Despite Leicester’s rapid grow, ecologically important sites remain
With its roots in ancient settlement and its present defined by modern development, Leicester today is a densely urbanised and rapidly expanding East Midlands city. Its population of over 368,000 people continues to grow steadily thanks to regeneration projects, its two major universities, and a thriving business community. As the city expands and demand for residential, commercial and infrastructure development intensifies, remaining greenfield and brownfield sites in Leicester are increasingly valuable to developers. However, development opportunities come with ecological responsibilities that must be addressed early in the planning process via ecological assessment.
In many parts of Leicester, including areas like Braunstone, Belgrave, Hamilton and Knighton, undeveloped land and existing buildings may serve as habitats for important species such as the great crested newt. Ignoring the potential presence of valuable animals and plants could result in costly delays to planning applications. Before Leicester City Council will validate planning applications, a developer must demonstrate that appropriate ecology surveys in Leicester have been undertaken by a qualified ecologist. Survey work must help to identify any protected species that may be present and set out the steps needed to ensure that development projects comply with wildlife legislation and local authorities planning policy.
Support for wildlife and biodiversity
Across Leicester and Leicestershire, local councils, nature partnerships and conservation charities work together to preserve biodiversity. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, supported by the wider NatureSpot recording network, promotes conservation efforts in the region. At a local authority level, Leicester City Council enforces biodiversity requirements under its Local Plan policies and participates in the Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan. This collaborative approach ensures the protection of local wildlife through planning policy, education and habitat enhancement.
Legislation protecting wildlife
Despite its urban character, Leicester is home to a diverse range of valuable species. These include bats (particularly common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats), badgers, great crested newt, otters, water voles and a variety of bird species such as kingfishers and barn owls. Native plant life is also protected in certain areas, especially within local nature reserves like Aylestone Meadows, Knighton Spinney and Evington Park. These species are safeguarded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, meaning that their presence on or near a development site can have legal implications when planning permission is being sought and a specific species survey will be required. Adding to this legislation is the Environment Act 2021 that introduced the concept of biodiversity net gain to improve a site’s ecological value; development sites must achieve biodiversity net gain of at least 10% to satisfy local authorities.
Ecology surveys: the process
The starting point is the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), also known as an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey. This initial ecology survey in Leicester involves a thorough site inspection to identify habitats and ecological features to assess the likelihood of important species being present. During the walkover survey, the ecological consultant will evaluate the present land management and ecological features of the land and determine whether further surveys or mitigation strategies are needed. If there are indicators of species likely to be impacted, targeted protected species surveys will be required during appropriate seasonal windows – outside breeding and hibernation periods – to collect further data.
As part of the ecological assessment, the ecologist will not only check for current occupation by wildlife but will also assess the potential of the site to support valuable species in the future. Based on the findings, the ecologist will produce a detailed report for submission to the local planning authority. This detailed survey will confirm whether key species are present, outline any ecological constraints, and recommend mitigation measures where necessary. The aim is to ensure compliance with environmental regulations while allowing the planning application to progress smoothly. Where protected species are found, more detailed ecological surveys may be required: this will be clarified in the report.
Further Ecological Surveys
The wide range of additional ecological surveys that may be required, depending on an individual site’s requirements, include habitat surveys, bat surveys (bat emergence and re-entry surveys), badger surveys, barn owl surveys, great crested newt surveys, bird surveys, reptile surveys, otter surveys, dormouse surveys and water vole surveys. For invasive species, injurious weed surveys may be needed, such as Japanese knotweed surveys or Himalayan balsam surveys. Each of these surveys must be carried out by a licensed ecologist and may require mitigation licences from Natural England for a local planning authority to approve development.
Ecological Consultancy Services: Contact us for a Quote
Our ecology consultancy offers a full suite of ecological services across Leicester and the wider East Midlands. Our ecology team specialises in helping developers navigate the planning process by delivering expert ecological advice, detailed ecological assessment, and support with mitigation and licensing to help a planning project to fully achieve its goals.
Whether you need a basic Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, an in-depth Ecological Impact Assessment, protected species surveys or biodiversity net gain reports, our team can guide you through the process. If your project requires further steps to mitigate for protected species, we can assist with licence applications and habitat management plans to satisfy planning conditions and support Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
Meet requirements for planning applications
As a trusted provider of ecology surveys in Leicester and throughout the UK, our team is fully qualified, committed to ecological best practice and providing an excellent service. Our surveyors have extensive experience and work in accordance with the standards of Natural England, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), the National Planning Policy Framework and DEFRA. Our ecological assessment process is client-focused and tailored to each individual project, allowing us to deliver surveys and reports that align with planning policy and satisfy local planning authority requirements.
We provide a friendly service: if you are unsure which ecology survey in Leicester your project needs, we are happy to offer advice, support and cost effective solutions from the outset. Get in touch via our contact page, email or the telephone number above. We need the details of your site and proposed development, and we can provide a free quote. Once confirmed, we will schedule the survey, carry out all necessary assessments and deliver a comprehensive ecology report to help you move forward confidently with your planning applications.