This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
To further aid the future plans to restore access for residents of the Undercliff Drive, a land swap with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust was agreed by the council’s Executive last night (15 September) (see our live coverage).
The council will take freehold ownership of an area of local woodland in exchange for council owned land at Alverstone Mead, Sandown. This transfer of land will enable the council and Island Roads to progress with plans to create a turning head and access road for residents at the Western end inland of the previous road line.
Phil Jordan, executive member for Public Health, Public Protection and PFI, said:
“In order to provide any sort of access for residents at the Undercliff we need to realign the route of the road which is most effectively done using land currently owned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. With its kind agreement to acquire their land, we now have the best opportunity to create a successful and essential new road at Undercliff.
“We must also, however, deal with the contaminated materials deposited by some residents in the area, which will have an impact on the completion of the planned works.”
Rare bats?
A small number of trees, identified for removal within the proposed route have been identified as having the potential for rare bat habitation.
Although rare woodland bat species in the area are known to include Bechstein’s and Barbastelle, there is no specific evidence to currently suggest that bats are roosting in the trees affected by the revised design. We must act in a proper and responsible manner to ensure we do not negatively affect their habitat.
Year-long ecological survey required
Therefore, following advice, including that of Natural England, Island Roads are required to undertake a season-long assessment of the area to see if it is, indeed used by the bats for such functions as feeding habitat, winter roost or summer maternity roost, which will be undertaken by specialist contractors.
The survey needs to be undertaken when bats are most active and this work will be concluded in August 2016.
Work carries on to pedestrian route
In the meantime, the council and Island Roads will begin aspects of the work that can be undertaken ahead of the survey to also create a pedestrian route that will enable residents to walk the route between Niton and Ventnor.
Residents of Undercliff Drive continue to be kept closely informed of these developments and of the work that can now be progressed.
