Frequently asked questions

General

  • We will conduct the site visit within 15 working days after a quotation is accepted, and the report will be issued within 15 working days of the site visit.

  • An invoice will be sent when the report is ready to be issued. Once payment is received, the report will be issued.

  • To begin with, you will most likely need a BS8537 survey, Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), and a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment.

    If the PEA identifies the possible presence of protected species on the site, additional protected species surveys will be required. For BNG, government advice states that only a pre-development (baseline) survey is required at the initial planning application stage, however, we are increasingly finding that local planning authorities require a post-development assessment.

Arboriculture and woodlands

    • Existing site plan (showing the red-line boundary; DWG format)

    • Proposed site plan (showing the red-line boundary; DWG format)

    • Topographical survey (optional)

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Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain

  • Ecological survey calendar overview and download link.

  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is mandatory from 12th February 2024. All developments are subject to the BNG requirements, unless they fall under any of these exemptions:

    • The planning application for the development was made before 12th February 2024.

    • The proposed development does not impact a priority habitat and impacts less than 25 m² of on-site habitat.

    • The proposed development does not impact a priority habitat and impacts less than 5 m of linear habitats on-site, such as hedgerows.

    • The planning application is made by a householder and involves a small project such as a home extension, conservatory, or loft conversion.

    • The proposed development consists exclusively of self-built dwellings or custom housebuilding.

    • The proposed development will be undertaken mainly for the purpose of delivering off-site BNG units for another development.

    • The proposed development forms a part of the high-speed railway transport network.

    • The proposed development is an urgent crown development.

    • The proposed development has been granted planning permission by a development order.

  • Pre-development (baseline) BNG assessment:

    • Existing site plan (showing the red-line boundary; in DWG format)

    Post-development assessment:

    • Existing site plan (showing the red-line boundary; in DWG format)

    • Proposed site/landscape plan that details what habitats will be created and enhanced (showing the red-line boundary; in DWG format)