Newcastle City Council's ecologist has concluded there are a number of ecological issues that need to be resolved before he can recommend the Cell A/B1 planning application for approval. Concerns are raised that there is no clear strategy for mitigation for the recreational impact of the proposed development on Havannah and Three Hills Local Nature Reserve, nor the detrimental impact on Havannah's red squirrel population. There is no clear mitigation proposed for loss of farmland bird habitat and questionable mitigation for loss of grassland in Cell B1. There are also concerns about replacement tree planting and the report concludes the proposed buffer zone is too narrow. Only 141 people have objected directly to Newcastle City Council so please take some time to submit your comments. It only takes a minute and will make a big difference when the application goes before the planning committee. You can log in to make a comment here: https://publicaccessapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=OPOK2PBS0EQ00 You can also email adam.nilsson@newcastle.gov.uk, quoting planning application 2017/0666/01/OUT. We will meet at 7pm this evening, Monday 10th July, at the Gosforth Hotel on Gosforth High Street, where we will be discussing this application and several other issues affecting wildlife in Newcastle. Please attend if possible. Thank you for your support.