Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd appealed against the decision of Tendring District Council to refuse outline planning permission for 145 dwellings. CSA provided ecological, landscape and urban design evidence in support of the appeal. In respect of the ecological evidence the inspector noted “I am satisfied that appropriate mitigation measures could be undertaken, secured by condition, to ensure there is no negative effect on nature conservation interests, or any protected species present within the site”.
The proximity of the Colne Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the Essex Estuaries SAC were also highlighted due to concerns raised about the susceptibility of such sites to increased recreational pressure. Further to a detailed desk-based assessment prepared by CSA and consultations with Natural England, the statutory authority advised that the development was not considered to have a significant effect on the European Sites. The Inspector accepted this advice, noting the appropriately designed green infrastructure that was designed into the development by CSA’s master planning, landscape and ecology teams.