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Otter licences - Development

If otters are likely to be found in a site proposed for development (for instance, along a watercourse where buildings are proposed close to the river bank), then it is strongly recommended that you have an otter survey undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced person.  If otters, their holts, couches or other places of shelter are found then the surveyor should identify what impact the development might have on otters.

Wherever possible these impacts should be avoided or minimised.  However, if they can't be avoided and the development might otherwise result in an offence being committed, than a licence would be necessary to be able to proceed.  Licences to permit development can only be granted subject to strict tests being met. 

It should also be noted that planning authorities are required to consider the same strict tests as the licensing authority when considering any planning permission that might affect bats or any other protected species, so it pays to make sure that a good survey and protection plan is drawn up at the planning stage.  Surveys should be carried out according to best practice to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays in addressing licence and planning applications.