From a look at the documents this morning, "permitted preliminary works" will include: environmental surveys and monitoring, ecological habitat creation, geotechnical surveys, surveys of existing infrastructure, investigation and monitoring of ground conditions and levels, preparation of facilities for contractor use, provision of temporary means of site enclosure and security, clearing vegetation, displaying of temporary site notices and signage.
And all of that can take place before planning permission is granted.
Specifically in terms of environmental work, that includes:
- Habitat creation for reptiles
- Habitat creation for badgers
- Habitat protection and development at Elstow Brook (for lots of animals, but especially bats)
- Diversion of the water course in the Core Zone along the eastern boundary, with the new water course dug before the destruction of the current one to allow for relocation of plant and animal life
The archaeological work is planned for "late 2025" but after the preliminary ecological work is completed.