This is a free online tool for householders and small to medium-scale developers who want to undertake a development project to check whether they will need expert ecological advice before submitting a planning application or carrying out work under Permitted Development Rights. This tool does cover developments classed as ‘small sites’ and ‘major’ under Biodiversity Net Gain but is not intended for large development projects where formal Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are required according to EIA regulations. This tool is also not intended for householders carrying out small-scale repair or maintenance projects (or pest control) that do not require planning permission. In this scenario, and if you are concerned that the work could impact bats, you can find advice here: Getting personalised advice – I’m working on a building with bats – Bat Conservation Trust.
Introduction
Local planning authorities have a statutory duty, according to UK and EU legislation and policy, to consider the potential impacts of a development on protected and priority species, habitats and statutory designated sites, such as Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSIs), that are protected by law.
The Wildlife Assessment Check considers whether there are any protected and priority wildlife species and statutory designated sites that may be impacted by a development project. It will enable users to undertake a simple check at the pre-planning application stage, before a planning application is submitted. This will help clarify for applicants and planners whether a proposed site needs professional ecological advice and further assessment.
Aims
The key aims of the Wildlife Assessment Check are to:
- Ensure protected and priority species and statutory designated sites for nature conservation are considered early in the planning process
- Ensure professional ecological input is sought at an early stage of a development project
- Ensure necessary ecological assessments are carried out and submitted as part of a planning application
Benefits
The key benefits are for:
Check out our How to Guide which explains the tool in more detail.
NOTE: It is important for users to note that the Wildlife Assessment Check is for guidance only. It is not designed to replace the judgement of a qualified professional ecologist about the potential wildlife impact of a development project. It has been developed for local authorities who have more limited in-house ecological capacity. Applicants should consult their local authority ecologist where they are present, to ensure that a proposed new or permitted development does not require an ecological appraisal.
No responsibility can be accepted for any loss, damage or unsatisfactory results arising from the implementation of any guidance provided by the Wildlife Assessment Checklist.
The tool uses national species maps and triggers that do not always pick up local species data. In addition, although certain natural habitats are associated to protected and priority species, the tool does not hold information on ‘priority habitats’ (such as rivers, hedgerows and ancient woodlands) or Local Wildlife Sites that may need to be considered in terms of ecological impact. So we would always advise that applicants and ecological consultants seek additional information from the local environmental record centre and Local Wildlife Groups, as well as consider conducting a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
The Wildlife Assessment Check tool has been reviewed by the Partnership for Biodiversity in Planning and refined with feedback from users. We will continue to monitor the tool to ensure it is up to date and continue to welcome user feedback.
More about: How to guide | Frequently Asked Questions | Species guidance notes | Spatial data credits
Survey effort
The best time for a survey often depends on the habitat and the specific signs being sought. For example, gnaw marks and felled trees can be surveyed year-round, but lodges and dams are more easily observed when vegetation is less dense, typically through winter. Surveying beaver burrows is difficult because they are hard to find and map out completely. It’s important for these surveys to take into account the water levels, as this affects how well burrows can be seen and accessed. It should always be assumed that every single burrow will not be found.
Beaver territories are known for having a central area where they gather food, and the signs of their presence, like the types of structures they build, change with the seasons and over years.
Since beavers can quickly build new lodges and burrows, surveys need to be done close to when work in their habitat is planned and should be repeated right before the work starts to make sure the most current information is available.
