Nature conservation and affecting public rights of way for construction sites
Invasive weeds on construction sites
Check your building area for evidence of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam. If you spread these plants, you could be committing an offence.
Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and other invasive weeds
Removing trees
Before removing any trees, check with your local council planning department if any or them is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
Removing, pruning, cutting down, lopping, topping or ring barking a tree covered by a TPO will require planning consent. Failure to obtain consent for these activities is a criminal offence.
If your site is in a conservation area the trees will automatically be protected.
Northern Ireland: Local Councils
Protected species
Protected species such as bats, badgers, newts and nesting birds are common on development sites. Identifying whether you have protected species on your site, deciding what to do and obtaining the correct consents for moving them is a complex process.
Public rights of way and bridleways
For works that may affect footpaths, cycleways or bridleways, either temporarily or permanently, you will need consent from the local council.
Good practice
BS 42020: Biodiversity. Code of practice for planning and development
This new British Standard 42020 aims to integrate biodiversity into all stages of the planning and development process.
It is of relevance to professionals working in the fields of ecology, land use planning, land management, architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, forestry, arboriculture, surveying, building and construction.
BSI: BS 42020 Biodiversity. Code of practice for planning and development.
Manage roadside verges for biodiversity.
Plantlife: Managing roadside verges
SEE ALSO: Nature conservation Land access rights