Protected Species Licences
If a project's proposals are deemed likely to adversely affect a European Protected Species, a mitigation licence may be required, prior to the commencement of works. These licenses enable work that would otherwise constitute a legal offence, to proceed at certain times of year, in accordance with a method statement and under the supervision of a licensed ecologist.
The UK supports a variety of European protected species, including a variety of flora, bats, dormice, great crested newts, otter, and several species of reptile. The protective legislation afforded to these species is broad and encompassing, making it an offence of kill, capture, or disturb them, or to damage their habitat. A guiding principle of the ecological mitigation hierarchy is that proactive avoidance is always preferable to reactive mitigation and compensation. If a project's proposals are deemed likely to result in any such occurrence to European protected species (whether intentionally or recklessly), we would therefore first look to incorporate strategies into the design scheme to avoid impacts in the first place, such as amending the architectural layout, modifying working practices, or rescheduling the timing of works. If this is not feasible, a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSML) may be required from the relevant statutory body.
EPSMLs comprise detailed working method statements that ensure works can proceed, while mitigating adverse affects to European protected species, and providing adequate ecological compensation and enhancement where necessary.
The licence application requires the following elements: a completed and signed application form; a method statement, detailing the proposed works process, along with any necessary avoidance, mitigation, compensation, or enhancement measures that will be incorporated into the design scheme; a completed schedule of works; a reasoned statement, demonstrating that the proposals satisfy national planning policy criteria, and that there is no satisfactory alternative; all relevant completed survey reports; and a fee, for certain types of development.
​Glade Ecology's experienced ecologists can draft EPSMLs, submit applications, and implement stipulations. We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients, to ensure that potential licensing constraints are identified as early as possible in the project's life cycle, thereby minimising scope for costly and time-consuming delays.
When
An application for a EPSML can only be made once planning permission has been granted (where applicable), and/ or when all relevant conditions have been discharged. The approval of a EPSML by the relevant statutory body typically takes approximately 12 weeks. Given the seasonal constraints associated to many ecological surveys, it is therefore essential to consider ecology as early as possible.
Why Us
With over fifteen years' experience in undertaking ecological surveys, mitigation design, licensing, site supervision, and monitoring, our team of expert ecologists can help guide your project through the planning process.
We can appraise your site in accordance with either Phase 1 Habitat Survey, or UK Habitat Classification methodology, depending on project requirements.
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By working closely with our clients, we ensure that their developments progress smoothly and in full compliance with the law, orchestrating the best possible outcome for them and the natural world.
