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From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) To: DEFA, Planning Cc: [email protected] Subject: PA 21/01319/B – Erection of a first floor extension, 48 Governors Hill Date: 23 November 2021 15:49:05 Attachments: image001.png Good afternoon

RE: PA 21/01319/B – Erection of a first floor extension, 48 Governors Hill

The Ecosystem Policy Team are aware that multiple starling nest sites are located throughout the properties in this area. Starlings are a Wildlife Act 1990 Schedule 1 species.

There is potential for starlings and their nest sites to be damaged, destroyed or blocked by the works to create the 2nd storey extension, or for starlings to be disturbed whilst nesting, all of which would be an offence under the Wildlife Act 1990.

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. The maximum penalty that can be imposed - in respect of a single bird, nest or egg – is a fine up to 10,000 pounds. The bird nesting season is usually between late February and late August or late September in the case of swifts, swallows or house martins.

The applicant is advised that thorough checks for nesting birds must be undertaken before works start and regularly throughout the works. If starlings or other nesting birds (potentially house sparrows) are present then the works must stop and advice be sought from the Ecosystem Policy Team.

The presence of nesting birds won’t stop the extension from being build but provision must be made for their ongoing protection.

The applicant may also wish to considering installing starling nest bricks in the new extension, or nest boxes on the extension once built, in order to continue to provide starlings with nesting opportunities in this area.

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.

Our Island, Our Environment, Our Future.