Working on behalf of Story Homes, the team is overseeing all ecology site preparation work, including the trapping and relocation of common toads into designated off site habitats which have been enhanced specifically for use by the toads. The work was required by a planning condition to protect the existing population.
In addition, Urban Green are providing advice and undertaking surveys for bats, breeding birds and invasive plants.
A landscape masterplan and detailed design was also completed by Urban Green.
The large mixed-use development will include the construction of 300 new family homes, employment land, mixed-use centre, open space and green infrastructure.
Eastway is one of 11 development sites owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which are being developed as part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
The City Deal is an agreement between Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to deliver almost 17,000 homes in central Lancashire over the next 10 years.
Martin King, Director of Urban Green explains “We have worked closely with Story Homes and the HCA over the past two years. The toad relocation is one of those interesting requirements for our ecology team to deliver. We look forward to our continued involvement throughout the development to deliver quality new homes for the people of Preston.”