2026-01-24 15:02:52 +0000
To: All residents who care about their local wildlife and habitats.
SAVE the Sandy Lane Oaks, Preston!!
We are a small but dedicated group of local residents who are concerned about ecological damage potentially caused by further housing development east of Sandy Lane, West of Tabley Lane (across from the new Tesco).
The Plans involve the removal of several mature English Oak Trees, at least two of which are veteran age, within the site and on the boundary of Sandy Lane. These old trees contain vital habitats for hundreds of species and are noted as potential bat roosting sites. (A roost was noted in one tree which is to remain in situ). This follows felling of similar Oaks in the area for housing/new roads.
852 metres of mature hedgegrow is proposed for removal. This is 'Habitat of Primary Importance' and is species-rich with birds all year round.
We are sending a letter to Bloor Homes/Taylor Wimpey Homes urging them to:
a) REVISE their layout in order to avoid the proposed removal of mature and veteran Oak Trees;
b) Significantly REDUCE the amount of hedgegrow to be removed and
c) UPDATE Ecological Surveys for full assessments of Priority Species e.g. bats, birds (e.g. curlew, lapwing, song thrush), great crested newts, hedgehogs and brown hares.
These measures will aid Bloor Homes, Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd, together with Preston City Council in achieving compliance with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006.
The Plans involve the removal of several mature English Oak Trees, at least two of which are veteran age, within the site and on the boundary of Sandy Lane. These old trees contain vital habitats for hundreds of species and are noted as potential bat roosting sites. (A roost was noted in one tree which is to remain in situ). This follows felling of similar Oaks in the area for housing/new roads.
852 metres of mature hedgegrow is proposed for removal. This is 'Habitat of Primary Importance' and is species-rich with birds all year round.
We are sending a letter to Bloor Homes/Taylor Wimpey Homes urging them to:
a) REVISE their layout in order to avoid the proposed removal of mature and veteran Oak Trees;
b) Significantly REDUCE the amount of hedgegrow to be removed and
c) UPDATE Ecological Surveys for full assessments of Priority Species e.g. bats, birds (e.g. curlew, lapwing, song thrush), great crested newts, hedgehogs and brown hares.
These measures will aid Bloor Homes, Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd, together with Preston City Council in achieving compliance with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006.
Why is this important?
The semi-rural area of Higher Bartle in Preston has seen significant housing development in close proximity over the past several years with dozens of parcels of land removed for housing and associated infrastructure.
Much of the development locally has taken place simultaneously resulting in restricted movement for remaining wildlife with
noise, disturbance and a resulting loss of habitat. The cumulative impact of significant concurrent development on our local wildlife does not appear to have been considered... And we now appear to be paying the price.
This particular piece of arable land has now become surrounded by new housing, however, (or because of this) it contains an abundance and wide variety of wildlife due to it's established features and ability to offer respite.
NB. The Application with it's reserved matters was approved January 2024 (pre Biodiversity Net Gain requirements). Works are imminent.
Please kindly add your name in order to offer your support of our letter.
Thankyou 🌳🙏🌳
Much of the development locally has taken place simultaneously resulting in restricted movement for remaining wildlife with
noise, disturbance and a resulting loss of habitat. The cumulative impact of significant concurrent development on our local wildlife does not appear to have been considered... And we now appear to be paying the price.
This particular piece of arable land has now become surrounded by new housing, however, (or because of this) it contains an abundance and wide variety of wildlife due to it's established features and ability to offer respite.
NB. The Application with it's reserved matters was approved January 2024 (pre Biodiversity Net Gain requirements). Works are imminent.
Please kindly add your name in order to offer your support of our letter.
Thankyou 🌳🙏🌳
