Planning Applications Involving Protected Species
Local planning departments are now legally required to request information on the presence or absence of protected species for the large majority of planning applications. Make sure your application isn't rejected due to lack of surveys. More...
The local planning authority will also require an assessment of any possible impact on protected species which may arise from the proposed development.
Given recent legislation planning policy changes, it is now more than likely that Local Authorities will request such a survey, especially in the later stages of a project this can have massive implications. If protected species are recorded during such a survey, it may at the very least require a project rescheduling, due to the tight seasonal constraints on surveys or possibly a change to the proposed plans to incorporate appropriate mitigation designs.
If such a survey has been requested, we will carry out the relevant survey work to determine if your land, building or tree, for example has the potential to support protected species. If evidence of a protected species has been discovered, further survey work is required; these can only be carried out in a narrow seasonal window each year. Where available, any records provided by Natural England, local conservation groups or other conservation bodies should be used to supplement survey data.
Once all the required data has been gathered Access Ecology Ltd will then prepare the necessary detailed report or letter required by the local planning department. This will include advice, such as mitigation to enable your proposed development or other activities to proceed in compliance with legislation and wildlife planning policy.
Access Ecology are industry leaders in protected species surveys and mitigation, if you would like to discuss your site and your requirements further or if you need advice on the planning process please contact us.