The charity has been running a petition urging Newcastle City Council to make changes to planning regulations since the beginning of the year.<\/p>\n
It renewed its plea after swift nests were reportedly “destroyed” during roofing works in nearby South Tyneside.<\/p>\n
The petition is yet to reach the 2,500 signatures required for it to be debated by full council, however Cole said the local authority would take it into account” as part of wider efforts to support biodiversity and sustainable development across the city. <\/p>\n
He added procedures for refurbishment and roofing works were already in place.<\/p>\n
“Ecological surveys are carried out before works begin, contractors receive ecology-led guidance to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and mitigation measures are implemented where appropriate,” he said.<\/p>\n
“These have included the installation of bird and swift boxes, modified roof tiles for swifts and specific method statements to protect nesting birds and other wildlife.”<\/p>\n
Follow BBC Newcastle on X, external<\/a>, Facebook, external<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram, external<\/a>. <\/p>\n