Did you know that any sort of development project will require a series of checks and surveys to highlight any issues that could impact the safety of the project, or affect the surrounding environment?
One of the key checks you may need while planning a development project is a reptile check. If you’re planning to build in an area where there are reptile habitats present, such as snakes or lizards, then these checks can ensure your project meets the legal requirements to protect their habitats.
But when do you need a reptile survey, and why are they important? We explain all in our handy guide.
What Is A Reptile Survey?
A reptile survey is a type of development survey that will assess the proposed development site and confirm whether there are reptiles present. The survey will also determine whether steps need to be taken to protect the reptile habitats and populations. The results of the survey will be published in planning applications taken to local authorities, and approvals may be impacted by the findings.
Why Are They Important?
With just six species of reptile in the UK, it’s important that they are protected. Reptile surveys are important because they can help identify populations of reptiles in and around the proposed development site, and help developers put the necessary protections in place.
Reptiles are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as well as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and it is an offence to either deliberately kill, injure or disturb them, as well as damage or destroy their breeding sites and nesting places.
Why Do I Need A Reptile Survey?
A reptile survey can be vital for informing decisions about planning permission for specific types of development projects. If the development is likely to take place in a reptile habitat, or evidence of reptile habitation has been uncovered in initial ecological surveys, then a reptile survey can provide further information to the local authorities that will decide whether the development can go ahead.
When Do I Need A Reptile Survey?
If your development project is taking place in an area where reptiles may be present, then you’ll need a reptile survey to confirm their presence and provide the necessary mitigations. The best time to carry out a reptile survey is when reptiles are at their most active, which is between March and October in the UK. April, May and September as the peak times for carrying out a reptile survey as they tend to be more visible at this time while they make the most of the sun. You should factor this time into your development project timeline to ensure you’re not left waiting to carry out your survey.
Whether you’re planning a domestic or commercial development project, a reptile survey can help you get the approval you need to continue with your development successfully. At Greenlight, we provide reptile surveys in addition to other ecology, arboriculture and landscape surveys to help aid planning applications, while protecting the environment.
Using the latest technology to inform our findings, we provide a professional and cost-effective service to meet your needs.Contact us today for more information or to schedule a reptile survey for your development project.
