Providing ecological surveys

Providing ecological surveys and reports to inform a planning application

You'll need to include an ecological assessment if you're submitting a planning proposal that could impact biodiversity or any protected sites, habitats or species

Except for some smaller developments or householder applications, most development proposals will have the potential to impact ecology or biodiversity in some way, though this won’t always mean that an ecological assessment is necessary.

You should check to see if your development proposal affects ecology in your local area.

By checking this before you start work, it can help you to:

• avoid delays in the planning process
• create a better-quality scheme
• take any necessary action
• avoid criminal prosecution

Natural England’s advice pages provide further guidance Prepare a planning proposal to avoid harm or disturbance to protected species - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

What is needed?

It's important that ecological surveys are carried out:

• by qualified competent personnel
• at a specific, appropriate time of year
• with enough time to ensure the appropriate level of survey has been carried out before applying for planning permission

Who should carry out surveys and reports?

A competent ecological consultant should be employed to carry out the required ecology survey work and reporting. They should have appropriate experience and hold relevant species licences for the types of habitat and species expected to be present.

DDC is unable to recommend specific ecological consultants, but the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) provides a list of registered practices and ecological consultant members. You can search the CIEEM commercial directory of consultants and the CIEEM registered practice directory online to find local ecologists who can carry out the work for you.

You’ll need to make sure that your ecological consultant knows that the purpose of the survey work and reporting is to inform a planning application and to assess the ecological impact of the proposals. Your ecological consultant should be able to advise on the surveys and reports required. You should provide as much information as possible to your ecological consultant regarding your proposed scheme to ensure all potential impact pathways can be considered in the assessment.

 

Further information can be found here: Ecological surveys / Natural England Standing Advice