Biodiversity survey and reports

Types of application that require this information:

• All development within or adjacent to a designated site:
  • European sites - special protection area of birds and special areas of conservation
  • Sites of special scientific interest
  • Sites of biological importance
  • Local nature reserve
• All applications within or adjacent to a wildlife corridor area of search or natural green space
• Any application involving:
  • Works within the roof space of an existing building
  • The demolition of a building
  • The conversion of a building (eg barn or mill conversion)
  • Alterations or works to cellars, bridges, culverts, large stone walls, caves or mines
• All applications on a quarry or derelict land
• All development adjacent to a river, canal, stream, ditch or other large water body
• All development within 250m of a natural pond or reservoir
• Development which results in works to trees or scrub
• Development affecting or adjacent to hedgerow or woodland
• Development sites where invasive species are present
• Proposals involving lighting of churches and listed buildings or flood lighting of green space within 50m of woodland or water
• Non-householder development within ‘a locally significant area of national and /or local priority habitat’
• Development within habitats identified in the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)

Details of what should be included:

• Demonstrate the impacts of any proposed development on any wildlife or biodiversity interests. This will include a habitat survey to ‘Phase 1’ standard or more
• Identify any mitigation measures proposed by the development including how existing natural assets will be protected in the construction
• Identify how the development will enhance biodiversity and identify any required mitigation/compensation measures and proposals for long term maintenance and management
• Where appropriate accompanying plans should indicate the location of any significant wildlife habitats or features and the location of any species protected under the:
  • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or
  • Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 or
  • Protection of Badgers Act

A biodiversity trigger list has been produced by Salford City Council in conjunction with the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU).

It is recommended all development adhere to best practice and adhere to the key principles of any ecological impact assessment as outlined by CIEEM.