Animal crackers

I would like to correct your story, “Single red squirrel foils developer” (24 September), which said that one red squirrel would halt a housing development near St Andrews. Clearly, that would be ridiculous.

Red squirrels are just one of a number of legally protected species that may be living on the site.

The developer will need to carry out a survey to establish what species are present and in what numbers.

The council can then decide whether the full planning application can be approved and with what conditions.

A licence from us may be required if damage or disturbance could be caused to any of these species by the development.

This is standard practice for a development of this kind, and we will be happy to provide further advice to the developer and Fife Council on what is required.

Iain Rennick

Scottish Natural Heritage

Cupar