Questions, Birds and Bats... - Sustain Wiltshire

Although frustration remains over the planning delay in relation to the Super-Midden and the pointless bureaucracy that we have encountered, we move forward positively.  

We have reached out to the elected councillors who seem keen to hold a meeting to resolve these issues. Although this has not occurred yet, our fingers remain crossed that the politicians will be able to get to grips with the bureaucrats to break the deadlock. 

Despite this ongoing delay we have not been idle. Our consultants have reviewed all 31 questions received from planning department at Wiltshire Council and are in the process of putting the finishing touches to the replies. 

We have also been busy addressing the few practical issues raised by the planners.  

As a result, we have now carried out a full ecological survey and have fenced off areas with nesting reed bed birds.  

We have also identified a possible bat roost in a derelict pigsty and are in the process of arranging a full Preliminary Roost Assessment study. If this confirms the presence of a bat roost, we will advance plans for the construction of a purpose-built roost structure which will be used to sensitively relocate the colony.  

As proud custodians of a large bat population, our wish is to help them flourish. 

In addition to this activity, we have also completed an archaeological desk study and will now begin trenching on 28^th July. These works will take about two weeks to complete. 

Following the completion of these activities we will have addressed all the practical/ tangible requirements raised by the planners. 

The next step will be the decision on how to progress. Hopefully, by then, we will have had engagement from the planners. 

Only time will tell. 

Until next time… 

Nick Ash