Ecological Appraisal in Croydon

Background

LHB Ecology was contacted by a developer to undertake an ecological appraisal for a development site. A previous ecological appraisal had been completed for the site by a different ecological consultancy but the Local Planning Authority (LPA) requested an update survey for the development because two years had elapsed since the planning application was registered. According to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) the shelf life of an ecological report varies from 18 months up to three years depending on the likelihood of protected species being present, subject to an assessment by a professional ecologist.

What we did

LHB Ecology visited the survey site to undertake a site walkover and Phase 1 habitat survey as part of the ecological appraisal. During the site visit, the habitats present on site were identified and mapped. In addition, an assessment of the habitats and their importance for nature conservation was completed. This involved recording any evidence of protected species activity and photographing suitable habitat for inclusion in the ecological report. Notable plant species and plant assemblages were recorded because their presence can indicate the importance of the habitats on site for nature conservation.

Following the site visit a desk study was carried out which involved a database search for protected species, priority habitats, designated sites and other ecological receptors within a 1 km radius of the development site. This information was then used as part of the assessment of the site which considered any impacts on habitats, protected species and designated sites located either on site or within the zone of influence of the proposed development. Because the proposed development included the clearance of hedgerows and trees there were potential constraints for certain species which may use the habitats including birds and hedgehogs. Birds and their nests are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 therefore a working method statement was included within the report to ensure that birds and their nests are protected during construction. Similarly, with the potential for hedgehogs to be impacted by construction activities a working method statement was included in the report.

Ecological enhancements for the developed site were also included in the final report. These included creating new nesting opportunities for local birds and creation of gaps in boundary fences to enable hedgehogs to enter and exit the site to benefit local hedgehogs. Additionally, some recommendations for new native planting, including tree and hedgerow planting were provided to compensate for any losses and to enable the site to achieve biodiversity net gain.

What the outcome was

The client was provided with an Ecological Appraisal report which they submitted to the LPA as part of their planning application. The client received their report on time to enable them to meet their planning deadlines. As no further surveys were recommended, the client was able to progress with their planning application without any delays.