In 2014 Taylor Wimpey South East submitted a hybrid application for the redevelopment of land at Shorncliffe Garrison, Folkestone, which was subsequently approved. Plans included the construction of up to 1,200 homes, a new primary school and nursery, and new sports facilities and we have remained closely involved as this development has progressed over the last 10+ years.
Since preparing detailed ecological, arboricultural and landscape inputs for the original application, CSA have since provided further support in discharging planning conditions, and providing update surveys and reports for a series of Reserved Matters applications.
Our landscape architects have completed the detailed landscape designs for several phases of development, working closely with the rest of the design team. Whist our ecologists have provided ongoing support through Reserved Matters planning stages undertaking update surveys where needed; and coordinating the implementation of ecological mitigation and enhancement works. This has included completion of several reptile translocations to agreed receptor areas, with monitoring of these populations on going to inform future management. A detailed site-wide Bat Mitigation Strategy was agreed; which has been rolled out in phases under numerous European Protected Species (EPS) licences secured by CSA from Natural England. This has required a joined-up approach to the design and phasing of bat mitigation; led by our team of licenced bat ecologist who have extensive knowledge of the planning and licencing system. Mitigation works have included the careful demolition of buildings containing bat roosts and provision of alternative roosting sites, including a new bat loft which has been carefully designed and constructed in the playing fields, to provide replacement roosting opportunities for a maternity roost of brown long-eared bats; monitoring of this building is ongoing.
Our team has also led the process of designing and agreeing management proposals for a substantial area of new public open space known as the Backdoor Training Area. This is an area with significant wildlife and archaeological interest and enormous potential. In the summer of 2023, our ecologists had help from the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and volunteers from the Napier Barracks, currently housing asylum seekers, to install bat and bird boxes on trees throughout the woodland.