Ecology report

When is one required?

An ecology report should be submitted with:

• all major applications
• non-major applications (including listed building consent) where demolition is proposed
• applications for development (including householder applications) affecting the following: 
  • woodland
  • parkland and mature trees
  • watercourses and other aquatic habitat
  • underground structures (for example caves and cellars)
  • derelict buildings or land 

What must it include?

The ecology report/survey must provide us with the information we need to assess the application against Policy SD9 (Biodiversity and Geodiversity) of the Joint Core Strategy. If the report/survey identifies the need for additional surveys, then those too must be carried out and submitted for the application to be validated. 

The surveys and associated report must comply with the British Standard for Biodiversity (GS42020). The ecological baseline should include an up-to-date desktop search of protected habitats and species on and near the site. There also needs to be an evaluation of ecological features and an assessment of the significance of effects arising from the impacts of the development.