Ecological consultancy in relation to the development of a public car park, proposed as part of a package of improvements to Harwich’s seafront in order to enhance its attractiveness to residents and visitors. The proposal necessitated the loss of a small area of habitat within the Stour Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA).
An Appropriate Assessment was undertaken that focussed upon potential impacts to over-wintering birds. Wintering bird counts in accord with WeBS methodology were undertaken, together with invertebrate surveys. It was concluded that the proposals would have no adverse effects upon the integrity of the SPA, with the sheet piling being particularly beneficial in preventing pollution impacts.
Despite the small land-take from the estuary, the project was granted planning permission.
