On the derelict site of a former Royal Ordnance Factory at Thorp Arch, we provided an environmental impact assessment alongside geo-environmental, transport, and ecology services to support the planning application for a new village, school and community facilities.
The Rudgate Village site is the largest area of designated species-rich and calcareous grassland in West Yorkshire and supports numerous breeding birds, badgers, roosting bats, reptiles and invertebrate species. However, as a derelict site, the lack of management has led to the habitat’s degradation and notable areas of scrub encroachment.
Over a period of several years, our ecology experts undertook surveys and environmental impact assessments to provide a detailed understanding of ecological interests across the site in support of the planning application. We also acted as expert witness for transport and geo-environmental considerations in relation to the highway and drainage infrastructure proposed for the development.
Requirements for remediating potentially contaminated land, associated with the manufacture of ordnance, added further complexity to the project and we worked closely with local authority ecologists to agree appropriate mitigation and compensation measures.
In order to ensure the continuity of species’ interests, our final proposals recommended the creation of a new country park to provide opportunities for habitat creation, restoration and stewardship and to encourage public interaction with the natural environment.
The new Rudgate Village development aims to create around 900 new homes, a local primary school, retail and leisure facilities, significant public access open space and biodiversity enhancements.
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