Legislation protects wildlife,
habitats and species (biodiversity) and in particular those
that have suffered serious decline, for example, barn owls, bats,
great crested newts and badgers:
Information about the distribution and presence of protected and
biodiversity priority species and designated sites is available
from the Suffolk Biological Records Centre (new
window).
Anyone undertaking development, building work (including timber
treatment), pruning or felling trees, clearing ponds and ditches
should take care that protected species are not adversely
affected.
Making a planning application - biodiversity survey and
report
Where a proposed development may have possible impacts on
biodiversity, information should be provided on these biodiversity
interests and an assessment of possible impacts on them to allow
full consideration of those impacts.
Where proposals are being made for mitigation and/or
compensation measures information to support those proposals will
be needed. Where appropriate, accompanying plans should
indicate:
- Any sites designated for their biodiversity interest (such as
SSSI, County Wildlife Site, Local Nature Reserve etc.).
- Any significant wildlife habitats or features and the location
of habitats of any species protected under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981(as amended), the Conservation (Natural
Habitats etc) Regulations 2007 and the Protection of Badgers Act
1992.
- Any habitats and species identified as priorities in the UK and
Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plans.
Information on Biodiversity Action Plans is available from
the UK BAP
website (new window) and the
Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership (new
window).
Information about the distribution and presence of protected and
biodiversity priority species and designated sites is available
from the Suffolk Biological Records Centre (new
window).
Applications for development in the countryside that will affect
any of the above species or habitats must include assessments of
impacts and proposals for long term maintenance and management.
This information might form part of an Environmental Statement,
where one is necessary.
Certain proposals which include work such as the demolition of
older buildings or roof spaces, removal of trees, scrub, hedgerows
or alterations to water courses or ponds may affect protected
species and will need to provide information on them, any potential
impacts for them and any mitigation proposals for such impacts.
Follow this link for advice on the
criteria and indicative thresholds for when a survey
and assessment is required and information about ecological
survey seasons.
All applications should consider opportunities that would
enhance, restore or add to the biodiversity features.
Further information can be found in
Guidance on the Validation of Planning
Applications (new window PDF 436KB).
Government planning policies for biodiversity
Government planning policies for biodiversity are set out in
Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9): Biodiversity
and Geological Conservation (new window).
Useful websites
Assistance with surveys, advice and interpretation and lists of
consultants can be found on the following websites: