The Issue

An ecological assessment was required to inform a full planning application to Oadby & Wigston Borough Council Local Planning Authority for the creation of a residential scheme at the site. The scheme required the removal of buildings and habitats at the site, which was situated in a rural location.

Our Solution

Elton Ecology were commissioned to carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and additional surveys as required of the site, which included:

• A Desk Study including a study of online resources for sites of nature conservation, and a data consultation with the Leicestershire and Rutland Environmental Records Centre for historical ecological records at the site and surrounding area.
• A Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken compiling a botanical species list to classify the habitats at the site, which was extended to consider protected species such as badger and great crested newt.
• A Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment of buildings and trees.
• Protected species surveys, including
  • Barn owl
  • Bat nocturnal emergence/ re-entry
  • Badger survey
  • Great crested newt (GCN) Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
  • GCN environmental DNA (eDNA).

Protected species were present in the surrounding area with suitable habitat on site as identified via the desk study, however the protected species surveys demonstrated their likely absence within the site. The mature oak trees within the site and a species rich hedgerow at the site boundary were of conservation value, however these could be retained within the scheme and protected during works. It was considered that ecological impacts via loss of the remaining habitats at the site would be mitigated and compensated for by the scheme of landscaping and tree planting which were proposed within the development at the site.

We determined that via simple avoidance, mitigation and enhancement measures, there would not be impacts on retained ecological features. We issued an Ecological Appraisal Report setting out our findings and the avoidance measures for the scheme to the client. Our ecology report was approved by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council Local Planning Authority and planning permission granted for the scheme.

Client Feedback

“Exceptional service – look no further than Elton Ecology”

“Elton Ecology provided an exceptional service from the moment we got in touch – highly professional, very knowledgeable and extremely courteous and friendly at all times.

Our project did have an unexpected break due to circumstances out of our control, and Tim was extremely accommodating during that period before we were able to continue with our plans.

I’d have no hesitation in recommending Tim and Elton Ecology, exceptional service and excellent value for money too. Absolute 5 out of 5 without question.” – Marc Orme