As property developers, you are likely to be familiar with the complexities of organising a construction project. Navigating the balance between satisfying local planning requirements, adhering to building regulations, and ensuring a profitable outcome can be a challenge. One aspect that has gained increased attention recently is the need to protect wildlife. Changes in legislation and guidance in England demand that developers give greater consideration to the welfare and protection of local animal species.
Understanding the New Wildlife Protection Legislation
Navigating the complexities of law can be daunting, especially when new legislation emerges. Recently, England introduced regulations to protect the natural habitats of local wildlife. The changes were introduced to safeguard the welfare of animals in rural areas where new housing developments are proposed.
The legislation mandates that developers must consider the natural habitats of local species and take measures to protect them. This includes conducting surveys to identify the presence of protected species, creating a plan to minimise disruption to their habitats during construction, and incorporating ‘green’ features in the design of new homes to encourage the return of wildlife post-construction.
Embracing these requirements is not just a matter of compliance. It demonstrates your commitment to sustainable development and can boost the appeal of your project to increasingly environmentally-conscious homebuyers.
Incorporating Wildlife Protection into Planning
One of the first steps to ensuring compliance with the new legislation is to integrate wildlife protection measures into your project planning from an early stage. This involves engaging with local planning authorities and wildlife experts to understand the specific requirements of your project location.
A detailed ecological survey of the proposed development site will identify any protected species present and the nature of their habitats. This information can then be used to inform a development plan that minimises disruption to these habitats.
Your planning application should clearly demonstrate how you will balance the need for new homes with the preservation of local wildlife. This could include measures such as scheduling works to avoid breeding seasons, protecting natural features like hedgerows and ponds, or creating new habitats within the development.
Ensuring Compliance During Construction and Development
Once you have obtained planning permission and are ready to commence construction, a key aspect of compliance with the new wildlife protection laws is the monitoring and management of the site to minimise disruption to wildlife.
This could involve appointing an ecological clerk of works to oversee the implementation of the wildlife protection measures, setting up physical barriers to protect habitats, or scheduling works to minimise noise and disturbance during sensitive times for the animals.
Remember, the legislation does not end once the homes are built. Developers must also consider how to maintain wildlife-friendly features in the long term. This could involve creating a management plan for green spaces, providing guidance to homeowners on maintaining bird boxes or bat roosts, or establishing a residents’ committee to oversee the stewardship of the local environment.
Adapting to the New Wildlife Protection Laws
Adapting to new legislation can seem daunting, but it can also present an opportunity. Embracing the new wildlife protection laws can help differentiate your projects and appeal to a growing market of environmentally-conscious homebuyers.
You can use the wildlife protection measures as a selling point, highlighting the benefits of living close to nature and the unique features of the homes, such as bat boxes, bird feeders or wildflower meadows. This can enhance the perceived value of the properties and help to attract buyers.
Engaging with Local Communities
Engaging with the local community can be a valuable tool in ensuring compliance with the new legislation. Local residents often have a wealth of knowledge about the local wildlife and can provide valuable insights into the habitats and behaviours of protected species.
Working with local schools, community groups, or wildlife organisations can also help to build positive relationships and enhance the reputation of your project. This can include workshops, site tours, or community planting days to create new habitats.
Remember, the protection of wildlife is not just a legal requirement but a shared responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our natural heritage. The new legislation is a step towards better planning, which will benefit not only your project but also the local community and the wildlife that calls it home.
The Implications of Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality in Planning
The concept of biodiversity net gain, a component of the new legislation, is gaining prominence in the planning system in rural England and Northern Ireland. This principle ensures that developments result in a measurable improvement in biodiversity, providing a ‘net gain’ for local wildlife. Developers are now required to deliver a net gain of 10% or more in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development baseline.
Understanding and implementing this principle requires thorough ecological surveys and the use of bio-metric calculation tools. The aim is to create new habitats or improve existing ones, ensuring they are more abundant or richer in wildlife than before the development.
Another critical aspect related to the new legislation is the requirement for nutrient neutrality. This concept recognises that excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can harm wildlife habitats, notably wetlands and water bodies. Developers are required to calculate nutrient loads before and after development and ensure no net increase. In some cases, this may involve nutrient mitigation measures, such as creating new wetlands to absorb excess nutrients or changing land use to reduce nutrient loads.
Incorporating these new principles into development plans often requires consultation with local authorities and Natural England or the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. These organizations can provide guidance on how to comply with the new requirements and can review and approve your plans, ensuring compliance with the legislation.
The Role of Local Authorities and the Importance of Public Engagement
When interpreting and implementing new wildlife protection laws, local authorities play a critical role. Planning authorities are the gatekeepers of the planning system, ensuring developments adhere to the new requirements. They have the power to grant or deny planning permission based on whether a development plan aligns with local and national policies on wildlife protection.
Engaging with these authorities from the initial stages of planning can help smooth out the process and ensure your development plans align with the protection of European protected species and other local wildlife. It helps foster a positive relationship and demonstrates your commitment to comply with the legislation.
Public engagement is also crucial in ensuring the success of your wildlife protection measures. Local communities often have a deep understanding and concern for the welfare of their local wildlife. Involving them in planning and development processes can provide valuable insights into animal behaviour, breeding seasons, and habitats.
Developers can host public consultation events, engage local schools in educational activities, or invite local community groups to participate in habitat creation or restoration activities. Successful public engagement not only ensures local support for your projects but also enhances community awareness and contributes to the broader goal of wildlife protection.
Conclusion
The introduction of new wildlife protection laws has undoubtedly introduced new challenges for property developers. However, with a robust understanding of the legislation and a proactive approach to planning and development, these challenges can be managed effectively.
The key to success lies in early engagement with planning authorities and local communities, a thorough understanding of local wildlife habitats, and a commitment to sustainable development. By embracing these requirements, developers can not only ensure compliance but also contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the UK’s natural heritage.
Remember, protecting wildlife is not just a legal obligation but a shared responsibility. It’s an opportunity to enhance the appeal of your projects, contribute to local biodiversity, and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment. As we navigate this evolving legislative landscape, the protection of our wildlife should be at the heart of every rural development project.
