PLANNING COMMENT FOR APPLICATION REF:  5/2025/0328

Graham Knight

12 Gilders
Sawbridgeworth
Hertfordshire
CM21 0EF

Object to Proposal

I object to the approval of the reserved matters as they contain no proposals for biodiversity enhancements. Developments of this size are routinely required to have integrated bird and bat boxes, and it is therefore a surprise that none have been proposed for this site.

Comments were made in relation to Swift bricks on the outline application but these were not required when permission was granted. 

Since then, the 2024 NPPF has been published and is specific in relation to provision for Swifts on new developments:

"187. Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: d) minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures and incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs"

The draft St Albans Local Plan will also require a Swift brick per dwelling when it is adopted.

Please consider the imposing the following condition to secure Swift bricks:

"No development shall take place until written details are approved by the LPA of the model and location of 9 integrated Swift bricks, such bricks to be fully installed 
prior to occupation and retained thereafter", in accordance with the NPPF