How can I avoid undertaking extensive ecological surveys and mitigation?

Category: Ecology in Planning and Development

How can I avoid undertaking extensive ecological surveys and mitigation?


The simplest answer is to choose the right site for development.

A site with low biodiversity interest will mean that fewer surveys and less mitigation are required.  For example, intensively managed agricultural land or land that has already been developed may have lower biodiversity interest than sites with woodland, wetland and unmanaged grassland.

On sites that do have some biodiversity interest, it should still be possible to reduce the requirements for mitigation by carefully designing the layout of the development so that the areas with highest biodiversity interest are maintained.

One note of caution is that protected species can turn up in some surprising places, so getting the advice of an ecologist at all stages of the development process is important.

Do give us a call if we can be of further assistance. Tel. 01483 466000