Ecological Mitigation

Comments have been raised regarding the twice annual cutting of the grassland and nettle cutting as part of the ecological mitigation put forward.

Additional comments have been provided from the applicant justifying this approach which sets out the following :

The twice yearly cut and removal is to reduce the nutrients in the ground. If we was not removing the arisings I would completely agree with the once yearly cut in November and this is what happens currently in large areas of the park. Just cutting and removing in November will not reduce the nutrients and will leave us with rank grassland with ruderal weeds. The aim is to create a species rich grassland.  

There is no intention to remove the vast swathes of nettles that currently exist in the park as this is an important habitat. The intention is only to cut nettles if they encroach onto the new areas. This is to promote a species rich grassland.

It is considered by officer’s that the approach set out in in the ecological mitigation strategy is primarily acceptable, and forms a basis to details which would be required to be expanded upon in Conditions 16 and 17 as set out in the Committee Report. 

It is therefore recommended that Condition 16 remains unchanged.

Recommendation remains unchanged subject to the changes set out in the earlier urgent update.