BSG Ecology has an established track record in the provision of evidence and the role of expert witness to public inquiries, planning hearings and examinations in public. We have also provided evidence at court cases concerning land value arbitration. Seven members of our team have acted as expert witnesses across a range of ecological disciplines, and we have led the ecological inputs to over 25 public inquiries, hearings, examinations in public and court cases.
Expert Witness Capability
Our team combines wide-ranging consultancy experience with technical knowledge and expertise that enables BSG Ecology to provide appropriate support in a wide variety of circumstances. Our expertise is regularly called upon for wind farms at the appeal stage including where we have not been previously involved in the survey and ecological impact assessment work. Client engagement in this regard is a reflection of BSG Ecology’s high reputation and acknowledged experience in this particular area.
We have provided expert witness services to projects including:
- Wind farm developments
- Road schemes (local and trunk road)
- New airports
- Major urban extensions
- Retail development
- Local Development Plan allocations
- Local Waste Plan allocations
- Mineral extraction
- Private single house developments
- Criminal prosecutions
- Land valuation arbitration
Our clients include the private, commercial and local authority sectors and we have worked with a number of solicitors and chambers. The cases in which we have been involved cover a wide range of subjects and impacts, although we have seen an upsurge recently in the number of wind farm appeals, particularly those involving detailed consideration of bats and turbines. A sample of other subjects include:
- Nitrogen deposition and shading impacts on internationally important sites (nightjar, raised mires and open water wetland)
- Loss of habitat from internationally important sites including SACs
- Disturbance effects from increased visitor pressure on internationally designated sites
- Impacts on many biotic groups including plants, bats, badger, water vole, reptiles, great crested newt, otter, dormouse, breeding and wintering birds
- Impacts on non-statutory designated sites and habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity
Consultancy Services
Our team has experience in the full process of providing expert witness services to public inquiries and examinations in public including:
- Appraisal of the ecology case
- Attendance of conferences with the inquiry team, client and counsel
- Preparation of written representations and proofs of evidence
- Preparation of cross-examination notes for counsel
- Preparation of detailed papers on specialist subjects
- Drafting of Statements of Common Ground
- Preparation of rebuttal proofs
- Preparation and presentation of oral evidence
- Preparation and presentation of evidence to court proceedings.
Our approach always involves support from other senior consultants within BSG Ecology. This ensures that we are able to thoroughly test our arguments and opinion during the preparation of written material, as well in advance of presentation in public to ensure that we are fully prepared, in what we know can be a challenging and adversarial process.
Project examples can be provided on request.
Contact
Key contacts from relevant offices are provided below for further help and advice:
Newcastle: 0191 3506292
Steve Betts
Alan Salkilld
Derbyshire: 01433 651869
Kirsty Kirkham
Guy Miller
Philippa Harvey
Oxford: 01865 883833
Dr Peter Shepherd
Helen Evriviades
Dr Jim Fairclough
Monmouth: 01600 891576
James Gillespie
Anna Gundrey
Swansea: 01792 363026
Owain Gabb
James Gillespie
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