Do I need to undertake ecological surveys before I apply for planning permission?

Category: Ecology in Planning and Development

Do I need to undertake ecological surveys before I apply for planning permission?

All of the recent guidance produced by the Government states that where ecological surveys are needed, they should be undertaken before a planning application is made and submitted with the planning application. This applies to all of the ecological surveys, including protected species surveys.

The guidance also states that undertaking ecological surveys should not be subject to a planning condition or section 106 agreements.  This is because the planning authority must take into account the presence of protected species when determining the planning application.

If you decide to make an application without submitting the ecological survey reports, you may find that your application is not validated, or becomes the subject of a planning inquiry or a judicial review.

If you need further help or advice, please give us a call on 01483 466000.