Dear Mr Mitson

Application no. EN/04/00540/FUL
Change of use of quarry workings to a Country Park at Stanwick Lakes, Wellingborough

Thank you for your letter dated 25 March 2004 consulting English Nature on the above planning application.

As you may be aware, the application site sits within a complex of wetlands in the Nene Valley that support a significant population of breeding and wintering birds, particularly waterfowl. The importance of these wetlands is currently being assessed for international conservation status, with the potential for designation as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). Early indications suggest that parts of the Stanwick Lakes complex will be put forward for inclusion in the SPA.

English Nature has discussed the potential for impacts on nature conservation as a result of the proposals for the site with the applicant, Rockingham Forest Trust. They also consulted us on the masterplan for the Stanwick Lakes site. As a result of this process English Nature is satisfied that the zoning system as set out in the masterplan will ensure that impacts on birds are likely to be minimal. We therefore do not object to this application.

In the meantime, if you require any further advice or information please contact me.

Yours sincerely

KEN MONRO

Conservation Officer

Biodiversity & Planning