Ecology for Planning | Ecological Appraisal

*If you are looking for an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) to form part of a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), then please visit our Ecological Impact Assessment page*

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) forms the initial ecological assessment required when assessing a site. The PEA process involves an Extended Habitat Survey combined with a desk study for nearby species records, and designated site information. The results of the PEA process are written up in a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEAR), which outlines any further surveys that may be required. A PEAR is not sufficient to accompany a planning application.

In line with recent guidance from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is now required as part of a planning submission. The EcIA is based on the PEAR, but it also incorporates the results of any further surveys. Once all further survey work is completed (if required) then the impacts and mitigation can be considered and the EcIA prepared. All development sites now require an EcIA to support a planning submission, regardless of the development size. Here at Peak Ecology, we can tailor EcIAs to suit the size and needs of your site.

The flow chart below summarises the process we provide at Peak Ecology to make the planning application as simple as possible:

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