Arbtech Consulting Ltd

Last week, Georgina and Harley hosted an Ecology Career Workshop at the University of Southampton to discuss all things PEA, BNG and protected species. The team were on hand to answer any questions about working in the industry and what their role at Arbtech looks like day to day. We really appreciate Georgina and Harley for taking time out of their busy schedules, to speak to the students and potential future Arbtechers! 🌳

After the original scheme was refused late last year, enlisted our help alongside the LPA to develop a workaround for this site.

The current scheme includes a 4 bedroom detached new build at the rear and the division of the front 8 bedroom property into 2 x 4 bedroom semi-detached houses. 🏠

Let’s get this application approved once and for all, and thank you for trusting us with this project 🙌

Ecology Survey Calendar 🌳This easy to read graphic is the perfect way to keep track of the different species needed to consider when applying for a planning application, and their optimal survey seasons. Please feel free to save this image or DM us for the file, and please tag us if you re-share this on your socials or website😊

Why do we do our BERS surveys at dusk or dawn? This is a common question that we get asked and the reasoning behind it is because this is when bats are the most active, and so most likely to be seen using our bat detectors. This helps us to get a more accurate reading that we can submit in our report 🦇

So what really happens during a PEA (Preliminary Ecological Appraisal)? This is also known as a Phase 1 Habitat Survey and it's a common survey for understanding ecological constraints on your site and ecological impacts in the planning process. During this survey, the ecologist will identify all species of flora and fauna, and this helps to determine all potential impacts in and around your site boundary 🌳

*The images shown are from a site in Gainsborough where our ecologist, Jess completed a PEA survey on behalf of Arbtech*

Today's case study: This was an eight building PEA and PRA survey in Radlett. The client is hoping to get planning permission for a full demolition and construction of new housing.

If the buildings were to be deemed potentially suitable for the housing of bats, the client would need further surveys before being approved for planning permission. These further surveys are also known as BERS and we are currently in the season for them now, so it's important for clients to get their PRA booked in so that they can hopefully have their BERS done this season as opposed to waiting for the next one, if needed.

*the season finishes in September/October and spaces are filling quickly so please call us if this is something you think you or your client might need*

When do you need a survey for Great Crested Newts (GCN)? 🦎

If the developer has chosen not to use a DLL (district level licensing) where one exists, they should complete a survey if any of the following criteria apply:

1. Distribution and historical records suggest GCN may be present

2. There’s a suitable water body such as a pond or ditch up to 500 metres of the development, even if it only holds water for some of the year

3. The development site includes refuges, such as log piles, rubble, grassland, scrub, woodland or hedgerows up to 500 metres of suitable aquatic habitats (static or slow moving water body)

Surveys up to 250 metres are usually sufficient, but developers may need to increase this to 500 metres if there are no obvious barriers to newts dispersing into the wider environment.

Absence of a record does not mean there are no GCN. It could mean there is no survey data available for that location.

*Information taken from the government website and is correct as of 30.05.24*

Did you know bats are a protected species? Over the last century there has been a decline in bat populations, mainly as a result of land use changes but also due to impacts on roosting habitats including buildings. The council has a statutory duty to protect these sites from direct or indirect impacts through the planning process. Here at Arbtech we specialise in surveys that can help you to gain planning permission as quick as possible. We even offer next-day reports for our most time pressed customers 🙌🦇

*information taken from the government website

Are you EXEMPT FROM BNG? Take a look at this graphic that we created to help our clients to easily understand whether they are going to need a BNG survey to submit with their planning application. This isn't all of the exemptions so please visit the government website for more information and specifics that might relate to you and your property/piece of land.

We would like to wish Charlie a huge congratulations for passing her Class 1 Bat License this week 🙌🦇 She has worked so hard over the past year here at Arbtech and it's so great to have her as part of our team. Kudos to you CD 😊