Category Archives: Planning

Biodiversity Net Gain Requirements

The targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 set out in the Environment Act 2021 have seen significant focus on and changes to developer’s biodiversity obligations across the UK.

Don’t Pre-empt Planning Permission

The trend to proceed with site clearance ahead of ecological survey is increasing risk, cost, and timelines for development projects and can result in unlimited fines and a prison sentence.

Plan for Biodiversity Net Gain

Experience shows that biodiversity net gain measures cannot be “bolted on” at the end of development work, but must be planned and managed from the outset.

Bats and Development

The presence of bats in a building is unlikely to prevent development but will require good planning, specialist advice and a licence to ensure bats are protected.

Bird Nests & Developers

Bird nests are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, so development projects might need surveys and management activities to protect breeding birds and to avoid breaching the law.

Moths vs Light Pollution

Light pollution is significantly reducing numbers of caterpillars across the UK, so sound artificial lighting policies must be adopted during development projects.

Light Pollution and Nature

Light pollution is now recognised as having significant adverse impacts on humans and wildlife, as well as wasting energy and adding to atmospheric carbon levels.

Pollinators need Woods and Hedgerows

Carefully managed woodland and hedgerow creation could play a vital role in regenerating pollinator populations, alongside the restoration of wildflower meadows and organic farming with mass-flowering crops.

Meadow Assessment – Llanharan

An assessment of the ecological value of old meadows prior to preparing a bid to include the site in the Local Development Plan highlighted potential difficulties with development.