Ecological Proposed Enhancement and Development Plan (phlorum, 2022)

The development on Pelham Street has a statutory requirement under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to deliver a project that offers a gain for biodiversity. The developers Geoffrey Osborne have chosen to meet these ecology requirements as part of an Ecological Design Strategy registered with Brighton & Hove City Council on 23 February 2022, as required to be outlined by Condition 39 of the original planning permission. Ecology simply refers to the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment.

In order to meet the statutory requirements of the developers, the Ecological Design Strategy addresses its ‘conservation objectives’ comprehensively throughout the project life cycle, from pre-demolition surveys to maintenance. Particular to note in the Strategy document is the special attention given to the potential of nesting birds and bats, species that would be affected during the demolition stage of the project. Demolition works were advised to take place between September and February to avoid conflict with the nesting season of gulls observed on site. A bat report was compiled in 2018 and although no evidence of roosting bats was found, it was also advised that operatives remain vigilant for the presence of bats during demolition.

The measures taken to improve the ecology of the site revolve mainly around landscaping. At the ground level trees, shrubs and climbers are to be planted along the boundaries of the site and at the edges of an inner courtyard included in the design. In the more open areas of the site grass will be planted with ‘scattered’ trees. At the upper storeys, communal space will have planters. A ‘green’ roof space is envisioned using flowering plants.

All in all, it is my opinion that the required statutory improvement to the ecology of the site will easily be met if the plans in the Ecological Design Strategy are successfully carried out. The site at Pelham Street pre-demolition consisted wholly of manmade hard surfaces lacking any sort of natural fauna, as outlined in the Strategy. Putting in greenery on site will ensure biodiversity value among the likes of birds and insect species, particular so within an urban centre typically lacking greenery such as Brighton. In this way I feel the project can enhance the local surrounding environment.

phlorum (2022) Proposed Enhancement and Design Plan. Available at: BH2022_00650-ECOLOGICAL_DESIGN_STRATEGY-18597657.pdf (brighton-hove.gov.uk) (Accessed: 15 May 2022).

phlorum (2022) Ecological Design Strategy. Available at: BH2022_00650-ECOLOGICAL_DESIGN_STRATEGY-18597657.pdf (brighton-hove.gov.uk) (Accessed: 15 May 2022).

Smith, Robert Leo and Pimm, Stuart L.. “ecology”. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 7 Feb. 2019. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/ecology (Accessed: 15 May 2022).