Ecology

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To ensure that the ecological value of the site is conserved and enhanced maintaining biodiversity and protecting existing natural habitats.

Read the background on Ecology

Question 5.1

Objective

To determine the ecological value of the habitats in and around the site in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity and protect existing natural habitats.

Importance: Importance

Question

Has an ecological survey been carried out, by a qualified ecologist, to examine habitats in and around the site and migration routes across the site?

Targets and Justification

Best
As good practice with strategy for enhancements (see PPS 9)
Good
Ecological survey undertaken; strategy drawn up to avoid damage or destruction of ecologically valuable features; where damage/destruction is unavoidable (& this is agreed by the LPA) a mitigation plan to ensure no net loss of features has been prepared
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard for minimum required

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Question 5.2

Objective

To improve and strengthen the ecological value of the site and existing habitats.

Importance: Importance

Question

Will there be an increase in important or valued habitats identified in the LBAP or BAP, LHAP or HAP either by area or increased ecological value of the habitat (as assessed by an ecologist), or support for a species identified in the LBAP or BAP?

Targets and Justification

Best
Yes for more than one habitat or species LBAP/BAP or LHAP/HAP, as assessed by a qualified ecologist)
Good
Yes for one habitat or species identified in the LBAP/BAP or LHAP/HAP, as assessed by a qualified ecologist
Minimum
No set minimum standard

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Question 5.3

Objective

To improve the ecological value of the site and support the viability of species by linking populations and habitats.

Importance: Importance

Question

Will any new wildlife corridors be created to link habitats within the site or link to habitats outside the development?

Targets and Justification

Best
Links to more than 2
Good
Link to 2 habitats
Minimum
Internal to site only

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Question 5.4

Objective

To ensure that the trees and shrubs that are specified contribute to the ecological value of the site.

Importance: ImportanceImportance

Question

Has a mixture of appropriate locally occurring native trees and shrubs been specified?

Targets and Justification

Best
>90% native and as specified in LBAP or HAP with a long term management plan
Good
60-90% native
Minimum
See local authority minimum standard

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Development sizes

The checklist has been split into three different versions for different sizes of development:

Small
Up to 10 dwellings
Medium
11 - 999 dwellings
Up to 999 dwellings (mixed use)
Large
1,000 - 5,999 dwellings
1,000 - 5,999 dwellings (mixed)

If the development is for more than 6,000 houses, we recommend a bespoke checklist should be produced by the developer and local authority.

The set of questions for smaller developments is contained within the set of questions for larger developments.