A planning application by Gleeson Developments Limited & Land Improvement Holding, has been made to build between Apedale Road and Palatine Drive in Chesterton. The proposed development, which covers an area the size of 20 football pitches, could impact protected and priority species including breeding willow tits, common toads, rare butterflies, and many more.

The site itself is an important connection between semi-natural habitats and natural greenspaces in the area, forming a critical link between designated local wildlife sites to the west, such as Watermills Wood ancient woodland, and similar semi-natural habitat to the north of Apedale Road. 

The current proposals would destroy much of the wildlife rich-habitats on the site, which have the potential to be designated as a Local Wildlife Site in their own right.

National planning guidance and the local plan state that developments should avoid significant harm to biodiversity, and seek environmental net gains.

Kate Dewey, Senior Planning Officer for SWT, said: “Staffordshire Wildlife Trust objects to the current proposals. If potential high value habitats, identified through survey or other data are to be impacted, it is essential to establish their status, before any planning decisions are made.”

“It may be possible for a lower level of development at this location to go ahead but this needs to be sustainable, with avoidance of harm and mitigation for wildlife central to the development. Instead of destroying habitat, developers must look for net gains for biodiversity. Local residents want housing that benefits nature.”

The community are encouraged to report wildlife sightings to The Staffordshire Ecological Record Centre here: http://www.staffs-ecology.org.uk/

Wildlife sightings are important information that allows the trust to identify key places for nature and how best to protect and improve local wildlife habitat.