The Ecology Assessment (2017) identified the key ecological features at the site to be priority semi-improved grasslands, hedgerows and small woodlands, ponds, Rotten Row Fields Local Wildlife Site and 'Meadows Near Landsdowne Farm' potential Local Wildlife Site (LWS).

We understand that the Local Wildlife Sites Team have surveyed part (3 of 5 fields) of the potential LWS in 2017 and that this section has been designated a LWS due to the good example of semi-improved neutral grassland, small pool and hedgerow network.

The remaining 2 fields are yet to be surveyed. A precautionary approach would be to assume that they do qualify as LWS (and therefore should be retained) until sufficient evidence indicates otherwise.

We therefore object to all the concept plan options as they all indicate the loss of the grasslands which haven't been surveyed. We wish to see a concept plan that retains all areas of species rich grassland on a precautionary approach until such a time that a LWS survey indicates they would not qualify and are therefore less than of county significance.