Ecology Assessments

• Full assessment by an environmental expert 
• Address how your development may affect the environment
• Guidance on protected species 
• Including necessary mitigation recommendations
• Ensure your ecology assessment process 
• Support your planning application with no delays

When submitting a planning application, you must consider how your development may affect protected or invasive species that live near to the proposed site. You are responsible for finding out whether your development is likely to affect a site or species protected by law – and our team of experts can help you do this. 

Some examples of protected UK species include the great crested newt, otters, voles, natterjack toads, and badgers. These species are protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), which state it is an offence to: 

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill any protected species
• Deliberately disturb protected species
• Damage or destroy their breeding and resting sites

Any individual or business found guilty of an offence could receive an unlimited fine and/or up to six months in prison. It is therefore vital that your Ecology Assessment is undertaken by an experienced consultant. 

Your EMS consultant will identify the area for survey and ensure that this extended survey is undertaken to obtain further details in relation to notable or protected habitats and species. Following guidance published by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM 2012), they will identify and evaluate: 

• The ecological features present within the survey area, where possible
• Invasive plant and animal species, as those listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act
• Potential constraints to the proposed development
• Mitigation recommendations based on the current information 
• Recommendations for further surveys

Through our ecology surveys, we can provide peace of mind for your business that any ecological constraints to developing your site have been identified, therefore helping you to obtain planning permission. Our consultants have a thorough knowledge of the legislation around nature conservation and development, and good working relationships with the national nature conservation agencies. This means we can have productive discussions that lead to development decisions that work for you, your developer, the planning authorities and the natural environment.