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 which can contribute to and enhance the amenity of the area.

Read the background on Ecology

Question 5.1

Objective

To determine the ecological value of the site and surrounding area in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity (Note: "ecological value" includes locally, regionally and nationally important species).

Importance: Importance

Question

Will the ecological value of the site be protected or recreated to equal quality and or enhanced?

Targets and Justification

Best
Strategy produced by an ecologist (or equivalent) to enhance the ecological value of the site or recreate to a greater level of quality than previously present
Good
Strategy produced by an ecologist (or equivalent) to protect or recreate existing ecological value
Minimum
See relevant local authority standard and PPS9

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: ImportanceImportance

Question

Will there be an increase in important or sensitive habitats identified in the Local, Regional or National Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), either by creating or restoring ecological value (as assessed by an ecologist), or support for a species identified in the Local, Regional or National (BAP)?

Targets and Justification

Best
Yes in more than one habitat/ species OR no LBAP habitat or species identified on the site
Good
Yes in one habitat or species
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority 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 functioning ecological networks be created to link habitats within the site or link to habitats outside the development?

Targets and Justification

Best
Links to more than 2 habitats
Good
Link to 2 habitats
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard

Applies to Developments

This question applies to Small, Medium and Large developments.

Question 5.4

Objective

To ensure that the planting specified contributes to the ecological value of the site, whilst also taking note of future maintenance needs created by planting decisions.

Importance: ImportanceImportance

Question

Has a mixture of locally occurring species been specified?

Targets and Justification

Best
Good practice, plus research into species robust to micro-climatic conditions and predicted impacts of climate change
Good
Minimum, plus planting scheme which specifically targets species specified in Local, Regional or National Biodivesity Action Plan (BAP)
Minimum
See relevant local planning authority standard / native species of local progeny specified in the planting scheme

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 buildings
(up to 1000m²/0.5ha)
Medium
11 - 199 buildings
(up to 20000m²/10ha)
Large
200 - 5,999 dwellings
(over 20000m²/10ha)

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.