Ecological Guidance

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.  

Construction near protected areas and wildlife 

Protected species: how to review planning applications 

Suffolk Coast Recreational disturbance Avoidance Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) 

The following pages offer very useful checklists: 

Natural England Protected Species Checklist 
Suffolk Biodiversity Validation Requirements 

Local assistance may also be sought from Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk County Council Ecology.