No statutory or non-statutory designated sites are located within or immediately adjacent to the site.

Most of the site is located within Flood Zone 1. There are areas of Flood Zone 2, and 3 associated with the River Weaver along the western boundary of the site. No development is proposed within Flood Zone 2 or 3. No development is also proposed within any area with a medium or high chance of surface water flooding in future. Surface water will be managed post-development through the implementation of a sustainable drainage system, and any residual flood risk will be mitigated post-development to ensure no increased flood risk to others post-development (in accordance with local and national policy).

Surveys are being undertaken to determine the value of habitats on site to ensure that habitats of higher value are retained. As part of the Biodiversity Net Gain Requirement where 10% gain in habitat units cannot be achieve on site (either through creation or enhancement of habitats) off site enhancements will be undertaken.

Ecologists are undertaking surveys to determine the presence and absence of protected species within the application site to ensure that where populations are recorded impacts can be reduced through avoidance, mitigation, and compensatory habitat creation post construction.

Where possible all boundary and intersecting hedgerows will be retained and protected during construction. Loss of hedgerows and trees will be compensated within the landscaping scheme.

Trees will be retained where possible, all have been surveyed to determine their longevity, and trees proposed for felling will be subjected to further Bat Roost surveys.

The design of the Country Park will be informed by the ecological and topographic constraints as well as gaining inspiration from the local landscape character and intended use of the open space. Plant selection will reflect species found in the local area as well as responding to future climate challenges.  

The landscape within the main housing area will be a mixture of street trees, natural planting with urban drainage and front gardens with hedges and/or ornamental planting. Street trees provide vertical and structural interest alongside the houses as well as providing shade and creating a green infrastructure across the development linking the development with the wider environment.

A landscape buffer comprising trees and under storey planting is proposed to the north-east boundary, adjacent to the Shropshire Union Canal – this is intended to provide a vegetative screen between the public footpath/towpath, which will soften and filter the views of roof tops. This buffer is intended to mirror the riparian planting that is found alongside the canal and re-establishes a defined boundary to the canal and development.

If planning is granted, a condition is likely to be applied to the planning permission requiring construction work to take place within specified hours and days of the week to ensure the amenities of neighbouring residents aren’t adversely affected.  

Site-specific mitigation measures will be identified following the outcome of the Construction Phase Air Quality Assessment, in line with the Institute of Air Quality Management ‘Guidance on the Assessment of Dust from Demolition and Construction V2.2’document. Assuming the relevant mitigation measures are implemented, the residual impacts from all dust generating activities is predicted to be not significant on human health or dust soiling from an Air Quality perspective.