A Local Ecological Record Check (LERC) report contains an analysis of data, acquired from one or more ecological databases, in respect of the protected species and habitats within nominated distances from a potential development site (PDS) or other place of interest.
We have undertaken many analyses of local ecological records associated with development projects, so if you need help with preparing a LERC report for your project, please contact us.
Key Info
- Local or national ecological authorities might demand a report based on a LERC as part of a planning submission.
- Local authorities usually make a charge for supplying data from their databases.
- Some data on highly protected species will only be made available to recognised ecological bodies.
- A LERC will generally be supplemented by an on-site survey (eg, Preliminary Ecological Appraisal) to determine the habitat types present and the local geography to include in the analysis of the LERC data
LERC Report
A LERC report will generally include:
- The source of the data and the date acquired.
- A summary of the relevant data in respect of protected species and habitats.
- An assessment on the likelihood that species included within the LERC data are present within, or make use of, the PDS or site of interest.
- Recommendations, if required, for further species-specific surveys to be conducted.
- General precautions and mitigation measures to be adopted to protect creatures that might be found on, or near to, the PDS or site of interest.
In many instances, the LERC report will be included within the report on an associated on-site survey (eg Phase 1 Habitat survey, Ecological Impact Assessment or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal).
JP Ecological Services 