Proposed Housing and Mixed-Use Site Allocations

Comment

Representation ID: 3850

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

SKPR-334, Grantham:
This proposed site lies nearby to Harlaxton Wood (LWS, Ancient Woodland). Although not directly adjacent, air/water borne pollution from development here may pose a risk to Harlaxton Wood, and should therefore be considered prior to submission of any planning applications.

Comment

Representation ID: 3851

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

SKPR-7, Bourne:
This proposed site is directly adjacent to Toft Tunnel (LWS, LWT Nature Reserve). Toft Tunnel is an extremely important site for bats, supporting a known hibernation roost for multiple species, including barbastelle bats. Barbastelles are one of Britain’s rarest bats and are especially rare in Lincolnshire, due to their generally southern distribution.

“Based on the red line boundary shown in the Location Plan, retention of the line of trees at the southern boundary is essential for the foraging and commuting of the bat communities present at Toft Tunnel. This appears to be already intended from the illustrations in the VD, however we must stress the importance of this retention, and recommend that enhancement measures are provided, which could contribute to the development’s BNG.”

“As well as impacts on bats, the other key concern of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust regarding this application is the potential increase in footfall, antisocial behaviour, and issues with dog walkers that the site’s proximity to Toft Tunnel presents. Toft Tunnel is an ecologically important and sensitive area and it must be maintained as a sanctuary for wildlife, and not encouraged for public use. We recognise the importance of engaging with nature and always seek to promote this responsibly, however we are also aware that increased footfall at ecologically sensitive sites is likely to cause damage. As well as concerns regarding the wildlife at Toft Tunnel, the old railway tunnel itself is in unsafe condition, with very steep banks and loose brickwork that may fall with little or no disturbance. Although access to the tunnel is prevented via fencing, antisocial behaviour in this area still poses a safety concern to the individuals involved, as well as to the surrounding wildlife."

Due to these concerns, we here reemphasise the importance of maintaining Toft Tunnel as a sanctuary area. Access must not be created from any development sites to this area; in fact, woodland buffer zones should be created if development occurs directly adjacently.

Comment

Representation ID: 3852

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

SKPR-168, Ancaster:
This proposed site lies directly adjacent to Wilsford Lane Verges LWS, designated for its Lowland Calcareous Grassland Priority Habitat. The information box (page 52) on this proposed site states “f. There will be no negative impacts on the Wilsford Lane Verge, Ancaster Local Wildlife Site.” This statement is vague, and the rest of the text here provides no further clarification. Any planning applications submitted for this site must consider the proximity of Wilsford Lane Verge LWS, and explain/demonstrate how any proposed development will not significantly harm the priority habitat found here.

Comment

Representation ID: 3853

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

We have no comments to make on the proposed changes to the following areas: Stamford, Market Deeping, Barrowby, Baston, Claypole, Harlaxton, Langtoft, Long Bennington, Morton, South Witham, Thurlby.