|
Maintaining and caring for our environment has been uppermost in the design and detail of the Westbury bypass and a range of measures have been put in place to mitigate the effects of the road construction. These range from low level lighting to prevent interference with bat flight paths, to badger tunnels.
Environmental consultants carried out detailed ecological assessments of the area and an Environmental Statement was prepared to accompany the planning application. This considers the environmental aspects that are likely to be significantly affected by the scheme. The assessment was made in consultation with a variety of organisations including the Environment Agency, English Nature, English Heritage and the Countryside Agency.
Many varied species have been identified and extensive measures have been put in place to mitigate loss of habitat and impact both long-term and during the construction phase. These include;
- Terrestrial Invertebrates
 At Blenches Mill Farm and Bratton Road there are important invertebrate populations associated with old trees that would be removed. Mitigation comprises relocation of the trunks of the felled trees in an upright position allowing invertebrates to complete their life cycles and, upon emerging as adults, to find a suitable habitat close by for future generations.
 Common lizards and grass snakes have been recorded at Wellhead Springs. Reptile fencing would be used at the northern section of the route to prevent slow worms entering the construction area, and a clearance search for reptiles would be undertaken prior to starting work. New grassed road verges on south facing banks of cuttings would provide good quality habitat for reptiles.
 The pond at Madbrook Farm contains great crested newts which would remain undisturbed and would not receive any run-off water from the by-pass. Before construction commenced one-way protective amphibian fencing would be erected between the pond and the road. Pre-works clearance would be required to remove any amphibians within the working areas and relocate them to the 'safe' side of the protective amphibian fence.
 There is evidence of barn owls in the area within the last three years. The potential for low level flight across the new road would be reduced by planting either continuous high hedgerows or very closely spaced trees along stretches that have been identified as potential barn owl foraging areas.
 Evidence of water voles has been found near the proposed road in several areas. Prior to construction, water vole habitat that would be directly affected would be cleared of any resident water voles through a regime of vegetation strimming and displacement of the animals. Where habitat is lost, at the point where the road crosses, this would be offset by enhancing the habitat of surrounding water features and by creating new habitat.
 Planting of new hedgerows along the road is incorporated into the design scheme in order to increase the overall-feeding habitat for bats in this area, as well as offering other routes for the bats to commute safely.
In order to avoid the main breeding season for bats (May-August), when bat commuting and foraging activity is at its peak, clearance of tree-lines/hedges/small areas of woodland would occur outside these months. The linear feature along Bridleway 36 would be maintained through the construction of a "green bridge" at Chalford.
At the point where the road severs the hedgerow/tree line on Bridleway 37, an underpass for bats would be constructed under the proposed road. A small ride would be created within the hedge/wood-line to provide bats with a sheltered commuting route to the underpass. In addition a bat gantry will be installed over the road to give bats a feature to echo locate and safely cross the road at a height above the passing traffic. These gantries wold be of a similar size to telegraph poles and designed to blend in with mature trees either existing or planted on the scheme.
A similar crossing will also be constructed along the line of the hedgerow by the derelict Bere's Mere Farm.
 There is evidence of badger activity in the area. The design of the scheme has been modified to ensure retention of a main badger sett in situ, albeit with some disturbance during the construction period.
The scheme includes features such as continuous badger-proof fencing along both side of the entire route, and the construction of five badger tunnels. This is In addition to eight crossings provided by under/overpasses for existing footpaths, bridleways, byways, or crossings provided for other species.
|
