The PEA Process, or preliminary ecological appraisal process, is an ecology service that identifies any ecological impact of a proposed development. In this guide, Ecology By Design takes a closer look at the process of a preliminary ecological appraisal, the costs involved, and what to expect.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) Process
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Cost
What is included in a PEA Report?
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) Process
A preliminary appraisal identifies the potential ecological impacts of a potential development. PEAs are a stepwise process, the methods of which are outlined below.
Desk Study
A desk study is undertaken to provide background data for the appraisal. Records of protected and notable species along with information on statutory and non-statutory designated sites are requested from the local biological records centre. An online search is also undertaken to gather further background data on internationally and nationally designated sites within the local area.
Field Study
Alongside the desk study, an extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is undertaken which involves a site visit during which the ecologist completes a walkover of the site. During the walkover, plant species are recorded to enable classification and mapping of habitat types present within the site boundary. The habitat survey is extended to assess the site for protected or notable species and look for evidence of or potential for them (such as reptiles or bats) and invasive species to be within the site.
Evaluation
The ecological report can be presented in one of three ways:
1) A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal can be prepared setting out the survey methods, results, potential impacts and recommendations. If further surveys are required to inform the planning application the PEA is suitable for the design team to review and consider the implications on scheme design.
2) If the PEA is conducted sufficiently early in the project such that the design scheme is very dynamic, a Constraints and Opportunities Plan could be produced to identify areas to be avoided or the needs for any mitigation, compensation or enhancements. This is a useful tool at design team meetings given the results of the assessment are succinctly displayed in visual form.
3) If the PEA is sufficient for a complete assessment of impacts to be made without the need for further surveys, the report can be upgraded to an Ecological Impact Assessment (non-Environmental Impact Assessment) report to give the Local Planning Authority confidence that it is a complete assessment of the potential impacts of the proposals and identifies appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures.
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Cost
Generally, the costs to conduct a PEA are in the region of £750-1,200 (excluding VAT), not including the costs of securing desk study data from local record centres which typically costs in the region of £100-375 per centre.
There are many variables that influence costings for an ecological impact assessment in the quotes we produce, such as:
The size of the site (we work on sites from 0.01ha to 250ha)
The distance to site (affects time taken and mileage costs)
Health and safety or visibility issues (some work requires two or more people)
The complexity of the project (e.g. if there is one existing building or 50)
What is included in a PEA Report?
PEA ecology reports are structured formally in accordance with industry standard guidance (CIEEM (2017). Guidelines for preliminary ecological appraisal, 2nd edition.). They must be prepared, and quality controlled by a suitably qualified ecologist. The format should be as follows:
Executive summary
The executive summary presents a concise overview of the surveys conducted, interest of the site, potential impacts of the proposals and measures to mitigate those impacts and enhance the site for biodiversity. This should be an accurate reflection of the report content and should highlight the need for any further surveys or assessment required.
Introduction
The site is then introduced along with any background information relating to the development, the proposed works are detailed, and the aims of the report are set out. Here it is important that the personnel involved with the project are clearly shown, demonstrating their competence in carrying out the surveys and assessments completed.
Methods
The approach to the desk study and suite of surveys are then detailed, setting out the personnel and their qualifications any limitations such as constraints to access, time of year or unfavourable weather conditions preceding or during the survey.
Results and Interpretation
The data from the desk study and site survey are used alongside professional judgement and experience to evaluate the likelihood of protected species being present, identify habitats of principal importance within the site and review designated sites within the zone of influence of the site to understand the potential impacts resulting from the proposed project.
Habitat mapping is undertaken using GIS software to provide geographical context to the field survey data, aid assessment of the importance of the habitats on site and highlight features of particular ecological value.
Potential Impacts and Recommendations
The potential impacts of the scheme on features of interest within the site and zone of influence are evaluated, and recommendations are made for avoidance, mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures.
The recommendations may include a further survey for protected species where evidence of, or potential for, a protected species has been identified within the site. PEA reports are not suitable for submission to inform a planning application at the site if further surveys are required to inform the assessment of potential impacts and refine the recommendations. The indicative costs for further surveys conducted to inform an EcIA assessment. For more information read our EcIA Cost Guide.
Other information
The ecology report will also include:
Relevant legislation and planning policy;
References for guidance used or information cited within the report;
Photographs of the site; and
Figures showing habitats and/or features of interest within the local landscape.
You can find out more about our ecology services, or make an enquiry today to learn more about the range of specialist ecological services and surveys Ecology by Design can provide.