Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Oxfordshire: Collington Winter
What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) should be the first step you take in evaluating a site. An Ecological appraisal will provide an overview of a site, which can help you to understand the ecological conditions. This can include the presence of any protected species, details of any habitats present or any other key ecological constraints which could affect your projects.
The two main elements of an ecological appraisal include an extended Phase 1 habitat survey and an ecological desk study. These assessments should be carried out by a professional ecological consultant in order to ensure that each component has been recorded accurately.
A preliminary ecological appraisal can be undertaken at any point in the year. However, the optimal time to carry out a phase 1 habitat survey is from April to September.
When is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Required?
If a development has the potential to impact biodiversity on a site, an ecological assessment of the site must be carried out. Preliminary ecological appraisals should be carried out before the submission of a planning application. We advise that pre discussions with the local planning authority are undertaken to determine whether an ecology survey is required.
When considering a planning application for planning permission, the local planning authorities will determine how the proposed development will affect the environment and biodiversity of an area. It will also consider the presence of any notable species or habitats on the site.
Certain habitats and species are protected by law in the UK; therefore, any impact a proposed development may have on wildlife must be mitigated in line with existing legislation and planning policies. Planning policies also details requirements for biodiversity net gain on proposed development sites.
How Can Collington Winter Assist Your Project?
Collington Winter are able to assist your project by undertaking ecological desk studies, as well as extended phase 1 habitat surveys.
Ecological Desk Study: Collington Winter provide an ecological desk study service, obtaining records and data on designated sites. We undertake research on legally protected sites and obtain records on protected species within the area of the site. We are then able to provide printed or interactive maps using GIS using the data provided.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey: Using extended phase 1 habitat surveys, we can identify any key ecological issues. We can also provide guidance on how to best resolve the ecological issues identified.
We use the extended phase 1 habitat survey technique to map habitats present on-site and within the surrounding area. This can determine whether further specific surveys must take place, such as bat surveys, great crested newt surveys and plant species assessments.
We can also assist with ecological impact assessments and protected species surveys.
How can Collington Winter assist?
Collington Winter are passionate about ecology and provide a holistic and innovative approach to development. We are fast paced problem solvers, working with clients to find solutions where others cannot.
Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, is a highly professional Ecologist and holds a Natural England licence. She is passionate about ecology and has vast amounts of experience in providing a wide range of ecology services.
If you would like to find out more about a preliminary ecological appraisal, Oxfordshire, contact us using the form below. You can also contact Olivia Collington via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.
To find out about projects that we have worked on, have a look at case studies on our website.
Contact Us
Registered Address
23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
