Earlier this year, ESS Ecology carried out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal for Interserve Construction Ltd, on behalf of NHS Lothian. The appraisal, which was undertaken in April, was for the new Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, situated within the Heriot-Watt University campus.

A number of surveys were then conducted to determine the presence of, or suitability of, habitat for protected species – such as the great crested newt, bat, otter, water vole and badger – on and around the development site.

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In addition, a BREEAM Land Use and Ecology assessment was also carried out and the number of native plant species required to obtain credits was calculated.

ESS Ecology has said the species surveys did not reveal the presence of the above protected species around the chosen development site. A low level of use by foraging pipistrelle bats was recorded, but it was said that no active roost sites were within the proposed development site or adjacent woodland.

The development site for the new Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has been chosen in order to allow for the rapid delivery of blood supplies across central and eastern Scotland.

(JP/CD)