From: Abigail Bailey <Abigail.Bailey@tameside.gov.uk>

Sent: 30 September 2025 14:23

To: Development Management

Subject: GMEU Response Planning Application: 25/00277/FUL

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Dear Sam,

Thank you for consulting GMEU on this application at land to the rear of 7-15 Lodge Street, for partial demolition of existing building followed by formation of hardstanding to create yard. The ecology document that I have referred to in these comments is:

Bat Survey Report (PRA), May 2025 (Angela Graham Bat Consultancy Service)

Based on this document, and the other plans submitted in relation to this application, I have the following comments:

Bats

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)

The building was assessed to have ‘negligible’ roosting potential although bats may use the building opportunistically. No further surveys are required, however as bats are highly mobile creatures, we would advise that the following informative be attached to any permission, should it be granted:

Whilst the works to the existing building has been assessed as very low risk for bats, the applicant is reminded that under the Habitat Regulation it is an offence to disturb, harm or kill bats. If a bat is found all work should cease immediately and a suitably licensed bat worker employed to assess how best to safeguard the bat(s). Natural England should also be informed.

The PRA (Section 8) includes recommendations including that any new external lighting should be in line with best practice guidelines for nocturnal animals, which should be secured via a condition.

Nesting Birds

No nesting bird surveys were undertaken; however, the building could support nesting birds. Work that will impact on habitats where nesting birds may be present (for example demolition works), should not be undertaken in the main bird nesting season (March – August) unless suitable checks for active bird nests have been undertaken. We would suggest that a condition to this effect be placed on any permission.

Planning policy encourages enhancements and net gains for biodiversity to be delivered through the planning system. Wherever possible, measures to enhance the site for biodiversity should be secured as part of this planning application and could include integration of at least one bird box onto the buttress walls, which should be secured via condition, to provide biodiversity enhancements.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

The application is likely exempt from a BNG assessment under the de minimis rule (less than 25m² of habitat to be removed). Rochdale Council must be satisfied that this is accurate.

To Summarise:

Any new external lighting must be designed in line with best practice guidelines (e.g. https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/buildings-planning-and-development/lighting) to avoid impacts on nocturnal animals such as bats which can be secured via a condition;
Demolition works to the buildings should not be undertaken in the main bird nesting season (March – August) unless suitable checks for active bird nests have been undertaken; and

A compensatory nest box scheme for at least one bird box should be secured via a condition.

Kind regards,

Abbey

Abbey Bailey

Assistant Ecologist

Greater Manchester Ecology Unit

Tameside MBC, Dukinfield Town Hall

King Street, Dukinfield,

Tameside SK16 4LA

Tel: +44 161 342 3447

Please note, my working days are typically Tuesday-Thursday.

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