Just to clarify the Otter situation. No evidence of Otters has been found on the proposed NM site itself. They do know Otters are living in the River Calder and they found evidence of Otter activity on some feeder streams but only close to where they meet the river. One of these streams comes down from the proposed NM site.
The 'discussion' about Otters is ensuring that the diversion of this stream within the site and also the new balancing ponds and SUD's drainage that will feed into the stream, are suitable as potential future Otter habitats. The hope being that Otters would 'move-in' in the future, because it is not thought (and there is no evidence) they live, yet, as far up this stream as the site.
It is expected that a suitable compromise agreement between Yorkcourt and Natural England/WYE will be reached over the next few months about the new ponds and streams being made more suitable as 'des-res' for Otters!
The only statutory objector left will then be Leeds City Council, who probably will not shift position, but other than the relevant Green-belt issue (which is highly ironic coming from Leeds CC!) the best they can come up with is to suggest alternative sites... all in Leeds!
