EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY OF SITE FOR NEW HOTEL AT SURF SNOWDONIA, DOLGARROG, CONWY APRIL 2018

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Magdalene Morgan
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Lane, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6ND Tel: 0161 465 8971

1 EXTENDED PHASE 1 HABITAT SURVEY OF SITE FOR NEW HOTEL AT SURF SNOWDONIA, DOLGARROG, CONWY APRIL 2018 Bowden Hall, Bowden Lane, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6ND Tel: mail@rachelhackingecology.co.uk

2 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 2 2. METHODOLOGY 3 3. RESULTS HABITATS 4 INVASIVE SPECIES 7 PROTECTED SPECIES 7 PROTECTED SITES ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES 16 PHASE 1 HABITAT MAPS New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rachel Hacking Ecology Limited was commissioned in 2018 by WCP Associates to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, of a parcel of land at Surf Snowdonia, Dolgarrog, Conwy.

3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rachel Hacking Ecology Limited was commissioned in 2018 by WCP Associates to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, of a parcel of land at Surf Snowdonia, Dolgarrog, Conwy. The site will be the subject of a planning application for the construction of a hotel. 1.2 The site is situated east of Conway Road in the village of Dolgarrog in Conwy, North Wales (O.S. grid reference: SH see Figure 1). The site of the proposed hotel is to the north of the surfing lagoon and currently comprises hardstanding, with camping pods and a small amenity building. The wider site is surrounded by farmland on the east and woodland on all other sides. 1.3 The aims of the survey were to: Describe and map the habitats present on the site Assess the potential for protected species to be present on the site or just outside the immediate site boundary Identify where further survey may be necessary. Figure 1 showing the location of the site within the northern red line boundary New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

4 2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.1 A Phase 1 Habitat survey was undertaken to JNCC standards (JNCC, 2010). The site was walked, and each habitat was assigned a Phase 1 habitat category. Species lists were taken at each habitat and the abundance of each species was noted. All botanical nomenclature follows Stace, A Phase 1 map was produced showing habitat boundaries. 2.2 During the Phase 1 survey, the habitats were assessed for their potential to support protected species. This included, looking for signs of Badger activity (e.g. setts, paths, latrines and hairs on fences), assessing any waterbodies on site or near the site for their potential to support Great Crested Newt and assessing the potential for any buildings or mature trees to be used by bats. 2.3 The site was also surveyed for invasive, non-native plant species such as Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed. 2.4 Kate Reed and Rosie Fisher (Ecologists) undertook the survey on 3 rd April The weather was bright with occasional showers. Both surveyors have over four years of experience of habitat and protected species surveys and are fully trained. April is an optimum time for botanical work and protected species assessments. The site was fully accessible and there were no constraints to the survey. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

3.0 RESULTS HABITATS 3.1 The Phase 1 Habitat Map can be found at the back of the report. The habitats present on site are described below. Bare Ground and Ephemeral Vegetation 3.

5 3.0 RESULTS HABITATS 3.1 The Phase 1 Habitat Map can be found at the back of the report. The habitats present on site are described below. Bare Ground and Ephemeral Vegetation 3.2 The proposed hotel site is almost entirely bare ground. This is a mixture of hardstanding, aggregate, decking and artificial grass (see Photograph 1). Ephemeral vegetation has begun to colonise areas, particularly on the site boundary (see Photograph 2). Ephemeral species include Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua, Common Mouseear Cerastium fontanum, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus, Broad-leaved Willowherb Epilobium montanum and Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis. Less common species present include Cock s-foot Dactylis glomerata, Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa and Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea. Photograph 1 showing the bare ground New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Dominant scrub species include Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii, and Bracken Pteridium aquilinum.

6 Photograph 2 showing the ephemeral vegetation Scattered Scrub and Trees 3.3 Scattered scrub occurs along part of the north-western boundary of the hotel site (see Photograph 3). Dominant scrub species include Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii, and Bracken Pteridium aquilinum. One semi-mature Willow Salix sp. is also present along this boundary (see Photograph 4). Photograph 3 showing the scattered scrub New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

Several metal containers occur on the site. A small onestorey, amenity building is also present on the hotel site.

7 Photograph 4 showing the tree Other Habitats 3.4 The boundary of the hotel site comprises a combination of wooden and wire fencing. Several metal containers occur on the site. A small onestorey, amenity building is also present on the hotel site. Other buildings include a wooden shed and 36 camping pods (see Photograph 5). These are wooden, one-roomed buildings with tiled roofs. Photograph 5 showing camping pods New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

8 INVASIVE SPECIES 3.5 No invasive, non-native species, listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), are present on either parcel of land. PROTECTED SPECIES Badger 3.6 Badgers Meles meles are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act This Act, for example, makes it illegal to disturb a Badger whilst it is in a sett, to kill, injure or take a badger and to obstruct the entrance to a Badger sett. 3.7 No evidence of Badger activity, such as latrines or hair, was found on either section of the site. No Badger setts were located on site or immediately adjacent to the site. No habitats suitable for Badger foraging are present. Bats 3.8 All bat species are European Protected Species under the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations This is implemented in the UK through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations Bats are also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC, 2006). It is illegal to disturb or damage a bat roost. 3.9 The metal containers provide no bat access and are unsuitable to be used as a bat roost due to their poor thermal qualities (see Photograph 6). The wooden shed has a flat roof and is in good condition with no access points for bats to use. Similarly, the amenity building is in good condition, with a flat roof and cladded walls that provide no access internally for bats. The camping pods are also in good condition, the tiles are flush, leaving no access for bats (see Photograph 7). No roof voids or suitable bat roosting cavities exist within the structures on site. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

No linear landscape features, such as hedgerows, occur on either part of the site. It is unlikely that bats forage over the bare ground. 3.

9 Photograph 6 showing the metal containers on the sites Photograph 7 showing roof of camping pod 3.10 The single semi-mature tree was inspected and found to support no potential bat roosting features. Bats use linear landscape features to commute and forage along. No linear landscape features, such as hedgerows, occur on either part of the site. It is unlikely that bats forage over the bare ground A Lesser Horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros roost exists within a bunker on the eastern edge of the proposed hotel site. This will not be directly affected by the proposals. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

10 Great Crested Newt 3.12 Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus is a European Protected Species (EPS). It is listed under Annex IV of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora. This is implemented in the UK through The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the species is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) No ponds exist within 250 metres of the site. The smaller activity lagoon and the surfing lagoon adjacent to the site were fully assessed for their suitability to support Great Crested Newt (GCN). The activity lagoon is man-made and approximately 900 metre 2, it is deep, steepsided and in frequent use for water sports. No aquatic vegetation is present, and fountains occur around the edges. It is concluded to have poor suitability for GCN. The surfing lagoon (see Photograph 8), has the same composition as the activity lagoon on site but is approximately 2.7 hectares in size and has a mechanism in the centre for creating waves. This is also concluded to have poor suitability for GCN. Photograph 8 showing the surfing lagoon 3.14 No suitable terrestrial habitat for GCN occurs on the site. Reptiles 3.15 Adder Vipera berus, Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara, Slow Worm Anguis fragilis and Grass Snake Natrix natrix are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), against intentional injuring and killing. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

11 3.16 Reptile surveys and mitigation have previously been undertaken at the Surf Snowdonia site. In 2012, Slow Worm, Grass Snake and Common Lizard were recorded (Tyler Grange). In 2013, a reptile translocation scheme was implemented, using reptile fencing. All reptiles encountered were translocated to the north-eastern block of woodland. Reptile fencing was erected to prevent reptiles from re-entering the main construction site. The reptile fencing can still be seen The proposed hotel site is adjacent to the reptile translocation area. However, the site itself does not support suitable reptile habitat. No vegetation exists that could offer cover. No hibernation sites exist. The bare ground is heavily disturbed and does not offer suitable cover, or foraging, for reptiles. Nesting Birds 3.18 All bird species are protected at their nest under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) The scrub and semi-mature tree provide suitable nesting habitat for birds. PROTECTED SITES 3.20 No statutory or non-statutory designated sites fall on, or immediately adjacent to, the development site. Six statutory designated sites lie within 2km of the site. These are: Morfa Uchaf, Dyffryn Conwy SSSI lies 150 metres north of the site, across an area of woodland. Coed Dolgarrog SSSI and National Nature Reserves (NNR) is a woodland that lies 200 metres west of the site, across Conway Road. Ceunant Dulyn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is woodland that lies 1.3km north, separated from the site by farmland and infrastructure. Plas Maenan SSSI is a woodland that lies 1.4km east, across farmland, the River Conwy and infrastructure. Eryri/ Snowdonia SSSI and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) lies 1.4km west of the site, separated from the site by woodland and pasture. Mwyngloddiau a Chreigiau Gwydyr SSSI is woodland that lies 2km south, separated from the site by infrastructure and woodland Three non-statutory designated sites lie within 2km of the site. These are: New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

12 Ceunant Porth Llywd Conwy Wildlife Site (CWS) which lies 250 metres to the north-west. Pont Dalgarrog Marsh CWS which lies 280 metres to the south-east. Coed Tal-y-Bont CWS which lies 500 metres to the north-west. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

13 4.0 ASSESSMENT HABITATS 4.1 The Phase 1 Habitats present on the site are common throughout the UK. No nationally rare or locally rare plant species were located during the extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey. 4.2 The site supports bare ground, and a small amount of vegetation. The camping pod land is considered to be of limited ecological value. Development Context 4.3 The proposed development mainly includes the loss of bare ground and a small amount of ephemeral vegetation. A small amount of scrub will be lost to the development. Given the habitats to be lost are of low ecological value, no specific habitat mitigation is required. PROTECTED SPECIES Badger 4.4 No evidence of Badger activity is present on site. Badger is not considered to be a constraint on development at this time. Bats 4.5 None of the buildings or structures on site provide internal access or cavities that could be used by roosting bats. No trees with bat roosting potential, or strong linear features for bat foraging were found on site. No further bat survey work, such as dusk and dawn surveys, is considered necessary and bats are not considered to be a constraint on development at this time. 4.6 A Lesser Horseshoe bat roost exists to the east of the proposed hotel site, within a bunker. This is a legally protected site. Whilst there will be no direct impact during the translocation of the camping pods and the construction of the hotel, it is recommended that a buffer zone be implemented along the eastern edge of the site and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) be produced, to prevent artificial lightspill on the bunker. It is understood that a hedgerow was planted during the original construction of the camping pods to prevent disturbance to the bunker. Great Crested Newt 4.7 The proposed development will not involve the loss of any GCN terrestrial habitat. Only bare ground, a small amount of unconnected scrub and ephemeral vegetation is to be lost which is unsuitable habitat for newt dispersal. The waterbodies adjacent to the site are both unsuitable breeding habitats for GCN due to the lack of vegetation and man-made construction. Previous GCN surveys have failed to record any GCN on site. Great Crested Newt is not considered to be a constraint on development at this time. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

14 Reptiles 4.8 A reptile translocation programme was implemented in 2013 and all reptiles translocated to the north-eastern block of woodland. The reptile fencing is still evident. Whilst it is possible that parts of the fencing have lost their integrity since 2013, the two parcels of land do not support suitable reptile habitat and are heavily disturbed. However, given that the proposed hotel site lies adjacent to the reptile translocation zone, Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) must be implemented during the removal of the camping pods and the construction of the hotel. Nesting Birds 4.9 The site supports suitable nesting habitats for birds within the scrub and semi-mature tree. Nesting birds can be mitigated for by allowing no works to potential nesting habitats to be carried out within the bird nesting season (which is generally March August) unless a nesting bird survey is undertaken first. PROTECTED SITES 4.10 No statutory or non-statutory protected sites exist on the site or immediately adjacent to the site. Six statutory protected sites occur within 2km of the site and three non-statutory protected sites exist within 2km. The protected sites are all separated from the proposed development site by adequate buffer zones and habitats, such as roads, rivers and railway lines. Because of this, it is not considered that there will be any detrimental impact on the protected sites from the development. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

15 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS Further Survey 5.1 Protected species are a material consideration when a planning authority is considering a planning application. The presence of protected species, the effect of the proposed development and suitable mitigation, if required, must be established before planning permission can be granted. Following the findings from the Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, the following may be required: Nesting Birds - If any work to the scrub or semi-mature tree needs to be carried out within the bird nesting season (generally March to August), a nesting bird survey will be required by experienced personnel immediately prior to work commencing. Protected Species 5.2 If any protected species is found during the works, then work must temporarily cease and a suitably experienced ecologist be contacted for advice. 5.3 For the proposed hotel site, it is recommended that a CEMP be implemented to protect the bat roost within the bunker from artificial lightspill and disturbance and a set of Reasonable Avoidance Measures be implemented to prevent any harm to reptiles. The RAMs are outlined below. Reasonable Avoidance Measures The following procedures will be strictly implemented during the clearance and construction period of the development: If possible, all work will be undertaken during the reptile hibernation period (the winter months). The work should be undertaken in as short a time span as possible. It is recommended that prior to commencement of work each day, a brief site walkover is undertaken by construction personnel to ensure no reptiles have entered the construction site overnight. It is anticipated that a toolbox talk will be given to construction personnel before the work commences so that all personnel are familiar with a GCN. If building products need to be stored on site (e.g. overnight or for a few days) these products will be stored on palettes or retained in bags on palettes or placed on existing hardstanding, to ensure that refuges are not created that will attract reptiles. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

16 All holes created during the construction period (e.g. to lay foundations) will be filled in and finished on the same day so as not to leave any pitfall traps. If this is unavoidable, then one of the following measures needs to be implemented: An escape route is provided overnight from the hole which can be in the form of a wooden plank OR The hole is completely covered by a heavy stone slab which is flush to the surrounding ground so no reptiles can access the hole. If a storage container is brought to site, this needs to be placed on existing hardstanding. Any spoil resulting from any excavations will be removed from the construction area on the same day and will be taken off site or placed on hardstanding. Habitat Enhancement 5.2 If a landscaping plan is produced for the red line boundary, it is recommended that the following measures are taken into account, to increase the biodiversity value of the site: Tree and shrub planting where practical, native tree species should be planted. Soft landscaping should include the provision of native and nonnative flowering perennial species, to provide a pollen and nectar source for invertebrates. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

17 6.0 REFERENCES JNCC. Phase 1 Habitat Survey a technique for environmental audit, JNCC, Updated Preston, C.D., Pearman, D. & Dines, T. (2002). New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. Oxford University Press. Stace, C. A. (2010). New Flora of the British Isles, 3 rd Edition. Cambridge University Press. New Hotel Site at Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey

18 PHASE 1 HABITAT MAPS

Appendix 8.D Water Vole and Otter Survey Report

Appendix 8.D Water Vole and Otter Survey Report Entec UK Limited Entec UK Limited Water Vole and Otter Survey Report June 2009 Final Client Job Name Report title File reference E.ON Renewables Ltd Water