Protected Species
Many animals and some plants are legally protected and presence of some species on a development site can have significant implications for project timings and costs. Many protected species are quite widespread and commonly encountered during development, even on apparently ordinary urban sites.
From April 2008 it will be mandatory for planning applications to include detailed information on biodiversity (including protected species) on, adjacent to or near development sites. If protected species are likely to be affected, it may need to be shown that alternative designs / locations have been considered, adverse effects would been avoided where possible, unavoidable impacts mitigated for or reduced and those that cannot would be adequately compensated.
Our expert consultants hold licenses to survey all the major UK protected species and can advise you not only on survey requirements but - crucially - on the implications for your scheme, if protected species prove to be present.