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Ecology in planning & development
Ecology in planning & development
Professional ecological solutions for your project - to brief, on time and to budget.
We can help you to achieve your planning consents. Planning permission has never been refused, to our knowledge, on ecological grounds when a client has followed our advice.
The earlier you involve ecology in your project, the greater the gains you can make in terms of lower costs and a better ecological solution. For an initial guide take a look at our 8 tips on saving money on ecology.
We deal with all ecology planning issues, Ecological Impact Assessments , input to master planning, protected species surveys and licence applications, and liaise with the relevant regulatory bodies eg, Natural England, on your behalf.
All of our ecologists are professionally trained and have membership of IEEM, our industry body.
We project manage large teams of field surveyors for infrastructure and major developments.
Alongside our sister contracting company, Thomson Habitats, we can provide you with a complete ecology solution, from start to finish.
Nationwide coverage and beyond from our regional offices:
London, the south east and abroad: +44 (0)1483 466000
Wales and the south west: 02920 020674
Scotland and the north: 0113 247 3780
For more advice give us a call or let us call you…
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Greenhithe Marina
The proposal to develop a new deepwater marina at Greenhithe on the south bank of the Thames looked under threat when the nationally scarce and fully protected aquatic polychaete worm, Alkmaria romijni, was discovered. The regulatory authorities objected to the development and requested that detailed aquatic biological surveys be undertaken. Thomson Ecology were commissioned. We advised that, along with other ecological mitigation measures, the marina should be located 25-30m further off-shore than its original location to reduce the risk of disturbance.The authorities agreed and the objection was removed.
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Land Securities
Thomson Ecology has been commissioned to advise on ecology and to carry out ecology surveys for the 700 acre Lodge Hill site in Chattenden, Kent. By bringing in ecological consultants at the start, Land Securities is able to build biodiversity into the Lodge Hill masterplan. We have carried out a wide range of wildlife surveys on the site and as a result have been able to make recommendations that have been incorporated into the development proposals. Ecological Management Plans are also being created to minimise disruption to any protected species found on site.
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Scottish and Southern Energy
Scottish and Southern Energy were undertaking extensions to their Coal Fired Generating Station near Warrington. Thomson Ecology was commissioned to help with the ecological aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment. We found that great crested newts were breeding in waterbodies located near to the site. Without appropriate ecological mitigation, there could be a risk of killing and injuring them (a criminal act which can carry a maximum fine of £5000 per great crested newt). Appropriate ecological mitigation for the proposed works was planned and a licence was granted. Over one hundred newts were found.
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BREEAM for schools
Thomson Ecology are helping schools to achieve credits under the BREEAM Education assessment criteria. Appointed by Ramboll UK, our ecologists have been assessing a number of schools in the London area. We assess schools, hospitals, commercial and residential property under the BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes assessments. By following the advice of our ecologists, a client is able to maximize their ecology credits.
Thomson's wildlife
on site handbook
All you need to know about ecology and development - in a single, clear and concise book.
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Survey calendar
A useful guide as to when surveys for the different protected species can take place.
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Mitigation calendar
Find out when you can mitigate for different protected species and habitats.
sign up here…
Ask Thomson
“Do I need to undertake ecological surveys before I apply for planning permission?”
“How can I avoid undertaking extensive ecological surveys and mitigation?”
“How much time should I allow in my project programme for ecology surveys to be completed?”
“If the planning authority has not asked for any biodiversity surveys, do I still have to do them?”
For help with your project please give us a call or we can contact you:
