Newt homes needed at Ironbridge Power Station
Ecologists say want more information on new ponds for great crested newts on the Ironbridge Power Station site or they will object to the development proposals.
Harworth Group wants to build hundreds of homes on the site of the former power station, after buying the land earlier this year.
As part of its preparation for construction on the site the company said it will provide 20 ponds to protect and mitigate for the potential damage to the colony of great crested newts.
However, a report from Dr Sue Swales, Shropshire Council's natural environment team leader, says justification will be needed for why a great crested newt mitigation licence has not been recommended for the work.
A mitigation licence is needed if construction work would have an impact on the newts that would otherwise be illegal – such as damaging or destroying their breeding or resting places, even accidentally.
Dr Swales said: "The nearest record of newts is just over 200m to the east.
"There is a possibility that small numbers of great crested newts may commute along the hedges linked to the proposed mitigation area.
"Following landscaping of the mitigation area there will be greatly enhanced habitat for the newts.
"However, a method statement will be required for the construction phase and justification as to why a mitigation licence has not been recommended. This should be provided prior to the decision being made.
"How much, if any newt habitat will need to be removed for access to construct the ponds?"
Badgers
Great crested newts are subject to strict legal protections and if one is discovered at any stage during construction then work must stop and experts must be brought in for advice on how to proceed.
Dr Swales has also requested more information about the presence of badgers at the site.
She said: "Badgers are protected in law and excavation machinery used in construction of ponds could disturb badger setts. This information is required before a planning decision is made."
