Protected Species Surveys, Licensing & Mitigation

UK legislation, principally The Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), which transposes the EU Habitats Directive (1994) among other pieces of legislation provide a framework of protection for a wide range of animal and some plant species. The presence of these species on development sites can have significant impacts on development proposals. Impacts can include delays, additional costs and land take.

Where a scoping assessment or phase 1 survey finds evidence of the presence of a protected species, or finds habitats that are capable of supporting such species, further species-specific surveys may be recommended.

“It is essential that the presence or otherwise of protected species, and the extent that they may be affected by the proposed development, is established before the planning permission is granted, otherwise all material considerations may not have been addressed in making the decision” - ODPM Circular 06/2005, supplemental guidance to Planning Policy 9: Biological and Geological Conservation.

Whilst the majority of protected species surveys can be undertaken relatively quickly they must be completed during optimum annual survey periods which vary across the species groups. Our Ecological Survey Calendar is a useful tool to help in planning to avoid any delays.

Clear Ecology provides a comprehensive service in relation to protected species surveys. Our ecologists hold a range of protected species licences and have substantial experience in survey and mitigation techniques. We provide a mitigation design service to our clients, allowing us to design-in mitigation solutions that work with projects not against them.

 

Protected Species Surveys may be recommended for the following species & groups: