To Directorate of Development and Transport,
2nd Floor,
Danum House,
St Sepulchre Gate,
Doncaster.
DN1 1UB

From 39, Marlborough Rd.,
Doncaster,
DN2 5DF

31 January 2003

Your Ref.:02/31/5020/P/OTL

Dear Mr. Stevenson,

Outline Application for Residential Development including Means of Access by way of Link road on approx. 19.9 hectares of Land.

I trust that it is not too late to submit the following observations on behalf of the Doncaster Naturalists’ Society. I had hoped to make arrangements to discuss this application with you earlier this week but understand you have been off sick. I hope you are now fully recovered.

This is yet another example of urban development on a greenfield site such as those at Red House, Armthorpe Westmore Drain and the two business parks at Thorne.

The application states that the development is on the site of the now demolished Carr Lodge Farm but the area outlined in red on the accompanying map appears to be to the west, as is the grid ref. on the application. (Incidentally, was a bat survey carried out at Carr Lodge Farm prior to demolition?)

There are several Sites of Special Interest (SSI’s) in the area not all of which are marked on the map, e.g. part of Huxter Well Plantation 2.23 and St. Catherine’s railway delves and cuttings 2.24. The drains and ponds alongside the disused railway embankment are among several potential water vole and great-crested newt habitats within the area covered by the site map and are known to contain the locally significant plant Tussock Sedge. All these sites should be surveyed before any decision is made which may affect these species.
The Division Drain to the North of the site features on maps from 1616 onwards and is therefore one of the oldest topographical features on the Doncaster Carrs. There are species rich hedgerows along parts of the drain which are probably candidates for protection under current legislation as are other examples within the outline plan.

The area to the north ear marked for open space and SSI are recent arable fields whereas the enclosed pasture to the south are potentially for more interesting as areas of natural history interest. Maybe re-location of turves from the pastures could be considered following expert advice as to the feasibility of such a scheme.

There may well be limestone gateposts present in the area which we would like to see preserved or removed to be used elsewhere.

We note that a tree survey is required to accompany the application and would suggest that there should also be a bat survey at an appropriate time of year as Noctule Bats are recorded from the area and are known to roost in old trees.

We would ask that the developers are made aware of the importance of the hedgerows in the area and informed of the obligation to apply for licences/permission for removal.

We trust these comments will be taken into consideration when decisions are made which will affect the future of this site which is an example of the dwindling remains of the Carrs, an important part of Doncaster’s history and heritage.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs. P. A. Seccombe – Society President.