Badgers block hospital crèche
9th June 2003 - Eastern Daily Press
Plans to build a new crèche at one of the region's main
hospitals have hit a snag – in the shape of
badgers.
The hitch was discovered after plans were
submitted for a major childcare facility at the West Suffolk
Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
A suitable site had been
found at the back of the building and everything was
progressing smoothly until the discovery the badgers were
already in residence.
Now, the original plans for the
92-place crèche have had to be ditched and a re-think is under
way.
Last night, a hospital spokesman said: "We were
going to build a crèche at West Suffolk Hospital and the site
was chosen to the back of the building.
"But a badger
sett was discovered and we were refused planning permission so
we are having to think again.
"We are still hoping to
provide the facility but are now having to look at alternative
sites. I have to say this is the first time I have ever heard
of anything quite like this."
Julian Roughton, director
of Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: "Obviously it is good to hear
they are acknowledging the environmental responsibilities of
the site.
"Badger setts are certainly protected by law
as part of the planning application they would have to have
taken the needs of the badgers into account."
Mr
Roughton said badgers could live in suburban environments and
often thrived, but their setts were protected.
For more information, please click the following link:
| RSPB Spotlight on Badgers book |
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James
Lowen explores the lives of badgers and their communal
living, feeding habits and threats to their conservation. Click
here to buy:
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Kindle edition
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