Preliminary Ecological
Appraisal
Local Planning Authorities have a duty to show regard when exercising their function for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is normally the first stage in any ecological assessment at a proposed site and is a standard requirement by LPAs when determining an application.
PEAs have the following main purposes:
- To identify the likely ecological constraints that might arise from the proposals in question
- Take into account the legal and planning policy for species and habitats in the UK and consider any mitigation measures likely to be required, following a standard mitigation hierarchy
- Identify and make recommendations on any additional surveys for habitats, protected species or species of conservation concern, that may be required
- Identify the opportunities offered by a project to deliver ecological enhancement and net gains for biodiversity
It is important to consider that many LPAs now require a PEA to form part of an Ecological Impact Assessment (ECiA) as the required submission, where all surveys and residual impacts have been addressed.
What does a PEA involve?
Desk Study
The purpose of the desk study is to gather information relating to designated sites, habitats and species that are of conservation concern, within a defined study area referred to as the ‘zone of influence’ for a scheme.
The zone of influence normally encompasses the site, and the area or region around the site, based upon the scale of the development and its potential reach to biodiversity. Records are sourced from online portals, published literature such as books and planning documents and through purchased records from biodiversity record centres.
Habitat Survey
The habitat assessment consists of a survey to record all of the habitats present within a defined study area. The condition and distinctiveness of the habitats are recorded as well as their potential to support protected species and species of conservation concern. The assessment has traditionally been undertaken using the Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology.
Increasingly, however, the UK Habitat Classification is being used as industry best practice to ensure compatibility with the Biodiversity Net gain Assessment, which is set to become mandatory for the majority of developments.
PEA Report
The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal report (PEAR) is a standard request from Local Planning Authorities for most developments in the UK. The report will contain results from the desk study and habitat assessment along with an evaluation of the potential for the site to support important habitats and species of conservation concern.
The report will also include guidance on legislation and planning policy and appropriate compensation, mitigation and opportunity for ecological enhancements.
This could include design alterations and recommendations for further surveys that may be required for the development to proceed.
What you need to know about PEAs
Our approach
To ensure a standardised approach to our data collection, we undertake all PEAs in line with the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Appraisal. This approach is also compatible with the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment.
This is the trusted approach for Local Planning Authorities and regulatory bodies such as Natural England, providing assurance that any PEA carried out by Arun Ecology will meet the expectations of these bodies
The Arun team
Our in-house team of ecologists have vast experienced of undertaking PEAs for projects of all scales. We have a strong reputation for quickly identifying the key ecological issues and guiding our clients on the appropriate steps to take, to ensure their project proceeds lawfully.
When can a PEA be undertaken?
A PEA can be undertaken at any time of year, although there are limitations in the identification of some habitat types when completed during the winter months.
It is important to consider that a PEA may include recommendations for surveys for protected species that are time restricted.
Taking this all into account a PEA needs to be undertaken in good time, prior to submitting a planning application.
FAQs
Phase 1 habitat surveys are used as a rapid assessment technique to record habitats within a given study area. A Phase 1 habitat survey is commonly used as the field element of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, although other habitat assessments, such as the UK Habitat Classification, can also be used. The PEA is a standardised assessment produced by CIEEM. It includes a desk study and a field based survey that is recognised as a standard for assessing the impact of development projects. A Phase 1 survey would not be sufficient alone to support a planning application.
Most Local Planning Authorities, if following their statutory duty, will not grant planning consent without at least a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal report being submitted with a planning application. Please note that many planning authorities are now expecting an Ecological Impact Assessment (ECiA) report to be the standard ecological assessment submitted with planning applications.
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal can be undertaken at any time of year. However, the optimum time to undertake habitat assessments is between April-September. As such, there may be limitations associated with PEAs where habitat assessments have been undertaken at a sub-optimum time of year, and further surveys may be required to accurately classify important habitat types.
PEA reports are typically accepted by most local authorities for 2 years from survey completion, in line with CIEEM best practice guidelines. After two years a PEA will normally need to be updated to ensure there have been no significant changes since the initial assessment.
Helping to address the ecological
and climate crisis
At Arun Ecology it’s not all just about driving business. We want to contribute to addressing the challenges of our time to ensure a prosperous future for the next generation.
So, as part of our service, each time you commission us we are committed to planting one tree within the UK, through our partnership with Creating Tomorrow’s Forests.
Watch this space to find out more about how we are contributing to nature recovery and tackling climate change.
Contact us
Contact us today or request a call back at a more convenient time to discuss your project.
Whether you wish to request a quote or ask us a question, our friendly and experienced team will always be happy to advise and will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible.