Ecology Survey for Planning
We ensure full compliance with UK ecological legislation, including the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, by carrying out surveys to the highest professional standards. Every report is written individually NOT template generated and is tailored to meet the needs of our clients, including homeowners, developers, architects, planning consultants and local authorities, ensuring clear guidance and strong planning outcomes for every project.
From £699
Ecology Survey for planning Application
Ecology Survey and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal from £899
The most common Ecology survey for planning application. The survey identifies and map different habitat types and key features and assess the potential presence of protected and notable species. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal compares Phase 1 Habitat Survey data with the desk study and assesses a site's ecological value, identifies potential ecological constraints for development and recommends further surveys of protected species if required.
Biodiversity Net Gain Calculation from £899
Biodiversity net gain calculation will be mandatory ecology survey for planning application for all sites from April 2024. The calculation provides a metric of existing biodiversity and methodology of increasing a secure measurable net gain of at least 10% and maintaining it for at least 30 years.
Landscape Environmental And Enhancement Plan from £699
The primary purpose of a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) is to determine whether a proposed development is likely to have a significant effect on a protected European site, such as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA). As such, any plan or project that could impact these sites must undergo assessment under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). If a likely significant effect cannot be ruled out, the competent authority must undertake an Appropriate Assessment to evaluate potential impacts and identify necessary mitigation to ensure the integrity of the site is maintained.
Landscape and Ecological Management Plan from £699
A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) is produced to set out how newly created, enhanced or retained habitats will be managed in the long term to secure sustainable ecological benefits for a site following development. It provides a structured management framework ensuring that landscaping, biodiversity measures and habitat features are delivered, maintained and monitored in accordance with planning requirements and best practice. In doing so, a LEMP supports compliance with the Environment Act 2021, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and relevant local planning policies relating to ecological enhancement and long-term stewardship of green infrastructure.
Biodiversity Enhancement Plan from £699
A Biodiversity Enhancement Plan (BEP) outlines how a development will increase ecological value through targeted habitat creation, enhancement and provision of species-specific features. Its purpose is to demonstrate measurable biodiversity improvements beyond baseline conditions, setting out what enhancements will be delivered, where they will be located, and how they will be installed, monitored and maintained. A BEP typically accompanies planning applications where ecological uplift is required or encouraged under the Environment Act 2021 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), supporting decision-makers in ensuring the scheme achieves meaningful gains for wildlife and contributes to wider landscape-scale biodiversity recovery.
What Ecology Survey do I require for the planning application?
The specific requirements for your planning application depend on local planning regulations, the nature of your project, and the ecological characteristics of your site. Usually you will be asked for one of below or combination of all:
- Ecological Habitat Survey and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA): The PEA is often the initial step in the process. It assesses the site’s current ecological conditions, identifying potential ecological constraints or opportunities. This assessment is crucial in determining the need for more comprehensive ecological surveys.
- Specialist Surveys: Depending on the findings from the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, you may need specialised surveys for particular species, like bats, badgers, great crested newts, or other protected species. These surveys help assess these species’ presence and potential impact on the proposed development.
- Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA): An HRA is required for developments that may impact European protected sites, including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). This assessment evaluates whether the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on these designated sites. Where risks are identified, a more detailed Appropriate Assessment may be required to determine mitigation and ensure legal compliance under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment: BNG is a planning requirement that ensures new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before. The assessment involves using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric to calculate habitat losses and gains, based on UKHab classifications and condition assessments. It includes pre- and post-development habitat mapping and measurable enhancements. As of April 2024, BNG is mandatory for most development types under the Environment Act 2021, and must demonstrate at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity to secure planning permission.
If you are in doubt contact our friendly team to help you in what ecology survey and report do you need and get your planning consent!
What is the cost of Ecology survey for planning?
As per above it largely depends on required services. Our prices starting at £749, all associated fees included. Our services are not subject for VAT, so no added no extra costs. However, if you have more complex site and require different surveys, it is best to speak with us, and we will get back to you within the same day. We are confident that your planning application won’t be refused following our advice. If so we money-back guarantee on all ecology survey and reports.
What they say about us
Why Us?
Fastest in the industry
We book you for the first available site visit within 7 days (if possible). We will request Biodiversity data imediately after the instruction and your proposal drawings, so we will be able to deliver you the report within 10 days after the tree survey. This speed makes us the fastest Environmental Practice in the UK! If we require further clarification, we try to address it prior to the visit so we know potential constraints.
Guaranteed Planning Approval
After we send you the report, you can submit it to the Planning Portal of your LPA. If you have any questions, we provide you with project management support. When the report is submitted, approval can take up to 8 weeks for LPA. We are confident that our reports will guarantee you the planning consent, and as we p, provide a full money-back guarantee to all our reports. Our job is to ensure that your proposal is acceptable in arboricultural terms and that you will receive a positive response to your planning consent.
Fully insured
We have full insurance for up to £ 5 million, with Professional Indemnity, Public Liability of £1 million, and Employee Liability of up to £5 million. We are still humans, and in case we miss something, you can always contact us and file a dispute. However, our aim is to never change this status.