Client: Planning & Design Practice Ltd
Site Name: Land East Of 91 Belper Road, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Site Type: Housing Development
Services Provided: Biodiversity Net Gain Report, Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Phase 2 Protected Species Reports (Great Crested Newt eDNA Report, Bat Activity Survey Report)
Due to the conversion of agricultural land to residential and the potential for protected or notable species, Elton Ecology was required to provide ecological services to assess potential constraints and inform the development process.
A UKHab and condition assessment was undertaken, and a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment was completed using a Biodiversity metric. An on-site net gain of +1.25 habitat units (17.36%) and +2.32 hedgerow units (54.37%) was predicted, which allowed the development to meet the BNG requirements. The ecology consultee also commented that ‘We welcome Section 4 of the BNG Report, which clearly sets out how proposals have considered the mitigation hierarchy’. Our work allowed an important local housing scheme to demonstrate compliance with planning policy and legislation requirements regarding ecology and biodiversity.
Within the Phase 2 Protected Species Reports, a negative GCN eDNA result was returned for both ponds on-site. This meant that the likely absence of GCN could be assumed. The Ecological Impact Assessment report was able to conclude that no significant impacts would arise from the proposed development, subject to the incorporation of mitigation measures.
Planning consent was secured as the Derbyshire Dales District Council granted planning permission with conditions for 25 residential units off Belper Road.
Elton Ecology are providing ongoing support through the discharge of conditions relating to the Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement and Management Plan (LBEMP) and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Planning a development? Our expert Ecology and Arboriculture services are here to support your application and help secure planning consent—Contact us to learn more.
Elton Ecology are a Registered Practice of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), committing us to industry leading standards of professional practice. We deliver the best outcomes for our clients and reduce risk for planning applications.
