CPRE Sussex defends habitat for bats on land in Storrington

62 dwellings are proposed on land at Melton Drive, Storrington West Sussex. There are at least nine species of bats present, for which the site has high commuting and foraging value.

CPRE Sussex’s response focuses on ecological concerns, especially the protection of bats (notably Barbastelle) and their habitats and the adequacy of planning conditions and mitigation measures. Planning conditions should include limitations on lighting; dark corridors; and retaining and enhancing trees and habitats to maintain bat flight lines.

In summary, CPRE Sussex objects to the current reserved matters submission due to insufficient protection for bats, particularly Barbastelle, and urges that robust, enforceable conditions be attached to any approval to safeguard these protected species and their habitats.

Application DC/26/0972 is a Reserved Matters submission in response to condition 2a of outline planning permission DC/24/2006 for the erection of 62 dwellings. It covers appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of development on the site.

Read: CPRE Sussex Objection to DC 26 0972 Land North of Melton Drive