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Independent Specialist Survey

Ecologist Reports for Loft Conversions & Extensions

An ecological assessment may be requested depending on the site, proposed work and planning authority. Any survey or report is provided by an independent ecology consultant and is separate from our design packages.

Timing Set by Consultant
Independent Consultant
Ecologist conducting a site survey for a planning report — Hampshire Build

Ecology evidence

The right report supports a confident planning submission.

Ecologist Report

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

£850 + VAT
Site survey by ecologist
Protected species check
PEA report to agreed scope
Mitigation recommendations

When Is an Ecologist Report Required?

Planning authorities increasingly require ecological assessments for residential extensions. Here are common situations where you may need one.

Loft Conversions

Roof spaces may provide bat roosting habitat, especially in older properties or rural locations

Extensions Near Trees

Works affecting mature trees may impact nesting birds, bats using tree holes, or root protection areas

Properties with Ponds

Great crested newts are protected and may use ponds within 500m of your development site

Demolishing Outbuildings

Old sheds, garages, and outbuildings can house bats, nesting birds, or other protected species

Not Sure If You Need One?

If your planning application is rejected or delayed due to missing ecological information, it can add weeks to your project timeline. We offer a free initial assessment to determine whether your project is likely to require an ecological report.

How Our Ecologist Report Service Works

A scoped process for arranging an independent ecological assessment.

1

Initial Assessment

We discuss the project details provided and whether further ecological advice may be appropriate; the local planning authority determines its requirements.

2

Site Survey

Our ecologist partner visits your property to assess habitats, potential for protected species, and site features.

3

Report Preparation

An independent ecologist prepares a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal to the agreed scope; any additional surveys or mitigation are separate.

4

Planning Submission

The report can be provided for the client's planning submission. The authority decides whether further ecological information is required.

Why Choose Hampshire Build?

We coordinate ecological surveys alongside your planning application, saving you time and hassle.

Independent Ecological Assessment

The survey and report are produced by an independent ecology consultant and scoped separately from our design packages.

Project-specific Timing

Survey availability and report timing depend on the consultant, project scope and any seasonal survey requirements.

Professional Ecologists

The consultant's credentials, insurance and scope are confirmed before instruction.

Protected Species in Hampshire

Disturbing protected species or their habitats without proper surveys can result in prosecution and project delays.

🦇Bats

All UK bat species are protected. They commonly roost in roof spaces, making them a key consideration for loft conversions. Signs include droppings, staining around entry points, or seeing bats at dusk.

Survey season: May - September

🦎Great Crested Newts

Protected and found near ponds. If there's a pond within 500m of your site, newt surveys may be required. They spend most of the year on land, not in water.

Survey season: March - June

🐦Nesting Birds

All nesting birds are protected. Works affecting hedgerows, trees, or buildings with nesting potential should be timed outside breeding season or checked first.

Nesting season: March - August

🦡Badgers

Badgers and their setts are protected. If there are badger setts near your property, buffer zones and timing restrictions may apply to your construction work.

Survey: Year-round possible

Areas We Cover

We provide ecological survey services across Hampshire and surrounding areas.

Winchester
Basingstoke
Southampton
Eastleigh
Fareham
Andover
Romsey
Salisbury
Petersfield
New Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ecological reports for residential extensions.

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is a survey and report that assesses your site's ecological value and identifies any protected species or habitats that could be affected by your development. It's often required by planning authorities before they'll consider your application.

Possibly. If your roof space could provide habitat for bats (which are legally protected), an ecologist may need to assess it. Signs include older properties, rural locations, properties near woodland, or existing evidence of bat activity. Many councils now require ecological screening for loft conversions.

An ecological report may be required if your extension affects trees, hedgerows, ponds, outbuildings that could house bats, or if your property is near designated wildlife sites. Properties in rural areas or those with mature gardens are more likely to need assessment.

Common protected species in Hampshire include bats (in roof spaces, trees, outbuildings), great crested newts (near ponds), nesting birds, badgers, and slow worms. Disturbing these species without proper surveys and mitigation can halt your project and result in prosecution.

The consultant sets the site visit and report schedule. Some protected species surveys can only be conducted at specific times of year, which may affect availability and timing.

If protected species are identified, the ecologist will recommend mitigation measures. This might include timing work to avoid breeding seasons, providing alternative habitats, or in some cases applying for a Natural England licence. Early surveys give you time to plan around these requirements.

Yes. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is a general assessment of the site's ecological value. If the PEA identifies potential for bats, a more detailed bat survey may be recommended. Bat surveys are seasonal and can only be conducted May-September.

We provide ecological survey services across Hampshire (including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham, Andover, and Romsey) and parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, and Surrey.

If the planning authority has requested one, your application will likely be refused or delayed until the report is provided. Many councils now require ecological screening for all applications except the most minor works. It's better to include the report upfront.

The current fee and scope are confirmed before instruction. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal may include a site visit, habitat assessment and protected-species screening.

Need an Ecologist Report for Your Project?

Don't let ecological requirements delay your extension. Book a complimentary consultation to discuss your project and find out if you need an ecological assessment.