Cat Flap Flap

Developer, Redrow, is apparently intending to construct 450 homes in Farnborough, Hampshire with the purchasers permanently banned from keeping any dogs or cats (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6968548.ece). This is said to be because the development is about 1.5 km away from a 8300 hectare area of protected heathland that is home to the Dartford warbler (Sylvia undata), Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) and Woodlark (Lullula arborea). It has, of course, been estimated that cats account for vast numbers of small mammals and birds each year and dogs can be an important source of disturbance. Even the RSPB, however, feel that such a ban is unenforceable. Perhaps such a statement of 'intent' plays well with planning committees?