Published: Wednesday, 14th May, 2008 10:00
Bid to protect animals from flat development
By Lynsey Knight
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EVIDENCE: Footage of the otter — which is a nocturnal creature — captured by a resident as it feeds on bait
ANGRY residents are fighting against plans to build flats after an array of wild animals were discovered living nearby.
It has been claimed that an otter, badgers herons, deer and bats all live in the vicinity of the Hardgate site, where plans have been lodged to build 28 flats.
Protestors have video footage of an otter they claim was filmed in nearby Cochno Burn.
And a biodiversity officer investigating the site found evidence of a badger sett close by.
Homeowners from surrounding streets have been trying to get the development halted since plans came to light last October.
They are now fighting the corner of the animals in the latest bid to stop the build.
One resident, who lives in neighbouring Burnside Crescent, said: “There’s quite a lot of objections within our estate but our main issue is the wildlife.”
The residents have lodged a petition, with 60 names on it, to West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) and have sent 19 letters of objection.
Badgers, otters and bats are protected by the law. A spokesman for Scottish National Heritage (SNH) said: “The law helps to conserve and protect badgers from persecution.
“Otters and bats are protected by European law which says that even if the animals are not there, the place where they rest or breed is protected.” The SNH advises that a badger sett should be protected. Developers must ensure the flats are far enough away from the nearest sett entrance for work to be permitted so as to ensure the badgers, or their sett, are not disturbed before, during or after the build.
The spokesman added: “We provide advice to the planning authorities, in this case WDC.
“They consulted us to see if we wanted to raise any particular issues about the proposed development.
“We had a brief look at the site, as there had to be surveys of the species before they made the decision.
“The developers carried out the surveys and there was no evidence that the aspects of the otter were going to be affected.
“However, they did find what was thought to be a badger sett, that means it could be against the law to build there.”
SNH has advised the council to ensure that the sett is protected.
A WDC spokesman said: “A number of detailed matters have to be assessed and taken into consideration, including the opinions of local residents.”
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