Protection of Wildlife

Wherever and whenever development is planned, ranging from conversions and house building extensions to major developments, the possible presence of protected wildlife and habitat must always be considered.  Therefore, in the event that the site is protected or within a protected area a survey may be required to assess the site's potential for wildlife and survey the site in detail for wildlife.  Surveys can range from checking a building for evidence of bats or barn owls, to a detailed site survey indicating the following:

• key vegetation types
• habitat areas
• common, uncommon, rare, scarce plants and animals
• flora, fauna protected by statutory orders

The cost of the survey will vary according to circumstances and scale of the site.   Details should be included in the outline/detail planning application and you may require a separate plan relating to nature conservation aspects of the site.  In addition you should also be taking into consideration the following:

• protection
• management
• enhancement
• design

Therefore the protection of wildlife and nature conservation should be built into all development details and proposed development must include measures to:

• avoid wildlife areas
• incorporate buffer zones between wildlife areas and buildings, roads etc.
• ensure roads and footpaths are located away from wildlife areas and corridors
• ensure drains and services are located away from wildlife areas and corridors
• ensure buildings are located away from wildlife areas and corridors
• take measures to provide additional land or space for wildlife corridors and foraging areas

Any proposals must show a clear indication of the intention to protect the areas identified in the survey as being of nature conservation value in accordance with The Wildlife and Countryside Act, English Nature's Guidelines for Nature Conservation and Ribble Valley Borough Council's Policies on Nature Conservation.