SoEcology Ltd provides the necessary ecological surveys to support planning applications. This includes, but is not limited to:
When undertaking UK Habitat Classification surveys, we ensure that the necessary information is attained to establish the sites biodiversity baseline, so that Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric 3.0 or The Small Sites Metric calculation can be accurately undertaken, which are increasingly becoming a requirement in planning.
The Environment Bill received Royal Assent in November 2021 and is now the Environment Act 2021. Under Schedule 14 of the Act Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory condition for planning applications, with most developments required to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity (Please note that homeowner extension projects are exempt from this requirement). The Act will become mandatory at the end of 2023 following a two-year transitionary period, however, despite the transitionary period, developments are already being requested to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity using a Natural England Metric as a condition. Subsequently, it is advised that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is considered early in the planning process and considered within the design stages of the development. SoEcology Ltd can provide BNG Feasibility Assessments before designs are drawn up and provide BNG Design Stage Reports alongside Ecological Impact Assessment reports. On completion of a development, we can also provide a BNG Audit survey and report.
SoEcology has extensive experience producing the necessary ecology reports to accompany planning applications or post planning requirements (see Ecology & Planning). The appropriate report for accompanying a planning application is an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Report*.
*Ecology reports to support planning applications have had many names you may be familiar with, such as 'Preliminary Ecological Appraisal'. These reports are still accepted by Local Planning Authorities but aren't best practice. The professional body that represents and supports ecologists, named the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) no longer considers such reports suitable for planning submission. Ecological Impact Assessments are now the standard report for planning applications. They are adapted to be proportionate to the scale of each project and provide a stronger assessment of potential ecological effects and opportunities for biodiversity enhancements.