Biodiversity

The following is new guidance on ecological issues in relation to planning applications.

Top Tips for Ecological Consultants

In producing this guidance the Council has looked back over a number of ecological reports submitted with planning applications.  This 'Top Tips' guidance identifies the most common reasons for asking for clarification or further information which can lead to delays for the applicant and the Council.  It is expected that most of these points could be addressed in the original report, reducing the likelihood of delays.

Wildlife issues in relation to planning are complex and there will always be a need for discussion over specific issues.  It is not an exhaustive list and it certainly is not a checklist, but it does identify the most common and easily remediable problems.  When commissioning or undertaking wildlife surveys and assessments the Council recommends including the points laid out in the guidance, along with other relevant guidance, in the brief.

Top Tips for Ecological Consultants

Precautionary Method of Working for Reptiles

Within very strict parameters, set out in the statement this document provides a method of working for sites where the risk to reptiles cannot be ruled out.  In these situations where the Council considers it appropriate, the Council may require work to be carried out in accordance with the precautionary method of working rather than require the applicant to develop and submit their own for approval.

Precautionary Method of Working for Reptiles

Contact Details

Telephone:  01594 810000 (ask for the Sustainability Team)

Email:  council@fdean.gov.uk

Address:  Sustainability Team, Council Offices, High Street, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8HG