European Protected Species Licence (EPSL)

European Protected Species Licence Application

During a re-roofing scheme, new housing development or any scale and category of private or professional project, there is a chance that the planned building, redevelopment or demolition practices could affect European protected species in the nearby vicinity.

Rather than allowing the development works to obstruct access to the habitats and endanger a natural range of potential listed species present without any oversight, developers are ordered to apply for a European protected species licence as a satisfactory alternative.

What is a Protected Species Licence?

Otherwise titled a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSML) or European Protected Species Development Licence (EPSDL), a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) is a form of written consent from a regulatory organisation in partnership with the UK government that gives the holder permission to carry out acts that would otherwise be treated as a criminal offence.

A large selection of mitigation and compensation measures are unlikely to affect any species concerned, and even if they do, the ecological surveyor will be cleared to address the issue accordingly. Under certain circumstances, however, an EPSML licence will be a necessity, and without it, the developer will technically be breaking the law, prompting penalties, project delays and issues with planning permission.

When Do You Need a Protected Species Licence?

Such legislation as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 outline that certain species of flora and fauna possess full protection and are safeguarded from activities that could affect them or their habitats. Development has the potential to cause any level of harm to them, making it a highly concerning area in the eyes of local councils.

If your development plans are going to disturb or destroy a bat roost or put a bat’s safety at risk, for example, a mitigation licence would be needed. In some cases, it may not be clear whether or not a protected species licence is required, but licensing tests can be used to decide.

Part of the application process, the licensing tests consist of three factors that question if there are any alternative routes aside from using a licence, if having a licence is for an overriding public interest such as local or national economic benefits or efforts to preserve public health, and if the species is of favourable conservation status.

Which Species Does an EPSL Apply To?

Mitigation licences aren’t available for every European protected species (EPS), as not all of them are considered rare enough for one to be necessary.

Due to the additional step added to the planning process, it is useful for developers to know when they need to seek help with protected species licences.

Below, the common species that require a protected species licence are listed:

Protected Species Requiring Licences

In addition to the species above, various categories of insects, fish and plants may also be included.

Obtaining a Protected Species Licence

With training in various areas of ecology and a 100% track record for protected species licence applications, you can rely on Arbtech to assist with all of your needs. Our team can work closely with you throughout your planning project, evaluate your development site, support any action authorised involving protected species, and offer step-by-step help with your mitigation licence application.

Before you reach out to our team for a bespoke quote or more information for your site and project specifically, read on for further details about the European protected species licence, including the regulators involved with granting them, the application process from start to finish, and the likely cost.

EPSL Regulators

Only a Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) can grant a protected species licence. Each country in the United Kingdom has a different authority for this, including:

• England: Natural England
• Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
• Scotland: NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage)
• Wales: Natural Resources Wales

EPSL Process

Once it has been established that there is no satisfactory alternative, the species is of favourable conservation status and the mitigation measures would contribute to public interest or preserve health as part of the licensing tests, it will be possible to submit the completed application form.

For it to be comprehensive enough for the regulator to consider it correctly, it should include a reasoned statement to show why a mitigation licence is needed for the specific development and a method statement to show what will be done in terms of mitigation or compensation measures.

It will then undergo review by the regulator, and the eventual decision will be explained with imperative reasons for it. If a European protected species licence application has been granted, conditions will be made clear and the licence will be made available for release.

EPSL Cost

Every development is different, and due to that, the costs will vary depending on the specifications. In the case of European protected species licence applications, the developer will need to consider the need for an application fee, consultancy fee for referring to a company like Arbtech, the price of mitigation measures, and the bill for any related ecological assessments, ecology reports and ongoing monitoring.

Other variables could also make the process more expensive, such as if an assessment of the site is needed to support the application, turning a basic one into a complex one. We only charge what we need to, starting with a baseline European protected species licence cost and adding on any additional fees based on the dimensions of the site, the circumstances of the flora or fauna presence, and the amount of work we need to undertake.

Rely on Arbtech to Provide Advice on Your EPSL Application

Your development site could be home to a breeding site, resting place, roost or habitat for a wide range of European protected species. Simply choosing to ignore it could lead to delays, penalties and issues with securing planning permission and continuing your planning project into later stages.

Instead, developers are advised to seek help from a qualified and licensed ecological consultant by getting in touch with Arbtech and discussing your needs with us. Reach out today and make sure you’re taking the right steps with your development plans by filling in a quote form, calling, emailing or visiting our contact page.