Concern for wildlife in Barn Elms plan

3:37pm Thursday 27th January 2005

THE possible use of floodlights for any proposed development at the run down sports fields at Barn Elms would have a detrimental effect on wildlife, according to one resident.

Unity Harvey, of Queen Elizabeth Walk in Barnes, believes there is much important wildlife, some of which requires species and habitat protection, on the sports areas themselves.

Darkness is important for many creatures such as birds, bats, insects, amphibians, reptiles and other wildlife and if Barn Elms were to have artificial lighting damage could be done before the results were known, it is claimed.

Mrs Harvey is aware of the benefits if the area is to be developed but has called for sympathy to be shown if an application for floodlights is made.

She said: "It would be catastrophic if it had floodlights. The last brief made it compulsory for the developer to include floodlights. Floodlights should not be an option or they should at least be given the choice whether to put them in or not.

A spokesperson for Richmond upon Thames Council, whose responsibility it is to draw up the brief, said: "The brief will carefully set out the planning constraints to development in line with the Unitary Development Plan. This will include careful consideration of issues relating to nature conservation."

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