From: npm NolCell <nolcell.npm@googlemail.com>

Sent: 03 February 2016 15:02

To: Chakadya, Ralph

Cc: Williams, Julie (Planning)

Subject: 152200 - 11 to 15 Western Elms Avenue - Conditions 13 and 14

Attachments: 11-15 Western Elms Avenue - Note of Slow worm Mitigation (R621b) (1).pdf; Photos of Ecological Enhancement area including example of mammal gaps.pdf

Dear Mr Chakadya,

I write further to your email to Mark Carter regarding the above conditions.

I can fully understand why you require written confirmation from our ecologist in respect of condition 13 as he either carried out all the works personally or supervised them on our behalf. As you will no doubt be aware this site has been ongoing for some considerable time and the planning consent was changed during the construction period.

I have checked my file and note that I do in fact hold a written summary of the reptile relocation works which was provided at the time and it is attached herewith.

Regarding condition 14, this does not seem so obvious for the ecologist to deal with as whilst much of the works we carried out were originally recommended by our ecologist the layout of the development had been changed for this consent and the proportions of the rear gardens had been changed with your approval to allow a more equitable balance between the secure reptile area and the domestic family area.

In the final approval of this condition your colleague requested us to also make provision for hedgehogs which was also included.

To summarise the biodiversity enhancements we agreed to create the habitat enhancement area, separately fenced from the rear gardens of the new houses. This was located within the area where the reptiles had been relocated to by the ecologist. We agreed to do all the works within this area by hand (no mechanical diggers) and it was to be left reasonably wild with no formal landscaping apart from hibernicum areas for protection and winter hibernation. All gravel boards were left high in places and hedgehog/mammal routes were formed to allow movement from garden to garden. This work has all been carried out and I attach photographs to provide confirmation.

The ecologist recommended all the varieties of trees and shrubs for their added ecological value which were used in the landscaping of this development. In the event we planted every single specie recommended and in some areas in greater volumes than was suggested.

Your landscaping colleague Kate McHale inspected the landscaping last month and can no doubt confirm the position.

Unlike the reptile relocation work the ecologist did not supervise the biodiversity enhancement work. It is not reasonable to expect him to certify work he has not seen as for instance the use of machinery in the enhancement area could have compromised the whole purpose of this condition. Frankly I am surprised you require such certification to release this condition and this should have been made clear in the wording of the original planning condition.

However I am a Chartered Surveyor and having supervised this work I can certify that the works required to satisfy this condition have been completed

I know this has been a very sensitive site for both Reading Borough Council and the neighbours but I am sure Julie Williams would confirm that I have treated every issue of this development with respect, a sensitivity and integrity. I trust you will now be able to discharge both of these conditions.

Kind regards,

Nicholas McDonagh MRICS