Greater certainty for your ecology work and planning application
Ecology should be a well-managed and predictable part of the planning process—not a source of unexpected costs, unclear advice or avoidable delay. That is why we provide clear commitments on planning outcomes, pricing and agreed timescales.
- Planning Outcome Guarantee
- Transparent Pricing Guarantee
- Agreed Timescale Guarantee
Why we created the guarantee
Bringing confidence to the planning process
When appointing an ecological consultant, clients commonly have three entirely reasonable concerns.
- Will the ecological advice properly support my planning application?
- Will the final cost remain consistent with the quotation?
- Will the survey work and report be delivered when promise?
Three straightforward guarantees
Each guarantee is designed to reduce uncertainty and make it easier for you to plan your project with confidence.
1. Planning Outcome Guarantee
We stand behind the quality and suitability of our ecological advice.
- We provide proportionate advice informed by your proposals and the requirements of the planning process.
- We explain the likely ecological requirements and risks as clearly as possible.
- Where planning permission is refused specifically on ecological grounds, and our recommendations have been followed, we will refund the agreed fees covered by the guarantee.
Subject to the scope and exclusions set out in our full terms.
2. Transparent Pricing Guarantee
You should understand what your ecological work will cost before you instruct us.
- We provide a clear written quotation setting out the agreed work and fees.
- We do not add hidden charges for work already included within the agreed scope.
- Where additional work becomes necessary, we explain why and agree the cost with you before proceeding.
The agreed fee remains subject to the project scope remaining unchanged.
3. Agreed Timescale Guarantee
Clear delivery dates allow you and your wider project team to plan effectively.
- We agree realistic survey and reporting timescales from the outset.
- We keep you informed about seasonal constraints and external factors that could affect delivery.
- Where a delay is within our control, we take responsibility in accordance with the guarantee terms.
Weather, access, seasonal survey restrictions and third-party delays may be outside our control.
What this means in practice
Clear commitments
Our guarantees are intended to provide practical protection and a better client experience throughout your project.
A planning officer asks for clarification about our report
We respond and provide the necessary clarification in accordance with the agreed scope of our appointment.
We identify that additional survey work may be needed
We explain the reason, implications and cost before you make a decision about proceeding.
A report delivery date is agreed
We plan our work around that commitment and communicate promptly if a factor outside our control could affect it.
We make an error in work covered by our appointment
We take responsibility and correct it without charging you for putting our own error right.
A better experience of ecology
Ecology managed as a predictable part of your project
Planning projects involve many different consultants, requirements and deadlines. Our role is to make ecology as clear, proportionate and well-managed as possible.
By defining expectations from the beginning, we help clients make informed decisions, manage project risk and understand the route ahead.
This approach can also support better outcomes for nature. Clear advice makes it easier to plan appropriate mitigation, enhancement and long-term habitat management at the right stage of a project.
✓ Clear scope
Understand what is included and what may be required later.
✓ Predictable costs
Make informed decisions without hidden or unexplained fees.
✓ Realistic timescales
Plan around clearly explained survey seasons and delivery dates.
✓ Accountable advice
Work with a consultancy that is prepared to stand behind its professional recommendations.
Fair and clearly defined terms
Professional ecological work can be affected by changes to the proposed development, seasonal survey restrictions, site access, weather, planning authority requirements and information that was not available when the original quotation was prepared.
Our guarantees therefore operate within fair and reasonable terms. These explain what is covered, the responsibilities of each party and the circumstances in which a guarantee may not apply.
Read the full Guarantee Terms and Conditions
Start your ecology work with greater confidence
Tell us about your property, development or planning application and we will recommend an appropriate scope of work, provide transparent pricing and explain the likely timescales.
