How we helped
Deanfield Homes Ltd.
obtain planning permission for their 66 residential dwellings development site.
Read the case study*Explore the process, challenges, and successes of the ecological surveys conducted for Deanfield Homes Ltd.
INDUSTRY
Refining our focus | We cater to specialised sectors
We operate across specialised areas in the public, housing and commercial sectors.
Housing
Our trusted clients range from small scale builders to large PLC housebuilders, and have supported planning applications for over 3,000+ housing projects, spanning single homes through to urban extensions.
As a company, we play a crucial role in the design of housing schemes, working with you early on to identify ecological constraints and opportunities. Your ecological surveys and baselines will always comply with guidelines, preventing missed survey windows and project delays.
We frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, allowing us to balance ecological needs with technical and commercial requirements. Most importantly, we ensure that all of your ecological matters are approved by the LPA for your application.
Public
Our public sector work is extensive and varied, collaborating with over 50+ local authorities on hundreds of projects. Our green space team has delivered numerous projects, including open space studies, green infrastructure, and play strategies, often supporting local plan submissions.
Within ecology, we have delivered projects for social housing, regeneration, schools, and highways. On a strategic level, we assist councils with biodiversity strategies, BNG assessments, and technical advice on planning applications, including acting as expert witnesses in inquiries.
Commercial
We cover a diverse range of commercial projects and clients, ranging from renewables, warehouses, MOD and even large events.
In the renewables sector, we've played crucial roles in wind turbine projects, various solar installations, and EV charging point applications. Traditional commercial projects have included major warehouse and logistics projects, distribution centres and data storage projects, with several well known clients such as Dyson, Thatchers Cider and Airbus.
We also handle numerous MOD projects across the UK, having covered large-scale redevelopments, infrastructure, and training facilities in sensitive areas such as Salisbury Plain, Brecklands, and Thames Basin Heaths. Addionally, we can provide ecological advice for small and large scale events, and are the official retained ecologists for the annual Glastonbury music festival.
SIGN OFF
Planning
Ethos are planning ecologists, that means the majority of our work forms part of planning applications for various forms of development. We have all the skills in house to complete the full suite of habitat and species surveys required, and our team have an excellent understanding as to why this is necessary.
Providing expert guidance is essential. Our team has invested extensive time in researching and training to master both local and national policies and legislation concerning biodiversity. This thorough preparation, combined with our strong field skills, ensures that you receive comprehensive support from planning professionals who produce precise, compliant reports and assessments tailored for your planning application.
Ecological Impact Assessment
For any development affecting biodiversity, an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is essential. We follow the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidelines, which form the foundation of our EcIA approach.
Often, preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA) are mistakenly requested for planning applications. PEAs should only be used early in a project to outline ecological constraints, opportunities, and necessary surveys.
EcIA is applicable to projects of all sizes and should be adjusted accordingly. It involves a thorough ecological baseline assessment, identifying key conservation features, potential impacts, and mitigation measures. Our approach ensures compliance with the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ and relevant policies and legislation.
CASE STUDIES
Recent projects
Learn the processes, results, challenges and progression for the companies we’ve worked with over the past decade.
Need surveys for environmental sign off?
Let's work together! Get in touch with the team today to discuss your project.
Contact the team