Check if a development proposal affects ecology or biodiversity

Except for some smaller developments or householder applications, most development proposals will have the potential to impact ecology or biodiversity in some way.

You should check to see if your development proposal affects ecology in your local area.

By checking this before you start work, it can help you to:

• avoid delays in the planning process
• create a better quality scheme
• take any necessary action
• avoid criminal prosecution

The checklist is a step-by-step tool which shows if your development proposal:

• may have an impact upon any protected sites, habitats or species
• requires any further assessments or surveys

You need to complete the ecology and trees checklist and provide this information when submitting your planning application.

You may need to provide an ecological survey if your proposal will have an impact on biodiversity or any protected sites, habitats or species. You’ll need to provide this information when submitting your planning application.

During the planning process, our ecologists will:

• examine the need for ecological surveys and reports
• examine the quality of the surveys and reports
• make recommendations to the planning officer relating to ecological issues

Read about providing an ecological survey to find examples of the types of ecological survey and report you need to provide, and how to find a competent consultant ecologist.

If your proposed development is within 500 meters of a pond you must take into account great crested newts as a planning consideration. This includes:

• impacts
• mitigation
• compensation
• monitoring activities
• licensing

For more information see Newt mitigation for developments within 500 metres of a pond.