Protected Sites (SSSIs, European Sites, County Wildlife Sites etc.)

Your planning application could be refused if impact on a protected site is not adequately addressed – especially if the site is of national or international importance. This applies even if your development is very large and could potentially make a significant contribution to the local economy, as was the case with the previously proposed Dibden Bay Port Terminal, refused by the Secretary of State principally on the grounds of impact on internationally important sites.

Having your development assessed with regard to protected sites as soon as possible could help you either:

1. Avoid long delays before getting planning consent and being allowed to proceed with the project, or;
2. Avoid spending more money on a site when an application is highly unlikely to be successful.

An assessment would typically involve determining the location of protected sites in relation to your project, assessing the potential for impact from your proposals and advising on possible ways for your development to comply with relevant planning policy and legislation. This would be carried out in consultation with relevant parties (e.g. Natural England or the local Wildlife Trust) to ensure objections are avoided or removed as far as possible.

To discuss your site and requirements in more detail, contact Adonis Ecology today.