Griffin Ecology Ltd.

As we develop into the countryside we are acquiring space currently occupied by wildlife. Our laws require us to share that space, avoiding damaging the larger picture for wildlife. We frequently, in fact almost daily have enquiries from planning consultants and individuals who have hit problems because this has not been fully understood. A bat survey alone does not constitute a proper understanding of the ecology of a site. For this reason if a planned development is likely to encroach on such a space it is probable the LPA will require evidence that the site’s biodiversity has been thoroughly studied by a suitably qualified ecologist and any and all potential impacts on the biodiversity of the site have been identified. Where those impacts may affect protected species effective mitigation measures are shown to have been planned to protect them. Not every LPA is up to date in this respect and often have limited budgets for ecology which often adds to the confusion. However they will have access to data records which will highlight sightings of protected species in the area. A record of a sighting of a protected species not mentioned in an application will probably stall the application process. Furthermore, for new developments it is now required that proposed development includes measures that will result in a “Net Gain” to the biodiversity of the site. To avoid disruption of the progress of planning applications it is highly recommended that a properly qualified ecologist is consulted in the early stages of the process. We can offer the proper support to inform an application and can often offer innovative yet practical solutions for mitigating the impacts of a development that will benefit all parties concerned. For many of those clients that are contacting us in trouble, it would certainly have been a more cost effective path to follow.