking tape or paint. The marking has been documented through a series of annotated photographs which were captured on the ground and from a drone. Details of measures to be taken to mitigate the risk to nesting birds and bats during the required arboricultural works are also provided.

Contents

Instruction and Scope 3 2. Methodology 4 3. Tree Removal Details: G1 6 4. Tree Removal Details: G2 7 5. Tree Removal Details: G3 9 6. Tree Removal Details: G5 14 7. Tree Removal Details: G6 17

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Instruction and Scope 1.1. In 2022 Manx Roots Limited carried out an arboricultural impact assessment (AIA) to accompany a planning application at the Former Holiday Centre, Victoria Road, Douglas. The trees on the site were surveyed in accordance with the recommendations of Section 4 of BS5837:2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - recommendations). Trees growing as groups or woodland were identified and assessed as such where this was determined to be appropriate. Due to nature of the site, a large number of tree groups were recorded. 1.2. As part of the AIA, tree removal drawings were produced which showed the partial removal of five recorded tree groups: G1, G2, G3, G5 and G6. 1.3. Prior to determination of the planning application (22/00549/B), DEFA’s Arboricultural Officer, Charles Harrison, commented that if the application were approved further details should be submitted prior to commencement of the extent of tree removal within the affected groups. A condition (condition 7) was applied to the approval notice which reads as follows: Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved full details of the tree removal proposed within the groups G1, G2, G3, G5 and G6 marked on the tree impact plans (TRN-240322 and TRS-240322) must be submitted to and agreed in writing with the Planning Authority... 1.4. Manx Roots were instructed by the Excel Group to provide further details of proposed tree removal to discharge this planning condition. 1.5. Tree felling and arboricultural operations have the potential to impact local wildlife. As well as being directly relevant to condition 7 of the approval notice, this document may also contribute to discharging condition 12 (parts 1 and 2), which aims to protect local wildlife: Prior to the commencement (excluding site clearance) of the development hereby approved a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for written approval. The CEMP will need to contain details of the roles, responsibilities, training, procedures and monitoring on-site which will ensure that the environment is protected during all phases of the development and all environmental legislation and policy is adhered to. The CEMP will need to incorporate the following avoidance and mitigation measures and the works must be undertaken in strict accordance with these measures:

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(1) A precautionary working method statement which demonstrates how construction and site operations will avoid and mitigate detrimental impacts on birds - timescales for vegetation removal and suitable checks by an ecologist. (2) A precautionary working method statement which demonstrates how construction and site operations will avoid and mitigate detrimental impacts on bats - pre-felling inspections of trees with potential roost features by a suitable qualified ecological consultant and responsible tree removal methodologies, use of bat sensitive construction lighting, storage plans for vehicles and equipment, action to be taken should bats be encountered during constructions works, measures to be taken should any additional trees be identified for removal, including pre-felling inspections by an ecologist and additional mitigation should potential roost features be found. 2. Methodology 2.1. The client marked out the position of buildings, retaining structures and sites access points using a combination of stakes driven into the ground and paint marks on the ground. 2.2. Trees that need to be removed to facilitate the development were identified on the ground using either marking tape or paint. 2.3. DEFA were invited to inspect the marked trees to ensure they were satisfied that this matched the information submitted prior to determination of the planning application, and that the identification of trees on the ground would be sufficient to enforce the provisions of the Tree Preservation Act 1993. 2.4. Once DEFA had confirmed their approval of the proposed tree removal, photos were taken to document the markings. 3. Ecological Considerations 3.1. Tree removal will be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season (April - August) wherever possible. If tree removal is necessary within the nesting season a visual inspection of the trees to be removed will be undertaken by an arboricultural/ecological specialist to ensure that there are no nesting birds. 3.2. The bird nesting survey will be undertaken within 2 hours of sunrise/sunset and only when the weather is fine and settled. Binoculars will be used for observing birds from a distance. 3.3. A bat activity and winter hibernation assessment was undertaken by Manx Wildlife Trust Consultancy Services in July 2022. This report noted only one tree with a potential (low probability) roost feature. It is best practice, however, to undertake pre-commencement checks for bats, prior to undertaking any tree felling or arboricultural works. The following

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measures will therefore be taken to mitigate the risk to bats and bat roosts: 3.3.1. Tree removal will be undertaken in September to Early November period to avoid the main periods for breeding and hibernation. 3.3.2. All trees due for removal (including any additional trees that were not included in original removal plan) will receive a pre-felling assessment for risk to roosting bats and physical inspection of Potential Roost Features (PRFs) for bats or secondary evidence (e.g. droppings/urine staining) that suggest bats may be present. The initial assessment will be done from ground level but will also utilise a camera endoscope, ladders and mechanical hoist (as necessary). Trees will be categorized as low, medium and high risk to bats with emphasis on control measures for high and medium concern trees. 3.3.3. Pre-felling assessments will be undertaken by a suitably experienced ecologist no more than 5 days prior to felling to reduce the likelihood of bats moving into a tree niche after the check was completed. 3.3.4. Prior to felling, bat boxes will be erected in existing woodland adjacent to the site to provide suitable niches in which to translocate any bats encountered. 3.3.5. Where bats/bat roosts are known to be present, felling should be avoided wherever possible. If this is not reasonably practical, the roost feature in its entirety should be removed and affixed to a nearby tree. If this would more likely result in injury or mortality, bats will need to be translocated by a suitably licensed bat worker into nearby boxes already erected. Boxes should be a 1x two crevice and 1x single hollow design (e.g. https://www.greenwoodsecohabitats.co.uk/shop; https://www.wildcare.co.uk/bat-box-45.html) 3.3.6. An ash tree with features identified in the original bat activity report (see Appendix VI excerpt from MWT Bat activity report) will require inspection with the mechanical aid (cherry picker or hoist) due to its height and fragile state. 3.3.7. Any features that have the potential to support roosting bats but cannot be safely inspected will require removal using soft removal techniques. This will involve rigging the section(s) containing a roost feature prior to removal and lowering these pieces slowly to the ground. The lowered section may then be able to be inspected to physically rescue bats or left for 48 hours to enable any bats present to exit and relocate. 3.3.8. If a bat or anything suspected to be a bat is found during works, arboricultural operations will be suspended, and advice sought from a licensed bat worker.

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Tree Removal Details: G1

Figure 1. Extract from tree removal drawing, TRN-240322, showing the anticipated tree removal required to facilitate the approved development within G1.

Plate 1. Photo showing the portion of G1 to be removed (1 sycamore)

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Tree Removal Details: G2

Figure 2. Extract from tree removal drawing, TRS-240322, showing the anticipated tree removal required to facilitate the approved development within G2.

Plate 2. Photo showing the portion of G2 to be removed (shaded and outlined purple)

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Plate 3. Photo showing the portion of G2 to be removed (shaded purple)

Plate 4. Drone photo showing the portion of G2 to be removed (outlined purple)

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Tree Removal Details: G3

Figure 3. Extract from tree removal drawing, TRS-240322, showing the anticipated tree removal required to facilitate the approved development within G3.

Plate 5. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

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Plate 6. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

Plate 7. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

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Plate 8. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

Plate 9. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

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Plate 10. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

Plate 11. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

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Plate 12. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

Plate 13. Drone photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (outlined purple)

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Tree Removal Details: G5

Figure 4. Extract from tree removal drawing, TRS-240322, showing the anticipated tree removal required to facilitate the approved development within G5

Plate 14. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

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Plate 15. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

Plate 16. Photo showing the portion of G3 to be removed (purple side of the line)

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Plate 17. Drone photo showing the portion of G5 to be removed (outlined purple)

Plate 18. Drone photo showing the portion of G5 to be removed (outlined purple)

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Tree Removal Details: G6

Plate 19. Extract from tree removal drawing, TRN-240322, showing the anticipated tree removal required to facilitate the approved development within G6.

Plate 20. Photo showing the portion of G2 to be removed (shaded purple)