Wildlife supporters have hit out at plans to build new homes in Carlton which they say will impact rare creatures who have made a green space their home.
An application has been made to build three modern homes on the site of the Burleigh House Orchard, off Midlands Crescent.
Campaigners say this land is home to badgers, barn owls and bats and now plan to object to the plans in a bid to protect the local wildlife.
Burleigh Close resident Paul Farrant said: “Residents are very concerned about noise, additional traffic, safety of residential roads, the effect upon small businesses, and about the wildlife that relies heavily on the orchard for food if these plans get the go ahead.
“Many surrounding gardens are visited by orchard’s resident badgers – including rare white erythritic badgers. They are protected by law in the UK.
“Additionally, barn owls are frequent visitors to the nearby trees, using the more open space of the fruit orchard to hunt rodents. Barn owls roosts and feeding grounds are also protected by law.
“Bats are a common sighting in and around the orchard. As creatures of habit they commute along fixed tree lines to known hunting grounds. The established fruit trees of the orchard helps support a diverse insect world upon which the bats thrive. Not only their roosts, but their lines of travel should not be broken up and their feeding grounds shouldn’t be developed.
Mr Farrant added: “In all at least sixteen trees will be felled to make way for the new dwellings, which will then overlook homes below.
“Concerned residents have also stated their fears for the integrity of surrounding properties, with heavy earthworks being required to excavate the hillside in order to build.”
A Facebook group has now been set up by residents to drum up support for their campaign. You can visit it here: https://www.facebook.com/burleighbadgers/
People now have until July 23 to object to the plans which can be viewed on Gedling Borough Council’s website: https://pawam.gedling.gov.uk/online-applications/
The application was submitted on behalf of Roger Wheldon.
Gedling Eye has reached out for a comment.
A spokesman for Gedling Borough Council said: “A decision on the application is expected to be made by the council later in the summer.”
Absolutely abhorrent, leave these beautiful animals homes alone and go build somewhere that actually needs renovating and rejuvenating! So may derelict areas could do with affordable houses and thus creating no loss of wildlife, wildlife have a tough enough fight on their paws without losing their habitat!
Save the green