LE04 - Enhancement of ecological value – Above Green

(3 credits available)

Aim

To ensure that the ecological value of the development is maximised through enhancement.

Assessment Criteria

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

One credit

The masterplan enhances ecological value through the creation of appropriate new habitats or through the increase in scale of existing habitats on the site in accordance with the recommendations of the suitably qualified ecologist and appropriate statutory or wildlife bodies.

Two credits

Criterion 1 is achieved.
The masterplan enhances ecological value through the protection, enhancement and/or creation of wildlife corridors on the site, linking established and/or new wildlife habitats on or adjacent to the site. These proposals should be developed in accordance with the recommendations of the suitably qualified ecologist and appropriate statutory or wildlife bodies.

Three credits

Criteria 1 to 3 are achieved.
The ecological plans are integrated within a green infrastructure plan (or similar strategy) to maximise the following (when appropriate):
- amenity and social provision
- occupier/user health and wellbeing
- conservation (heritage and archaeology)
- adaptation to climate change
- aesthetic value of green spaces on and near to the site.

Compliance Notes

Ref

Terms

Description

CN1

Suitably qualified ecologist. See criterion 1

Refer to LE 01 – Ecology strategy.

CN2

Green infrastructure plan. See criterion

A document (or section of another document, such as the design and access statement) outlining:

the location, type and size of green infrastructure
links to the enhancement of ecological value
links to the landscape design of greenspace.

Also see LE 06 – Rainwater harvesting and SE 11 – Green infrastructure.

Evidence

Criteria No.	Final Assessment
1 & 3	Written confirmation from the suitably qualified ecologist.
5	A copy of the green infrastructure plan.

Additional Information

Development is usually seen as being detrimental to the ecological value of the site. This is often the case but enhancement may also be possible. Where damage is necessary and unavoidable its effects can be offset to some extent through enhancement in other areas of the site. The steps to be taken will depend on the nature of the site and the surrounding area, and independent specialised advice should be sought in this respect.

Where the development site is linking to green areas beyond the site boundary this should be as clear as possible. Where links are broken by infrastructure (such as roads) the views of the ecologist must be sought as to whether this will be a barrier to migration routes.