The project:

Ecological assessment of an ex care home and gardens which are proposed for housing development.

The challenge:

Development site falls within a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC);
Requirements for habitat and species survey of development site and immediate land forming the SINC;

JPC approach:

Early discussions with Council Ecologist to determine local issues and information required;
Habitat surveys of development site and SINC;
Surveys for protected species including emergent surveys for bats;
GIS mapping of habitats and issues;
Development of comprehensive mitigation package resulting in net benefit for nature conservation.

Outcome:

The survey methodology and ecological mitigation package was approved by the Council;
Methodology and approach proved robust in planning consultation period;
Planning permission for development granted.