Ecology and wildlife interests are an important material consideration for any decision. This includes all planning decisions and Listed Building Consent.
Regulation 9(5) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 came into force on 30th November 2017. This states that all competent authorities (public bodies) must "have regard to the Habitats Directive in the exercise of its functions.”
In order to comply with regulation 9(5), the Local Planning Authority must engage with the provisions of the Habitats Directive.
An application must provide enough information to prove that ecology interests have been considered and if needed, designed and mitigated for properly. Any application that fails to do this may be refused. This is an important issue, especially as surveys for wildlife and protected species can be seasonal.
Planning and ecology information and guidance
The links below are very important when planning any proposed development. They explain the considerations and legal requirements in terms of ecology and making an application.
