If you are buying land to develop, there are a wide variety of things you should do before putting down an offer. This includes conducting an ecology survey, the results of which could dictate the way in which you can use the land moving forward.
What Are Ecology Surveys?
Ecology surveys are legal reports that discuss the impact that proposed developments may have on wildlife and biodiversity within a specific area. This allows planning authorities to give the green light (or block) potential development projects, depending on both the results of the study and steps the developer is taking to prevent harm and damage.
They provide a general outline of habitats, wildlife and biodiversity, focusing primarily on potentially protected species. This includes bats, badgers, dormice and otters, among others.
They are often paired with biodiversity net gain assessments, which are designed to highlight how developers will ensure biodiversity present on a specific site is measurably better upon the completion of a project. Both are a legal requirement within the UK.
Why Are Ecology Surveys Required?
Ecology surveys are required as we all have a role to play in protecting the environment, and this duty extends to protecting species, habitats and biodiversity at large. Furthermore, it’s also a legal obligation, per the Environment Act (2021), Natural Environment and the Rural Communities Act (2006) alongside local regulations and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Ecology Survey?
Completing projects without first submitting the survey means you may be causing irreparable damage to the local environment, and you may face legal repercussions.
The amount of time that an ecological survey is valid for can vary depending on a variety of circumstances; it is often dependent on the initial results of the report. In some cases, they are required annually, or whenever new projects are conducted on the land.
What Else Do I Need?
If you’re about to start breaking ground on a project, you’ll need a range of licences in addition to a detailed and up-to-date ecology survey. This ensures that you are ticking all the right boxes, while protecting both the environment and your best interests. For example, you may also need a district level licence or a variety of mitigation licences.
Ecology Surveys from Greenlight Environmental Consultancy
Don’t wait until you’ve bought the land to complete an ecological survey. Doing so could mean that you’ve invested a lot of money into buying a plot that you simply cannot use as desired; resulting in money flushed down the drain.
Furthermore, completing these surveys and obtaining the relevant legislations ahead of time means you can complete your project quickly and effectively.
Not sure where to start? The experienced Greenlight team are here to help. We have over a decade of experience helping developers kickstart their projects as quickly as possible, all while putting the environment first. Get in touch today to find out more, or to ask any questions you may have.
