12 Feb 2025
A new initiative aims to keep a close eye on how new housing developments adhere to planning conditions relating to biodiversity.
SADC Green Cllrs Matt Fisher and Juliet Voisey visited Vickers Mews in London Road to see firsthand how it has provided homes for wildlife with the installation of swift bricks and bat boxes.
Their goal is to build constructive relationships with developers while highlighting the vital role such measures play in supporting local wildlife.
Cllr Voisey said: “Swift birds, like much of our native wildlife, have seen a dramatic decline in the UK.
“Ensuring that each new dwelling includes a swift brick can make a significant difference in boosting their population. Our Local Plan commits to making provisions for wildlife, and we’re dedicated to ensuring developers follow through on this.”
At Vickers Mews, they met with the site team from Oakford Homes, who were keen to showcase the biodiversity features already in place.
Most homes have been fitted with swift bricks on the front façades and bat bricks at the rear. The site team also expressed enthusiasm about enhancing wildlife provisions further by creating hedgehog highways and sought advice on the appropriate size for the fence holes.
Cllr Fisher added: “Today’s visit highlighted the importance of open dialogue. We’ve had productive discussions about adding hedgehog highway holes, and it’s clear that education around wildlife-friendly development needs to start at the planning stage and continue through to the marketing of homes to buyers and even the solicitors involved in sales.
“Our aim with these site visits is to normalise living alongside nature and embed this thinking into every stage of the development process.”
