Ten man-made ponds and six underground amphibian shelters are set to be built to create an ecology zone as part of work to create a massive employment park. Plans have been submitted for the ‘ecological enhancement area’ at land west of Wingates industrial estate, Westhoughton.
The work would be part of an industrial estate expansion on green land which promises up to 1,500 new jobs Developers Harworth Group plc have already secured planning approval for the development of up to 1.1m sq ft of logistics and manufacturing space at the site.
The plans submitted this week would mean the construction of 10 ponds and six amphibian hibernacula. Hibernacula are underground chambers that amphibians and reptiles use through the winter to protect themselves from the cold.
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The shelters would provide refuge for amphibians and reptiles like frogs, toads, newts, lizards and snakes. Documents in support of the application, said: “In this case, the construction of ponds and hibernacula is considered to constitute a change in the use of the land.
“At this point, the preceding agricultural and grazing use of the land will cease and it shall be used only as prescribed for ecological enhancement as part of the approved development.”
The site at Wingates is close to Junction 6 of the M61 and to Harworth’s existing Logistics North site.
Alongside 1.1m sq ft of commercial space, the Wingates development will deliver upgrades to roads, drainage and utilities infrastructure, including a new access road. Harworth previously said that boundary landscaping and the ecological enhancement area was part of their commitment to promoting green spaces and protecting biodiversity.
The scheme received planning consent from Bolton Council in January 2020 but the application was subsequently called-in by the secretary of state for
communities and local government. Planning approval by the minister was granted in June 2021 after a public inquiry.
Speaking at the time of approval Lynda Shillaw, chief executive of Harworth, said: “Securing planning for our Wingates development marks a significant milestone for us and will have a substantial positive effect on the local economy in terms of construction, permanent jobs and investment.
“It will allow Bolton businesses to expand, while at the same time improving highways infrastructure and protecting local biodiversity and green spaces.”
The ecology zone plans will now be considered by Bolton Council.
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