Planning Support
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is usually the first ecological survey required to support a planning application. The purpose is to identify habitats, assess the potential for protected species, and highlight any ecological constraints that may be impacted by development. Martin has extensive experience carrying out PEAs using the UKHab classification system for projects ranging from small householder developments to larger schemes. The reports provide clear, practical advice to help planners, architects, and developers understand ecological requirements and progress your planning application with confidence.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a key requirement for most planning applications in England, requiring developments to demonstrate at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value. This involves assessing the existing habitats on a site and calculating the biodiversity value of the proposed development using the statutory biodiversity metric. Martin has extensive experience completing BNG assessments and Habitat Condition Assessments for projects of all sizes. The reports provide clear calculations and practical recommendations to help ensure developments meet planning requirements while delivering measurable benefits for biodiversity.
National Vegetation Classification
A National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey provides a detailed assessment of the plant communities present on a site, identifying habitats according to the recognised UK National Vegetation Classification system. These surveys are often required to support planning applications where semi-natural habitats may be impacted by development. Martin has extensive experience undertaking NVC surveys and producing clear, robust reports that help planners and developers understand the ecological value of their site.