Ecological appraisal
Ecological or habitat surveys are now becoming a common requirement condition attached to planning applications, especially where habitats may become disturbed as a result of the proposed development.
There are many forms of ecological survey available, and many reasons why such an assessment may be required. In its simplest form Apple Environmental can offer an ecological appraisal survey for the detection of protected flora and fauna, and/or its potential presence through appropriate habitat.
Such appraisals can provide an indication of presence at any time of year, thereby allowing more specific surveys to be subsequently undertaken during the correct season. On a more specific note therefore we are able to undertake dedicated surveys as required, such as for bats, barn owls, badgers, great crested newts, slow worms, adders, dormice, invertebrates, and more.
Further information
Phase 1 - Ecological appraisal
An ecological appraisal is a general investigation of the likely ecological and nature conservation issues associated with the site in relation to the proposed development.
The aims of an ecological appraisal are to:
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highlight any features of particular ecological value;
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identify potential impacts to ecology as a result of the proposed works;
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identify any issues that may have legal or planning implications such as the presence of protected species; and
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recommend any further work (such as targeted protected species surveys) required in order to fully assess the value of the site, and therefore the potential ecological impacts of the proposals that may arise as a result of the proposal.
The targeted surveys are then implemented to complete a thorough ecological assessment of the site in relation to the proposed development.
The UK Government sets out its objectives for conserving and enhancing biodiversity in Planning Policy Statement 9; Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9, 2005) which succeeds PPG9: Nature Conservation (1994). This is the main source of Government guidance on nature conservation and considers the integration of nature conservation policies and land use planning.
The Government’s objectives for planning are:
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to promote sustainable development by ensuring that biodiversity is conserved and enhanced as an integral part of economic, social and environmental development, so that policies and decisions about the development and use of land integrate biodiversity with other considerations;
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To conserve, enhance and restore the diversity of England's wildlife and geology by sustaining, and where possible improving, the quality and extent of natural habitat and geological and geomorphological sites; the natural physical processes on which they depend; and the populations of naturally occurring species which they support;
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to contribute to rural renewal and urban renaissance by:
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enhancing biodiversity in green spaces and among developments so that they are used by wildlife and valued by people, recognising that healthy functional ecosystems can contribute to a better quality of life and a sense of well-being; and
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ensuring that developments take account of the role and value of biodiversity in supporting economic diversification and contributing to a high quality environment.
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The purpose of an ecological assessment therefore is to ascertain in broad terms what nature conservation and biodiversity issues or requirements may be generated by the existing character of the site in the context of the local planning authority policy and the scheme proposals.