A single arable field does not replace 90 acres of habitat.

Guernsey-registered Dido Property Limited claim to have “improved” their ecological benefits, through the acquisition of more land near the site, which they intend to convert.

Let’s not forget the damning report by Buckinghamshire’s ecologist, which has been given a more detailed refresh recently:

• The baseline data on which the biodiversity net-gain calculations are made, is inaccurate, inconsistent and poorly justified, and therefore the calculation is wrong.
• The mandatory mitigation hierarchy has not been followed, as offsetting, which should only be used as a last resort, has been adopted without exhausting on-site mitigation.
• One of the impacted watercourses, has been incorrectly categorised and therefore not considered appropriately in the mitigation and net-gain calculations.
• The solar panel covered green roofs will not be suitable mitigation for the loss of ground nesting bird habitat.
• The conversion of arable to biodiversity rich pasture of the newly acquired field, will not be suitable mitigation for the loss of 90 acres of rich wildlife habitat, supporting multiple priority and protected species.

The very expensive work of one of the ‘top’ ecology firms, is being called into question and many of the surveys need re-doing to obtain accurate data. Please continue to object, even if you have already done so.