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1 Spencer, Daniel From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Sent: 12 June 2024 15:34 To: DEFA, Planning Conditions; Spencer, Daniel Subject: Discharge of condition No 6 of P.A. No- 23/00885/B Good afternoon

The Ecosystem Policy Team can confirm that the Ecology Vannin’s Ecological Mitigation Plan is all in order and that a suitable level of assessment has been undertaken.

In order to ensure no net loss for biodiversity on site and for compliance with Condition 6 of PA 23/00885/B, the following must be incorporated measures must be incorporated on site: · Erection of at least 2 multi-hole boxes/bricks in the locations identified in Appendix I of Ecology Vannin’s Ecological Mitigation Plan. · Hedge and tree planting must be undertaken with native species (we can confirm that the agreed landscaping plan (PA 24/10010/AIR) already incorporates this mitigation measure). · Lawn creation must be undertaken with high species diversity lawn mix instead of standard lawn mix (this measure is not incorporated into the agreed landscaping plan). · At least one log pile or stone pile must be created to compensate for loss of frog habitat (this measure is not incorporated into the agreed landscaping plan. We recommend that this is incorporated in the north west of the site and a sign erected to alert future owners of its presence and purpose). · The on-site scrub gorse, bramble and willow scrub must not be removed in nesting bird season (March - August inclusive) unless first checked by an ecologist. No clearance may take place if nesting birds are present. · The following Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) for frogs (and lizards) must be implemented in the defined working area: o Vegetation clearance should be undertaken during the lowest risk period (November to January). This should be undertaken in a one-way direction to enable any frogs that may be active to move out of the way into adjacent habitat ahead of machinery. o If clearance is required outside of this period: Vegetation should be cut slowly in one direction, no shorter than 10cm, to allow any lizards or frogs to relocate to adjacent habitat. The direction of cut will depend on which area is being cut. Cutting should start at the existing levelled footprint area and move towards the boundary of the field. o Vegetation should then be left for 24-48 hours, to allow frogs and lizards to relocate, before removal of the remaining grass sward. o It should be completed on warm sunny days 120C+ ambient temperature. o If there is any significant delay (greater than 2 weeks) that enables the sward to become attractive to use by lizards and frogs the vegetation height will need to be managed by regular use of the above methods. o If at any time during site works anything suspected to be a frog or lizard (including juveniles, frogspawn, or tadpoles) is encountered the operations must temporarily cease and advice sought from the project ecologist. This may require the establishment of a herptile-proof barrier to prevent frogs and lizards returning into the work area. o Construction materials should be stored on existing levelled areas / areas of hardstanding, rather than on remaining grassland areas. If this is not possible, materials must be kept off the ground in a compact, defined area to minimise disturbance and avoid protected species using them for shelter. o Any external lighting designed in accordance with best practice for bats as detailed in the Bat Conservation Trust and Institute of Lighting Professionals Guidance Note 8/23 on Bats and Artificial Lighting (2023)

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2 · To avoid further spread, Schedule 8 Montbretia (located in the area marked in Appendix II of Ecology Vannin’s Ecological Mitigation Plan) should be identified and eradicated through excavation and incineration. Care must be taken to remove all parts of the plant, including the root bulbs, by excavating to approximately 0.5m. These species must be incinerated, ideally on site. Alternatively they could be wrapped in geotextile and buried under areas due to be covered with concrete.

Can confirmation be obtained from the applicants that a high species diversity law mix will be used, and that a log/stone pile will be created.

Best wishes

Sophie

Miss S Costain, Ecosystem Policy Officer Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St Johns, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel +44 (0)1624 685963 Mob +44 (0)7624 431301 Fax +44 (0)1624 685851 Email [email protected] or [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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Working Together for a Sustainable Future Gobbragh Cooidjagh Son Traa Ry-Heet Shassooagh