Advice to Planning Authorities

Planning authorities have a number of roles and responsibilities, including statutory duties, to protect and enhance biodiversity. Baker Shepherd Gillespie has a long history of working for planning authorities throughout the UK and helping them to meet their biodiversity targets. Our work has included:

• Preparation of guidelines for the selection of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).

• Development of local wildlife site selection criteria.

• Expert witness evidence at public inquiry to support planning approvals and refusals.

• Appropriate assessment of planning applications and planning documents, such as regional spatial strategies.

• Provision of in-house advice to planning control departments.

• Preparation of nature conservation strategies and site management plans.

• Preparation of Local Biodiversity Action Plans and BAP implementation plans.

• Survey and assessment of potential development site allocations within the local development framework.

• Training on protected species.

Through this work BSG has developed a close working relationship with many local authorities and has gained a reputation for providing effective and high quality input.