National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) has brought some exciting new requirements for ecological surveys in Scotland.
NPF4 rebalances the planning system in favour of conserving, restoring and enhancing biodiversity and promotes nature-based solutions, benefiting people and nature.
NPF4, adopted in early 2023, contains policies of relevance to biodiversity, the most important of which is Policy 3 (c) which states that development proposals will contribute to the enhancement of biodiversity.
How We Can help
Our team of ecological consultants have been trained in the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain and are experienced users of the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric (should that be a requirement for your project).
We also understand the key requirements, including:
- Providing the additional information required to be included in your Planning Application
- Considering biodiversity from the project outset, taking a placed-based and inclusive approach to create the best project outcome
- Identifying synergies and connectivity for nature, to deliver multiple benefits
- Applying the mitigation hierarchy
- Selecting ecological enhancement measures that are appropriate to the size and scale of development, and ensuring long term enhancement is secured
- Prioritising on-site enhancement before off-site delivery
Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy
In line with evolving guidance, our Preliminary Ecological Appraisals now include a Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, which we work closely with our clients and project team to develop. Our biodiversity enhancement strategy can be used as a stand-alone document or used to inform your Design and Access Statement.
With experience in applying biodiversity enhancement principles appropriate to the size and scale of your development, we prioritise feasible, cost-effective and practical ecological enhancement measures that will be successful in the long-term and meet your project goals.
Do you need a Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy for your project? Contact us today to get the process started!