Planning and Regulation
Our ecologists provide specialist advice to Local Planning Authorities in relation to Protected and Priority species, Priority habitats and designated sites to ensure that legal obligations and duties are effectively discharged in relation to national and local policy.
We specialise in supplying expert ecology support working as an extension of development management and planning policy teams providing ecology consultation responses, presenting technical evidence at planning appeals, compiling ecological information to contribute to Local Plan evidence bases and assisting in the formulation of Local Plan policies.
We have significant experience of Biodiversity Net Gain, providing training for officers, developing systems for managing data, and reviewing all related submissions including Statutory Metric Calculations Tools, Biodiversity Gain Plans, and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, both for significant onsite enhancements and offsite compensation provision.
Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) is a particular specialism. Combining our knowledge of the planning systems with our ecological expertise, we have compiled HRA screening and scoping reports and appropriate assessments for a diverse mix of plans and projects including Local Plans, Flood Management Strategies and infrastructure schemes.
We also specialise in the review of Local Wildlife Sites and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, using the local site selection criteria to update information on Local Ecological Networks as part of Local Plan evidence bases, or to support Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
Our services can include:
- Pre-application enquiries
- Screening and appraisal of development proposals
- Provision of written advice and recommendations
- Strategic planning, including biodiversity development for local plan policies
