Ecological Appraisal in West Sussex

Background

A homeowner contacted LHB Ecology following planning refusal for their small extension to their dwelling. Chichester District Council were not able to progress the planning application, partly due to insufficient ecological information submitted to support the project which could impact protected species. Although the planning application was small in scale, the Council was obligated to ensure that any impacts on bats and other protected species were fully investigated.

What we did

A site walkover and Phase 1 habitat survey was completed on site during winter as part of the ecological appraisal. This included identifying and mapping the habitats present on site. An assessment of the habitats and their importance for nature conservation was also completed. Any evidence of protected species activity was recorded, such as droppings and footprints, and photographs of the site were taken for later inclusion within the report. A rapid assessment of the plant assemblages was completed to ascertain the importance of the habitats present.

In addition to the site visit a desk study was completed. This involved searching online sources and databases such as Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) for protected, notable and important species, invasive species, priority habitats, designated sites and other ecological receptors within a 1 km radius of the development site. Data taken from the desk study were incorporated in the findings and conclusions sections of the report and used to inform the recommendations in the report.

The survey revealed a small number of suitable bat roosting features on the exterior of the building. No evidence of bat activity was found during the survey. Nearby roosts were confirmed to be present within several hundred meters of the development site but overall the site was assessed to have low habitat value to support roosting bats. A single bat emergence/re-entry survey was recommended to determine a presence or likely absence of roosting bats in line with Bat Conservation Trust survey guidelines.

Because the proposed development included working in close proximity to suitable bird nesting habitat there were potential constraints for nesting birds. Birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so the report included a working method statement for construction activities to ensure that birds and their nests are protected.

Ecological enhancements for the developed site were detailed within the report and these included the installation of habitat boxes for birds and bats to increase nesting and roosting opportunities for local populations. Because the development footprint was very small, there was no recommendation for any biodiversity net gain measures.

What the outcome was

The client was provided with an Ecological Appraisal report within a few days of their survey. The report is to be submitted along with their planning application and will accompany the recommended stage 2 bat survey report which is arranged to be completed in mid-May 2023.