The A1 Birtley to Coal House Development Consent Order 2021

Protected species

7.—(1) Other than site clearance works carried out in terms of paragraph 16, no part of the authorised development is to commence until for that part final pre-construction survey work has been carried out to confirm whether European or nationally protected species are present on any of the land affected or likely to be affected by any part of the relevant works, or in any of the trees and shrubs to be lopped or felled as part of the relevant works.

(2) Following pre-construction survey work or at any time when carrying out the authorised development, where—

(a) a protected species is shown to be present, or where there is a reasonable likelihood of it being present;

(b) application of the relevant assessment methods used in the environmental statement show that a significant effect is likely to occur which was not previously identified in the environmental statement; and

(c) that effect is not addressed by any prior approved scheme of protection and mitigation established in accordance with this paragraph, the relevant parts of the relevant works must cease until a scheme of protection and mitigation measures has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Secretary of State.

(3) The undertaker must consult with Natural England on the scheme referred to in sub-paragraph (2) prior to submission to the Secretary of State for approval, except where a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist, holding where relevant and appropriate a licence relating to the species in question, determines that the relevant works do not require a protected species licence.

(4) The relevant works under sub-paragraph (2) must be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme, unless otherwise agreed by the Secretary of State after consultation with Natural England, and under any necessary licences.