Environment
Minimising the impact of the college on Ecological environment & Enhancing Cultural Heritage
Management Regime
The proposed college is likely to have some form of habitat associated with it in the form of College grounds and playing fields. This habitat can be very labour and energy intensive; for example planting which involves grass usually involves regular mowing and input of fertilisers and pesticides. It is possible to create habitats that are self-sustaining. Self sustaining habitats have negligible or no maintenance, and are not dependant upon high energy input and chemical pesticides.
Questions to consider
- What is the management regime; does it involve mowing, replacement of plants on a regular basis?
- Is the planting dependant upon pesticides?
- Have self sustaining low maintenance habitats been considered?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN, OPERATION
Habitat Conservation
The proposed college development should be precluded from taking up virgin land, this includes minimising the loss of soils to new development, protection of hedges, ponds, woodland and forests.
Questions to consider
- What is the existing habitat?
- Are the local Wildlife group involved in the project?
- How is the habitat affected by the development?
- Is the habitat enhanced by the project?
- If habitat is adversely affected what are the mitigation measures?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
VISION
Biodiversity
Biodiversity means the number of species types. In order to maintain a diverse ecosystem, which can support a full range of species it is essential to protect biodiversity.
The UK has a national bio-diversity action plan; there are action plans for over 400 priority species and 45 habitats.
Questions to consider
- How does the project affect biodiversity?
- Is there a local biodiversity action plan?
- What steps are being taken to minimise the long term impact upon biodiversity?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
Cultural Heritage Resources
Cultural Heritage is a resource which should be protected, for both historical purposes and for the enjoyment of future generations.
The new college should take account of history and look for opportunity to conserve local heritage.
Questions to consider
- Are there historic and listed buildings on the site?
- Are there wider cultural heritage issues relating to the site?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
VISION
Archaeological Resources
Where appropriate assessment should be made of archaeological potential and appropriate measures put in place to preserve any archaeological findings on the site. This needs to be investigated early in the project as it has the potential to affect the programming of a project by delaying the start of the project on site if significant findings are made.
Questions to consider
- Are there archaeological issues associated with the site?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
