This week, the council received an email from Natural England providing an interim update on their position regarding Middlewick Ranges.
Over the past two years, various surveys have been submitted. Natural England acknowledges these surveys indicate the site is of “potentially national significance” for invertebrate communities, acid grassland habitats, breeding birds (including a significant population of nightingales), and for barbastelle and other bat species.
We had taken this information into account and continued to explore ways to develop a suitable scale of housing on less ecologically valuable land to the north of the site. However, a recent assessment of the fungi community has revealed that even this part of the site hosts a potentially nationally significant array of species.
As a result, Natural England has expressed concern that accommodating a housing allocation here without damaging the site’s biodiversity is becoming “increasingly challenging.” They also noted that such development would conflict with stringent Local Plan policy.
The council appreciates Natural England’s ongoing support and guidance on this matter. We remain committed to an evidence-based approach in our Local Plan Review, ensuring ecological considerations are fully integrated into decision-making. We are currently awaiting the results of the interim ecological assessment, which will provide essential insights into the site’s environmental significance. Natural England has generously offered their expertise to help interpret this evidence and guide the next steps.
We will continue working constructively with all stakeholders to achieve a balanced outcome that addresses local needs while preserving national environmental priorities.
