What do Planners need? - BREEAM Land Use & Ecology Assessments and Code for Sustainable Homes Ecology reports

What are the first 12 most important things for Planners to bear in mind when reading BREEAM Land Use and Ecology Assessments and Code for Sustainable Homes Ecology reports from planning applicants?

1)Firstly, what is the landscape ecology of the site setting, that is, the surrounding area; what is the landscape character? Has the BREEAM ecology report addressed this?
2)Has the BREEAM taken all the characteristics, including geology, soils, hydrology, aspect and past management, plus the impact of the development proposals into account when recommending enhancement measures?
3)Hedges and structural habitats; don't forget these. They are not included in BREEAM and are vital for ecology. Habitat structure is very important.
4)Are there any protected species on site? Are there any protected habitats, such as SSSI's?
5)Is the site in a protected landscape, such as a Conservation Area or an AONB? If so, what implications does this have for the recommended habitat planting?
6)Protection of habitats and species; what protection measures are required and have these been proposed? Will these be practical and will they do what they are supposed to do?
7)Are the enhancement measures creative and imaginative and not just satisfactory or simply ticking boxes?
8)Has the BREEAM assessment taken into account long term habitat development and the linking of green habitats up to and beyond the site?
9)Is the long term management of habitats practical and sufficient for the scale of the development proposed?
10)Has a biodiversity action plan been drawn up when this is required?
11)Will the environment around the new development be improved as a result of the BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homes Land Use & Ecology recommendations being carried out?
12)What are the long term biodiversity aims for the site and are these compatible with the proposed site use and needs of the end users of the site?
For more information on BREEAM Land Use & Ecology and The Code for Sustainable Homes Ecology reports; contact us on 01892 782200;
or email;
ian@landvision.co.uk or
charmaine@landvision.co.uk
See some past testimonials on our landscape, planning and ecology work.
on our web site; www.landvision.co.uk