SoEcology Ltd provides the necessary ecological surveys to support planning applications. This includes, but is not limited to:
UKHabitat Classification
Habitat condition assessment required for Statutory Biodiversity Metric
This survey is either undertaken as part of a Phase 1 survey or can be all that is required e.g. homeowner renovation project with no habitat loss anticipated
The Preliminary survey effort, including PRAs are not always sufficient for planning and may identify the need for further protected species surveys before submitting.
SoEcology Ltd has been using Infra-Red equipment on all roosting bat surveys since 2021. Sophie is a level 2 class licence holder and can undertake endoscopic inspections.
As a level 1 class licence holder for great crested newt, Sophie can undertake population surveys. Sophie is also experienced in undertaking Phase 2 surveys for other UK protected species.
Sophie is a level 2 class licence holder for bats and bat Earned Recognition AL1 accredited and thus, can write-up bat mitigation licences and undertake the destructive search works.
Sophie can also undertake Ecological Clerks of Works (ECoW) for other protected species.
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*.
Depending on the scale and nature of the development SoEcology Ltd will include within an EcIA report the Statutory Biodiversity Metric/Small Site Metric baseline results and appropriate mitigation and compensation measures to achieve 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), when required as part of a planning application. However, in some cases it is more appropriate to provide a separate BNG Design 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 enhancements.
The Environment Bill received Royal Assent in November 2021 and is now the Environment Act 2021. Under Schedule 14 of the Act, BNG is a mandatory condition for planning applications, with most developments required to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity (Please note that homeowner projects are exempt from this requirement). The Act became mandatory for both small and large developments from 2nd April 2024.
SoEcology Ltd populates Biodiversity Metrics and can provide BNG Feasibility Assessments before designs are finalised. It is advised that an Ecologist is instructed as early in the design process as possible to undertake a Feasibility Assessment, as they can advise on how 10% BNG can be achieved on-site (if possible) or at least maximise BNG on-site to avoid off-site compensation costs.
SoEcology Ltd can produce BNG Design Stage Reports alongside Ecological Impact Assessment reports and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP). It is important that it can be proven that BNG requirements can be met at the planning stage, which is what is achieved with a BNG Design Stage Report or where BNG information is incorporated within an EcIA (where appropriate). HMMPs tend to be requested as part of a planning condition.
On completion of a development, we can provide a BNG Audit survey and report, as and when specified within the approved HMMP.
SoEcology Ltd does not undertake nutrient neutrality calculations and reports, however, we are happy to work alongside water quality specialists in the design of on-site mitigation options. Such collaboration between disciplines is encouraged as water quality mitigation can influence the Statutory Biodiversity Metric/Small Sites Metric results.