Meticulous in the detail. Relentless in building trusted relationships.
We help planning consultants achieve better planning outcomes through rigorous ecological work, pragmatic advice and strong professional relationships with council ecologists and ecological advisers.
Ecology that works with the planning process
Good ecological consultancy is about more than identifying species and habitats. It is about understanding what the findings mean for the planning application, what information the Local Planning Authority is likely to require, and how ecological constraints can be resolved practically.
Crossman Ecology works alongside planning consultants and town planners throughout the planning process. We identify ecological requirements early, undertake the necessary surveys and assessments, and provide clear, proportionate recommendations designed to help projects progress.
Our approach is simple: establish what is required, what is not required, and the most practical route forward.
Local knowledge and relationships matter
National legislation and guidance provide the framework, but ecology is considered through the planning system locally.
Different Local Planning Authorities can have different policies, priorities, validation requirements and approaches to ecological issues. Knowing the local context, and understanding the expectations of the council ecologists and ecological advisers reviewing an application, can make a substantial difference to how smoothly ecological matters are resolved.
That is why we put considerable effort into developing and maintaining constructive professional relationships with council ecologists and ecological advisers across the areas in which we work.
Where an ecological issue needs discussion, we can engage directly and professionally with the relevant adviser, understand their concerns and work towards a solution that is ecologically robust, proportionate and practical for the development.
For planning consultants, that means advice based not only on what the guidance says, but also on an understanding of how ecology works through the planning process in practice.
When should a planning consultant involve an ecologist?
Ideally, as early as possible.
Early ecological advice can identify potential constraints before they become planning problems. It also gives the design team greater opportunity to avoid or reduce ecological impacts rather than trying to resolve them once a design has been fixed.
This is particularly important where protected species surveys may be necessary. Some surveys are seasonally constrained, so discovering a requirement late in the planning programme can delay the availability of information needed to support an application.
If you are assessing a new site and are unsure what ecology work might be needed, send us the site details and proposals. We can help establish the likely requirements and flag any important timing issues.
Ecology support throughout the planning process
Early feasibility
We identify likely ecological constraints, potential survey requirements and Biodiversity Net Gain considerations before significant time is committed to a design.
Ecological appraisal
We assess habitats, potential protected species constraints and the ecological context of the site, identifying whether any further work is genuinely necessary.
Surveys and assessment
Where required, our ecologists undertake protected species surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and more detailed ecological assessment.
Design and mitigation
We work with planners, architects and other consultants to avoid ecological impacts where possible and develop proportionate mitigation where they cannot be avoided.
Planning submission
We prepare clear ecological reports and supporting information that address the relevant ecological issues and provide the evidence needed for planning.
Post-consent support
We can help discharge ecological conditions, prepare mitigation strategies, obtain protected species licences and support ecological requirements during construction.
Ecology services for planning applications
The ecological work required will depend on the site, proposals and local planning context. Our role is to identify the appropriate level of assessment rather than automatically recommending every possible survey.
Ecological Appraisal
Often the starting point for understanding a site’s ecological constraints and establishing whether further ecological surveys or assessment will be needed.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Habitat assessment, biodiversity metric calculations and practical advice on integrating Biodiversity Net Gain into the proposed development.
Ecological Impact Assessment
More detailed ecological assessment for developments where the potential effects require comprehensive evaluation and reporting.
Bat Surveys
Preliminary assessments, activity and emergence surveys, mitigation advice and licensing support where proposed development could affect bats.
Great Crested Newt Surveys
Assessment, eDNA testing and survey or licensing advice where great crested newts may be relevant to a development.
Badger Surveys
Surveys and practical advice where badgers, their setts or associated habitats could be affected by proposed development.
Reptile Surveys
Habitat assessment, surveys and mitigation where reptiles could be affected by development.
Protected Species Licensing
Practical licensing and mitigation support where development affects species subject to European Protected Species licensing requirements.
Common ecology issues that can affect planning applications
Protected species
Bats, great crested newts, badgers, reptiles and other protected species can influence the design, timing and delivery of development.
Their presence does not necessarily mean development cannot proceed. In many cases, impacts can be addressed through avoidance, design changes, mitigation, compensation or licensing.
Survey seasonality
Some ecological surveys can only provide reliable information during particular times of year. Missing an appropriate survey window can therefore have implications for a planning programme.
We identify seasonal requirements as early as possible so they can be incorporated into the wider project timetable.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Where mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain applies, it should be considered during the design process rather than treated as a calculation at the end.
Early assessment helps establish the site’s baseline biodiversity value and allows the project team to explore practical ways of achieving the required outcome.
Designated sites and important habitats
Designated wildlife sites, priority habitats, ancient woodland, hedgerows, watercourses and other important features can influence development proposals.
Identifying these constraints early allows the planning and design team to respond before they become more difficult issues later.
Lighting, layout and habitat connectivity
Lighting, access, landscaping and site layout can all influence ecological impacts.
Relatively small design decisions made early can sometimes avoid the need for much more complicated mitigation later.
Helping planning consultants avoid unnecessary delays
Ecology is one part of a much larger planning process. Our job is not to make that process more complicated.
We focus on providing the information and advice needed to make informed decisions and keep the project moving.
- Meticulous ecological work – robust surveys, assessment and reporting that stand up to scrutiny.
- Local planning knowledge – an understanding of local policies, priorities and ecological expectations.
- Constructive professional relationships – effective communication with council ecologists and ecological advisers when issues need resolving.
- Early identification of constraints – helping you incorporate ecology into the planning programme rather than discovering problems at the point of submission.
- Proportionate recommendations – we recommend work where it is justified by the site and proposals, rather than taking a blanket approach.
- Clear communication – straightforward explanations of what needs to happen, why it needs to happen and what comes next.
- Practical mitigation – solutions that take account of both ecological requirements and the objectives of the development.
- Support throughout planning – from feasibility and submission through to conditions, licensing and construction.
Why planning consultants choose Crossman Ecology
Meticulous where it matters
Ecological details can influence planning outcomes. We take the technical work seriously and aim to produce clear, defensible assessments that can withstand scrutiny from consultees and decision makers.
Pragmatic and pro-development
Identifying a constraint is only part of our job. We look for a compliant and proportionate way of resolving it while recognising the commercial and planning objectives of the project.
Relationships we invest in
We continually invest time in building constructive professional relationships with Local Planning Authority ecologists and other ecological advisers.
Good relationships do not replace robust evidence, but they can make professional dialogue clearer, faster and more constructive when an ecological issue needs resolving.
Clear answers
You should not need to interpret ecological jargon before advising your client. We explain the issue, its planning implications and the recommended next step in straightforward language.
The Crossman Ecology Three-Part Client Guarantee
We believe planning consultants and their clients should have confidence not only in the ecological advice they receive, but also in the service surrounding it.
That’s why our work is backed by the Crossman Ecology Three-Part Client Guarantee.
Discover our Three-Part Client Guarantee
Frequently asked questions from planning consultants
Straightforward answers to some of the ecological questions that commonly arise during the planning process.
What ecology information is needed for a planning application?
It depends on the site and proposed development.
For many projects, an ecological appraisal is the starting point. This identifies important habitats, potential protected species constraints and whether further surveys or assessment are required.
Other projects may require protected species surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations, an Ecological Impact Assessment or specific mitigation strategies.
The most efficient approach is to establish the likely requirements early rather than commission surveys without first understanding what is necessary.
When should I appoint an ecologist?
Ideally, during the early stages of the project and before the design is fixed.
Early ecological input gives the project team an opportunity to identify constraints, accommodate important ecological features within the design and programme any seasonal surveys that may be required.
For sites with obvious ecological potential, leaving ecology until immediately before submission can create avoidable programme risks.
Can a planning application be submitted before ecology surveys are complete?
Sometimes, but it depends on the ecological issue and the information needed to determine the application.
Where survey information is necessary to understand the likely ecological effects of a proposal, the Local Planning Authority may require adequate information before it can determine the application.
If programme is a concern, we can advise what ecological information is likely to be needed at application stage and what may appropriately be dealt with later.
What is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal?
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, commonly referred to as a PEA, is an initial assessment of a site’s habitats, ecological features and potential to support protected or notable species.
It identifies ecological constraints and opportunities and establishes whether further surveys or assessment may be required.
For many development sites, it is the logical starting point for determining what ecological information will be needed for planning.
When is an Ecological Impact Assessment required?
An Ecological Impact Assessment, usually referred to as an EcIA, provides a more detailed assessment of the potentially significant ecological effects of a development.
Whether one is required will depend on factors including the nature and scale of the development, the ecological sensitivity of the site and the likely significance of its effects.
Not every development requires a full EcIA. Initial ecological assessment can help establish the appropriate level of reporting.
Does every development need Biodiversity Net Gain?
No. Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain applies to many developments in England, but exemptions and different requirements can apply depending on the circumstances of the development.
BNG requirements have changed over time, so the position should be checked against the current rules for the individual project rather than assumed.
Even where mandatory BNG does not apply, other ecological legislation and planning policy may still be relevant.
What happens if a protected species is found?
The presence of a protected species does not automatically prevent development.
The first step is to understand how the proposed works could affect the species or its habitat. Depending on the circumstances, the development may be able to proceed through avoidance measures, changes to design or timing, mitigation, compensation or an appropriate licence.
Identifying the issue early generally provides the project team with more options.
Can ecological surveys be undertaken at any time of year?
Some can; others are seasonally constrained.
Certain habitat assessments and preliminary surveys can be undertaken throughout much of the year, while other surveys need to take place during recognised periods when the target species can be reliably detected.
We can review the site and proposed development and flag any likely seasonal survey constraints at an early stage.
Can ecology issues be dealt with by planning condition?
Some ecological measures can appropriately be secured by planning condition, but it should not be assumed that all outstanding ecological information can be deferred until after permission is granted.
Where ecological information is needed to understand the effects of the development or demonstrate that an acceptable solution is achievable, that information may need to be available before determination.
We can advise the project team on what is likely to be needed during the application and what may reasonably be dealt with post-consent.
How can ecology be considered during site design?
Often through relatively simple decisions made early in the design process.
Retaining important habitats, protecting buffers around sensitive features, maintaining habitat connectivity, considering lighting impacts and integrating biodiversity enhancements into landscaping can all reduce ecological impacts.
Early collaboration between the ecologist, planner, architect and landscape team can often produce a better solution than trying to retrofit ecological mitigation once the design is substantially complete.
Got a site you’re assessing?
Whether you’re considering early feasibility, preparing a planning application or trying to resolve an ecological issue during determination, talk to us early.
Send us the site location and proposed plans and we’ll help establish what ecological work is likely to be required, identify any potential programme constraints and advise on the most practical route forward.