Avian Ecology recently supported JBM Solar Projects at Public Inquiry for the Copse Lodge Solar Farm, near Greatworth in Northamptonshire. In his decision notice, the Inspector acknowledged the very substantial benefit to biodiversity benefits the project will deliver, affording it substantial weight in his final decision to award planning permission. Avian company Director Howard Fearn [...]
With the advent of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), the creation of wildlife habitat has become an attractive commercial opportunity. We will see more and more ‘habitat banks’ which create ‘units’ for sale to developers, enabling them to achieve the now mandatory 10% habitat gain. Of course, this will mostly lead to (very welcome) increases in [...]
Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain is soon to be required for all planning applications with the implementation of the forthcoming Environment Bill. Many planning authorities have already included it in planning policies and it is quickly becoming the norm. But what does it mean for your development? What is Biodiversity Net Gain? Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) [...]
Avian Ecology has been fortunate to experience growth through the last year, especially under the cloud of Covid. Our approach and resilience, alongside our strong portfolio (particularly in renewable energy), has enabled us to welcome new team members and to continue to plan for the future with confidence. In the last six months we have [...]
Covid-19: The Avian Ecology team has moved to home working during the current Covid-19 situation, and is operating normally. We are continuing our field survey, and ecological assessment programme but are following Government guidance closely as it is updated. We send our best wishes to clients and colleagues at this difficult time and [...]
This afternoon a 'fitness check' by the European Commission recognised that the European Birds and Habitats Directives are relevant and remain fit for purpose. This means the Directives will not be re-opened but more work is required to ensure the Directives are properly implemented into UK legislation. The Directives are vital to the protection and [...]
The proposed Housing and Planning Bill 2015-2016 could lead to automatic planning permission on land of high ecological value, but consideration of ecology shouldn’t be overlooked. In October 2015, the Housing and Planning Bill was introduced to the House of Commons, and was ascended to Reporting on 10th December 2015 (with amendments). The Bill, which [...]
Avian Ecology, working with Cass Associates of Liverpool, was recently appointed to undertake ecological appraisals within the Knowsley Safari Park complex near Liverpool. These were needed to inform two separate planning applications; one for a brand-new tiger enclosure and the other a ‘safari lodge’ rest area where park visitors can overlook the site from the [...]
Floating solar farms are relatively new to the UK renewables industry and United Utilities are leading the way with the recent go-ahead for Europe’s largest floating solar farm based at Godley Reservoir, Manchester. Avian Ecology provided initial ecological and ornithological feasibility advice for this ground breaking Project, further demonstrating Avian Ecology’s position as the UK [...]
We are looking forward to attending Solar Energy UK at the NEC Birmingham 13-15 October.
