Ecology Consulting Services

BNG became mandatory for most major planning applications from February 2024 under the Environment Act 2021, requiring a measurable 10% net gain in biodiversity units. Smaller sites became subject to the same requirement from April 2024. Exceptions include nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), though policy direction is toward inclusion. Equivalent mandatory frameworks are at varying stages of development in Wales and Scotland. BNG compliance must be addressed proactively at the design and pre-application stage to avoid consent delays.

BNG is calculated using the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric (England), which assigns unit values to habitats based on type, condition, size, and distinctiveness. A baseline habitat survey establishes pre-development values; post-development values are then modelled across proposed habitat creation and enhancement. Supporting evidence, including habitat management and monitoring plans secured by legal agreement for 30 years, must accompany the planning application. Entrust’s ecology team delivers end-to-end BNG assessments from baseline survey through to metric calculation and planning submission.

A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), comprising Appropriate Assessment and, where required, Screening for Likely Significant Effects, is required when a project may have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 designated site (Special Protection Area or Special Area of Conservation). Governed by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Required surveys depend on site characteristics and project type, but commonly include Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, breeding and wintering bird surveys, bat activity and roost surveys, badger surveys, great crested newt surveys, and water vole assessments. Surveys must be conducted by qualified ecologists and are constrained by seasonality, meaning an incomplete survey programme can delay planning submission by up to 12 months. Early ecological scoping is essential for programme certainty.

Yes. Protected habitats, designated sites, and the presence of legally protected species can restrict developable areas, trigger additional survey and mitigation requirements, or in extreme cases make a site unviable. Constraints such as proximity to a SAC or SPA, the presence of priority habitats, or a high-density bat roost can increase costs significantly and delay consent. Pre-acquisition ecological appraisal is Entrust’s recommended approach for any site under active consideration.

Many ecological surveys can only be conducted during specific seasonal windows. Bat transect surveys run April to October, breeding bird surveys run March to July, and great crested newt surveys run mid-February to mid-May. A full survey programme across all relevant species and habitats can span 12 months. Infrastructure projects should commission ecological scoping and baseline surveys at the earliest stage of site assessment to avoid programme delays caused by missed survey seasons.