Client: Anjuma-e-Ezzi
Site Name: Occupation Road, Bulwell, NG6 8RD
Site Type: Mixed-use Commercial
Services Provided: Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEA), Biodiversity Impact Assessment Report
The Local Planning Authority required a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) to be completed to identify ecological constraints and guide appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures.
A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Report was also required by the Local Planning Authority to ensure that there would be a BNG of 10% achieved throughout the development as the development met the criteria of the Environmental Act 2021 for mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain.
Due to the proximity of ponds to the site it was necessary to establish the presence/likely absence of Great Crested Newts (GCN) to inform any avoidance, mitigation or compensation strategy as part of the planning application. GCN eDNA Surveys were carried out which recorded a likely absence of GCN. It was recommended that precautionary measures would be taken to protect foraging and commuting badgers during works and vegetation clearance should avoid the bird nesting season (March to August, and September in mild years). No further detailed mitigation or compensation was required regarding protected species.
Under the development proposals a biodiversity net gain in both habitats and watercourses couldn’t be achieved on-site. However, Elton Ecology recommended to adjust the landscape plans for increased biodiversity while retaining some pre-development habitats and introducing new habitats, including a wet ditch. The remaining biodiversity net gains were recommended to be secured by the purchasing of off-site habitat units. This blended approach of on and off-site solutions allowed the planning application to demonstrate the required BNG via a pragmatic and cost effective solution without significantly altering development proposals.
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