Doncaster Council invests in new Habitat Bank scheme

Doncaster Council invests in new Habitat Bank scheme

Doncaster Council are working towards creating new wildlife habitats for the region through the Habitat Bank scheme.

The new conservation project is part of their focused effort to create a greener town for the local community.

The first Habitat Bank scheme will be near Rose Hill in Bessacarr.

The aim is to create or restore habitats to compensate for the impacts of development in the area.

The nature recovery project will protect Doncaster’s green assets and protect wildlife in a bid to counteract the effects of climate change.

New or improved grasslands, wetlands, scrubs and woodlands will be formed through the Habitat Bank schemes to support the region’s biodiversity.

Habitats have already been approved for Torne Valley in Tickhill as well as Sandall Beat Wood.

Mayor Ros Jones said: “The Rose Hill site has long since been identified as potentially appropriate for housing.

“It was first highlighted in the council’s Unitary Development Plan in 1998 and has since been retained as part of the recently adopted Doncaster Local Plan following a robust consultation and examination process by a Government appointed Planning Inspector.

“This does not mean to say that development is a foregone conclusion.

“Any future planning application for Rose Hill must adhere to both local planning policy and Government’s planning policy requirements.

“The council’s own Local Plan sets out environmental requirements that the development would need to adhere to.

“Local planning policy now requires a 10% net gain in biodiversity, which is something that any planning application on the Rose Hill site must deliver and something we take very seriously in considering any application.

“The Local Plan also stipulates that the Redhouse Plantation woodland to the north-eastern edge of the site will be protected with a buffer zone of planting and new public open space including children’s play space.

“Existing trees and hedgerows on the site boundary should be retained and enhanced through additional and appropriate planting, and the development layout informed by a Tree Survey.

“The railway corridor edge could also be enhanced with additional planting.

“Existing footpath routes, desire lines and connections should be incorporated into the layout of the development.

“There should be sufficient separation between the new and existing properties adjacent to the site.

“Creating a Habitat Bank scheme adjacent to Rose Hill will help improve the green space provision in the area and increase tree coverage, essential measures in our local response to climate change and biodiversity.”

The council has expressed their wishes to work with Miller Homes who was planning on purchasing the site.

The developer has reportedly handed out leaflets and placed consultation boards at the site to receive feedback for how to approach the development of a housing scheme.

(Photo: Gary Bendig)