Ecology services for planning applications

Proportionate ecological assessment and advice to identify constraints, inform site design and provide the evidence needed to support planning applications.

We work with project teams from early feasibility through to submission, helping clients understand what is required and plan the ecological work around the wider development programme.

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Establishing the ecological requirements

Ecology can influence whether a site is suitable for development, how proposals should be designed and what information a planning authority will expect to see. Early assessment helps identify important habitats, protected species risks and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements before they become sources of delay or redesign.

Croft Ecology provides planning-focused advice that is clear, defensible and proportionate to the scale and potential effects of the development.

Our planning ecology services

  • A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, or PEA, is often the starting point for understanding the ecological value of a site.

    It typically includes a desk study, habitat survey and assessment of the potential for protected and notable species. The resulting report identifies ecological constraints, opportunities and any further surveys or mitigation that may be required.

    A PEA can help:

    • Establish the ecological baseline

    • Identify planning and legal constraints

    • Inform the proposed site layout

    • Determine whether further surveys are needed

    • Provide initial mitigation and enhancement advice

    • Support a planning application

  • Most qualifying developments in England must demonstrate a measurable improvement in biodiversity compared with the pre-development baseline.

    We undertake Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the statutory biodiversity metric and advise project teams on practical ways to meet their obligations.

    Our services can include:

    • Baseline habitat assessment

    • Habitat condition assessments

    • Statutory biodiversity metric calculations

    • Review of proposed landscaping and habitat creation

    • Advice on avoiding or reducing biodiversity losses

    • On-site and off-site delivery strategies

    • Biodiversity Gain Plans

    • Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans

    Where possible, we work with the design team early so that Biodiversity Net Gain is incorporated into the proposal rather than treated as a late-stage calculation.

  • Larger, more complex or ecologically sensitive developments may require a detailed Ecological Impact Assessment.

    An Ecological Impact Assessment considers how a proposal may affect important habitats, species and designated sites. It sets out appropriate measures to avoid, mitigate or compensate for significant effects and identifies opportunities for ecological enhancement.

    The scope is tailored to the project and informed by the available baseline surveys.

  • Ecological requirements do not always end when the initial report has been completed. We can respond to planning authority comments, review revised designs and provide further information where ecological matters arise during determination.

    This may include:

    • Reviewing consultation responses

    • Preparing technical notes or addenda

    • Updating reports following design changes

    • Liaising with the project team

    • Advising on ecological planning conditions

    • Supporting responses to requests for further information

  • Ecological advice can be most valuable before a site layout has been fixed.

    We can review emerging proposals and advise on matters such as:

    • Retaining valuable habitats

    • Protecting trees, hedgerows and watercourses

    • Appropriate ecological buffers

    • Habitat connectivity

    • Lighting and sensitive species

    • Biodiversity Net Gain implications

    • Opportunities for enhancement

    This early input can reduce the need for redesign and help create a proposal that is more likely to receive support through the planning process.

A proportionate approach

Not every development requires the same level of ecological work.

A small extension, barn conversion, housing development and commercial scheme will each present different risks and planning requirements. We review the site, proposals and available information before recommending an appropriate scope.

Where further surveys may be required, we explain:

  • What work is needed

  • Why it is needed

  • When it can be undertaken

  • How it may affect the project programme

  • What the likely next steps will be

This allows clients to make informed decisions and avoid commissioning unnecessary work.

Supporting projects across the planning process

Croft Ecology works with planning consultants, architects, developers, landowners and local authorities across the Midlands and central England. Our team supports projects from initial assessment through to detailed surveys, planning submission, condition discharge and implementation.

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