Everything you need to know

Normally yes, current planning policy requires a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment (BNG) to be supplied with the initial application (or at the latest during the Determination period) to show that the proposed development does not have an adverse impact on nature and that a net gain for biodiversity will be achieved. 

For very small schemes such as a house extension or loft conversion, the Local Authority may be happy with a simple bat survey report. 

We can review the project details and existing ecological information such as reports, and advise on whether there is a way forward. Sometimes a solution can be found and we can help the project to proceed. At other times, it will save money and time to go back to the drawing board. It is always a good idea to get the advice of an ecologist at the earliest stage of a project, to avoid abortive costs. We will provide pragmatic, practical and commercially aware advice.