The Garden Village is 105ha of farmland with associated ponds, trees and hedgerows; on the outskirts of Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. TEP supported Redrow in securing an outline planning permission for 2000 homes, a primary school, community centre and formal and natural open space.
TEP worked with Redrow’s masterplanners Terence O’Rourke, and carried out a range of ecological surveys, including great crested newts, bats, barn owls and water voles. Our arborists carried out surveys to BS5837:2012 standards on over 300 trees and hedges. Of particular note was the need to protect some historic yew trees associated with the setting of Sutton New Hall, a Listed Building near the site.
Our surveys informed the EIA and masterplan, which includes a significant commitment to 30ha of green infrastructure, in the form of enhanced habitats, wildlife zones, sports pitches, allotments and formal landscaping.
Much of the site’s ecological interest has been degraded over the years due to intensive farming activity. TEP produced a Biodiversity Strategy for the scheme which included measures to protect soils and reinstate habitats. A detailed mitigation strategy for barn owls was also prepared and is included in the s106 agreement for the development.
Alongside this, Redrow secured a detailed permission for 145 homes, representing Phase 1 of the development. TEP has assisted Redrow Homes in discharging planning conditions for this part of the site, including a historic building record.
The site contains a blister hangar, dating to 1941, when the largest field on the site was used by the RAF as a grass landing strip known as RAF Little Sutton. During World War 2, the hangar was used to house de Havilland Tiger Moths. After the war, the hangar was used for agricultural storage. One of the planning conditions was the production of a “Level 2” historic building record, a report which TEP’s archaeologists prepared for Redrow Homes, to ensure this part of local history is documented prior to commencement of the new development.
Development commenced in January 2016 with TEP supporting Redrow with tree protection and wildlife corridor enhancement ahead of construction works. As the development has proceeded, TEP has assisted with street and civic tree specification, and ongoing bat surveys for phases 2 to 5 of the development.
TEP also manages a barn owl conservation scheme to ensure the value of the site for owls is retained. This includes local conservationists who monitor the owl population.
