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Surveys

Bat in flight Following an initial assessment and site visit, The Development Management Team may request a survey to assess specific natural heritage aspects of the site. It may be aimed at a particular species of an animal protected by law, such as the badger or it may be for a more general survey that includes all plants and animals present.

The purpose of these surveys is to inform us what species of plants and animals occupy and/or use a site; to evaluate the risk created by the proposed development and to recommend how any adverse impact may be reduced or avoided.

Those planning applications accompanied by appropriate surveys can be processed more quickly.

picture of a red squirrel eating a nut in the snow

Applications may be delayed when a request for a survey has to be made. It is recommended that large scale applications, such as those for housing developments are accompanied by an extended Phase 1 Habitat survey.
NIEA is not able to recommend particular environmental consultants. You may wish to look in the yellow pages or check the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management web page. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that any submitted survey meets NIEA survey specifications.
NIEA has issued a series of survey guidelines. These may be viewed on the links below. You may also contact us if you would like further advice when a survey is requested.
Some survey specifications will be site specific, for example breeding bird surveys.
Bespoke specifications will be provided by NIEA; Natural Heritage in our consultation response to Planning Service.
Bat survey and breeding bird survey requirements will vary depending on the planning proposal.
Some guidelines are detailed in the documents listed below but for any further details please contact NIEA: Natural Heritage Development Management Team for guidance; - nieaplan@doeni.gov.uk

Surveys required for proposed Windfarm Developments

picture of a windfarm at Altahullion

For windfarm proposals it is our current policy to use the guidelines developed by Scottish Natural Heritage to determine the impact on important bird populations.

These bird survey guidance notes are available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.