Ecology

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To ensure that the ecological value of the site is conserved and enhanced maintaining biodiversity and protecting existing natural habitats which can contribute to and enhance the amenity of the area.

Read the background on Ecology

Ref: 52

Question 5.1

Objective

To determine the ecological value of the habitats in and around the site in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity and protect existing natural habitats.

Importance: Importance

Question

Will a full ecological survey be carried out, by a qualified ecologist, to examine habitats in and around the site and migration routes across the site?

Targets and Justification

Best
As good practice with strategy for enhancements (see PPS 9)
Good
Survey and mitigations/harm avoidance strategy
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard for minimum required

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Ref: 52
Ref: 53

Question 5.2

Objective

To improve the ecological value of the site and existing habitats.

Importance: ImportanceImportance

Question

Will there be an increase in important or sensitive habitats identified in the local biodiversity action plan (LBAP), either by area or increased ecological value (as assessed by an ecologist) or support for a species identified in the Biodiversity Action Plan?

Targets and Justification

Best
Yes in more than one habitat/species OR no LBAP habitats/species identified
Good
Yes for one habitat or species
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard for minimum required

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Ref: 53
Ref: 54

Question 5.3

Objective

To improve the ecological value of the site and support the viability of species by linking populations and habitats.

Importance: ImportanceImportance

Question

Will any new wildlife corridors be created to link habitats within the site or link to habitats outside the development?

Targets and Justification

Best
Links to more than 2 habitats
Good
Link to 2 habitats
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard for minimum required

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Ref: 54
Ref: 55

Question 5.4

Objective

To ensure that the trees and shrubs that are specified contribute to the ecological value of the site.

Importance: ImportanceImportance

Question

Has a mixture of locally occurring native trees and shrubs been specified?

Targets and Justification

Best
>90% native and as specified in LBAP or HAP
Good
60-90% native
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard for minimum required

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Ref: 55

Development sizes

The checklist has been split into three different versions for different sizes of development:

Small
Up to 10 dwellings
Medium
11 - 999 dwellings
Up to 999 dwellings (mixed use)
Large
1,000 - 5,999 dwellings
1,000 - 5,999 dwellings (mixed)

If the development is for more than 6,000 houses, we recommend a bespoke checklist should be produced by the developer and local authority.

The set of questions for smaller developments is contained within the set of questions for larger developments.