News
Wildlife groups’ take Council decision to Judicial Review
22nd July 2010
In their decision to sell Kiln Meadow in Ipswich for housing development, the Council failed to take into account all material considerations - primarily that the decision was taken before ecological survey data was complete.
“Today we instructed Michael A. Jones of the solicitors Able Bishop Ltd in Bury St Edmunds who is a member of the Environmental Law Foundation, to ask for an application of leave to challenge the Council’s unlawful decision at the High Court,” says Dr Simone Bullion who presented the wildlife case at the Council meeting.
“We are advised that the Council reached their decision after following incorrect and irregular procedure. To compound matters the Council’s failure to comply with its statutory duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006* is a fatal flaw in the Council’s decision making process.”
For more information please contact Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s senior conservation advisor Dr Simone Bullion on 01473 890089 or click here.
ENDS
Notes to editors
* Under Section 40 of the NERC Act 2006 every public body must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.
The 11 acre Kiln Meadow is sandwiched between Spring Wood nature reserve and Bobbit’s Lane nature reserve and as well as being an important green lung and connecting adjacent county wildlife sites, is home to one of the largest recorded colony of toads in the UK. However, the Borough is now set to sell it in a multi-million pound deal that could see over one hundred homes built on the site.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust believes Kiln Meadow to be of very high wildlife value. “Not only is it rich in flowers and native shrubs; the site is considered to be of national importance for its exceptional numbers of toads. Each year thousands move from the meadow to their breeding ponds on the other side of the lane. Kiln Meadow also supports other threatened species such as slow worm and common lizard, which like toad are all listed as UK Biodiversity Priority Species.
“Kiln Meadow is part of an ecological network that includes Belstead Brook and associated habitats to the north and Spring Wood to the south. These adjacent areas are designated County Wildlife Sites; we believe Kiln Meadow is of such quality that it should also be a County Wildlife Site. The loss of the Meadow would cause fragmentation of this biodiverse area making it difficult for wildlife to thrive and expand,” says Dr Simone Bullion senior conservation advisor with the Trust.
Kiln Meadow is enjoyed and appreciated by local people providing much needed green space and forms part of a well-used network of local paths. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is urging Ipswich Borough Council to retain Kiln Meadow as a valuable wildlife habitat and a place that enhances and enriches the lives of local residents.
