Developers, architects & builders

Before making detailed plans to develop a site, or prior to carrying out any building or demolition works, you must consider what (if any) protected species might be present on the site, or close by.  For example, ask yourself whether the development will displace a species, either temporarily or permanently.  Is there any risk of a protected animal being killed or disturbed whilst breeding, or damage being done to its breeding site?

Survey & species protection plan

If you know the area supports protected species, arrange for an ecological survey to be carried out over the area.  This survey should be done at the appropriate time of year for the species concerned and may need to follow particular methodologies.  Also, a licence may be needed by those carrying out the survey.  The survey report should include ways to mitigate unavoidable damage or disturbance and suggest ideas to compensate for any losses.  The report should also identify any licensing requirements which might enable the work to be done in spite of the presence of protected species.

Protected species & local planning authorities

Local planning authorities must consider protected species, particularly European protected species, during the planning application procedure.  Your planning officer will be aware about common protected species and the law and may ask you for supplementary information on their presence before processing your planning application.