Overview
BSG Ecology supports clients from initial site appraisal, through fieldwork and baseline survey, detailed site assessment, ecological impact assessment, implementation of planning conditions to ensuring that protected species are not harmed as a site is built out.
We work closely with the client team, Local Planning Authorities and other key stakeholders to retain and integrate natural assets into development; often an essential step towards achieving planning consent.
We have a proven understanding of legislation and good practice guidance, requirements for mitigation including protected species licencing and Public Inquiry expert witness experience. This means that we can effectively scope likely survey and assessment requirements to ensure that ecology work is appropriate and proportionate to the likely effects of the scheme.
Key Areas Of Expertise Within This Sector Include:
- Proactive engagement with the master-planning process, often working within multi-disciplinary teams. We have extensive experience of problem solving, dealing with complex protected species licencing issues, providing practical advice and project delivery.
- Detailed assessment of impacts upon European Sites as part of the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) process. The service includes collection of baseline survey data, screening reports, and shadow Appropriate Assessment for plans and projects that include major infrastructure developments and LPA Core Strategies.
- Delivery of biodiversity gain assessment requirements, including use of the Defra metric, to comply with local policies and the upcoming Environment Bill.