Planning Portal Bristol: Applying for Planning Permission

The Bristol Planning Portal is an online resource purposefully designed to ensure efficient access to planning services and information for residents and project developers in Bristol. It works as a central hub used to submit and manage planning applications, check current progress and access information regarding local planning policies.

The Bristol Planning Portal also ensures ecological sustainability remains a key focus for developers, listing all necessary environmental considerations that must be met within the planning process to ensure new developments align with ecological priorities. Often, this includes protecting biodiversity, conserving natural habitats and mitigating environmental impacts.

A clear understanding of potential challenges that may appear ensures a project positively lands with its intention, in line with any ecological concerns. At Collington Winter Environmental, we assist in meeting planning permission requirements with regards to ecological requirements. Our consultants offer a range of assistance, such as undertaking surveys to identify and mitigate for the presence of protected species, as well as ensuring that Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain principles are achieved to ensure a purposeful project.

You can find the Bristol Planning Portal here.

The Planning Permission Process

Applying for planning permission through the Bristol Planning Portal involves several steps to enable a smooth and efficient process.

Preparing the application

Prepare necessary documents, including:

  • Application forms (available on the portal).
  • Detailed site plans and drawings (e.g. elevations, floor plans).
  • Supporting statements, such as a Design and Access Statement, ecological reports, or heritage assessments (if applicable).
  • Biodiversity Net Gain proposal (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvement to the local area), mandatory since 12 February 2024.

Submitting the application

  • Complete the online planning application, including project details.
  • Attach all required plans, including any supporting information.

Consultation

  • Once validated, the council will publicise the application with potential notices, and inform any nearby properties.
  • Relevant stakeholders, including neighbours and statutory bodies, will be invited to provide feedback.

Assessment

  • Your application will be reviewed by planning officers. Factors such as local planning policies, environmental impacts, and public feedback will all be assessed.
  • If necessary, the proposal may need modification to address specific concerns.
  • Ecological issues will be considered, unless accepted as proposed you may need to modify/update your BNG proposal. Questions may be raised as to the proposed modifications in place for any protected species on the development. In this case, we can assist with any necessary changes and progressing your application.

Decision making

  • For straightforward applications, a decision is made by planning offices.
  • For larger or contentious project, the application may be assessed by the planning committee for a decision.
  • You will be notified of the decision in writing, as well as being published on the portal.

What Ecological Requirements are Considered for the Planning Permission Process?

When applying for planning permission on the Bristol Planning Portal, ecological limitations may need to be considered. The most common ecological requirements include:

Ecological Surveys: Submission of comprehensive ecological surveys and assessments identifying any existing flora, fauna, and habitats on the proposed site. A study of the site’s ecosystems is often necessary.

Protected Species Assessment: Assessment of whether any endangered animals or rare plants which may be legally protected are present on or in the development site. Surveys for species such as bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles may be required.

Tree Surveys: The possibility of any damage to the health, structure and stability of existing trees due to the development may need to be examined.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): From February 2024, it is now mandatory that any local development improves the surrounding ecological habitat by at least 10%. Either through the creation of new habitats or off-site units purchased to relocate and offset the creation of habitat.

Landscape Surveys: For larger developments, the impact on local landscape must be considered. Our in-house landscape architectural team regularly inspect and assess local proposed developments, ensuring it is in line with the requirements of the local area.

Ecological Clerk of Works:  At Collington Winter Environmental, we can provide an Ecological Clerk of Works to oversee any habitat mitigation or creation during any tricky aspects of development, ensuring minimal harm to any local protected species and that habitats are created with the correct specifications.

How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist Your Application on the Bristol Planning Portal?

Here at Collington Winter Environmental, we aim to meet the needs of developers, ensuring a positive outcome for stakeholders and any surrounding wildlife to your development.

With any intended applications for development using the Bristol Planning Portal, we can assist with providing all necessary ecological assessments and recommendations to support your planning application for your development, alongside ensuring all ecological requirements are prioritised to comply with Bristol City Council requirements.

If you are interested in our services, contact us using the form below. You can also contact us via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call one of our team on 01204 939608.

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

Get in touch
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