Documents to include when submitting plans by post

National requirements: documents needed in all or most cases

Site and other plans

The site plan should normally be drawn at a scale of 1:1250 and should accurately show:

• The direction of North.
• The proposed development in relation to site boundaries.
• The application site should be edged in red with any other land owned by the applicant edged blue.
• Adjoining roads should be clearly shown and named.

Block plan of the site

(e.g. at a scale of 1:200 or 1:500) showing:

• The direction of North.
• The proposed development in relation to the site boundaries and other existing buildings on the site, with written dimensions including those to the boundaries.
• All the buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements.
• The position of all trees on the site, and those on adjacent land that could influence or be affected by the development.
• The extent and type of any hard surfacing.
• Boundary treatment including walls or fencing where this is proposed.
• Public Rights of Way crossing sites or adjacent to them, together with any alternative route that may be proposed.

Existing and proposed elevations

These should be drawn to a scale of 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100* and show clearly the proposed works in relation to what is already there.  All sides of the proposal must be shown and these plans should indicate the proposed building materials and the style, materials and finish of windows, doors and other architectural features.

Blank elevations must also be included; if only to show that this is in fact the case.  Where a proposed elevation adjoins another building or is in close proximity, the drawings should clearly show the relationship between the buildings, and detail the positions of the openings on each property.

In the case of extensions, the proposal should be shown in relation to the whole of the existing property.

Where major extensions or infill buildings are proposed a streetscene elevation should be provided, showing the new development in the local context.

*Please note that applications for development relating to Listed Buildings or new development within Conservation Areas must be accompanied by elevations and floor plans at 1:20 or 1:50 scale.

Existing and proposed floor plans

These should be drawn to a scale of 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100* and should explain the proposal in detail.  Where existing buildings or walls are to be demolished these should be clearly shown.  The drawings submitted should show details of the whole of the existing building(s) as well as those for the proposed development.

Existing and proposed site sections and finished floor and site levels

Such plans drawn at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 should show a cross section(s) through the proposed building(s).  In all cases where a proposal involves a change in ground levels, illustrative drawings should be submitted to show both existing and finished levels to include details of foundations and eaves and how encroachment onto adjoining land is to be avoided.

Full information should also be submitted to demonstrate how proposed buildings relate to existing site levels and neighbouring development.  Such plans should show existing site levels and finished floor levels (with levels related to a fixed datum point off site) and also show the proposals in relation to adjoining buildings.  This will be required for all applications involving new buildings. 

In the case of householder development, the levels may be evident from floor plans and elevations, but particularly in the case of sloping sites it will be necessary to show how proposals relate to existing ground levels or where ground levels outside the extension would be modified. 

Levels should also be taken into account in the formulation of design and access statements.

Roof plans

(e.g. at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100).

A roof plan is used to show the shape of the roof and is typically drawn at a scale smaller than the scale used for the floor plans - 1:50 or 1:100.  Details such as the roofing material, vents and their location are typically specified on the roof plan.  These plans are particularly useful where the form of the building or junction(s) with the existing building is complicated.

Cross sections through windows, doors and other architectural details

These should normally be at a scale of 1:2 (especially in the case of Listed Buildings and properties in Conservation Areas) or 1:5, with sections taken horizontally and vertically through a whole window unit, for each window type.  Key dimensions should be stated on the drawing.  The sections should include sill details and indicate the position of each window in relation to the external wall of the building. 

For applications for new windows only, photographs of the exterior of the building, clearly labelled so that each window location is cross referenced to a detailed drawing of the window (at 1:10 scale) and a cross section detail (at 1:2 scale) can suffice as an alternative to full elevation drawings.  Cross-section details should include details of the proposed type of glazing units to be used, whether they are single glazed, slender section double glazed or standard section double-glazed units.

*Please note that applications for development relating to Listed Buildings or new development within Conservation Areas must be accompanied by elevations and floor plans at 1:20 or 1:50 scale.

Ownership certificates

Under Section 65(5) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, read in conjunction with Article 7 of the General Development Procedure Order (GDPO), the Local Planning Authority (LPA) must not entertain an application for planning permission unless the relevant certificates concerning the ownership of the application site have been completed.

All applications for planning permission except for approval of reserved matters must include the appropriate certificate of ownership.  An ownership certificate A, B, C or D must be completed stating the ownership of the property.  For this purpose an 'owner' is anyone with a freehold interest, or leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than 7 years.

Notice(s)

A notice to owners of the application site must be completed and served on the owners (not the Council) in accordance with Article 6 of the GDPO.

Agricultural holdings certificate

This Certificate is required whether or not the site includes an agricultural holding.  All agricultural tenants must be notified prior to the submission of the application. 

This certificate is not required if the applicant is making an application for reserved matters, renewal of temporary planning permission, discharge or variation of conditions, tree preservation orders, or express consent to display an advertisement.

The correct fee (where one is necessary)

Click here to use the fee calculator

Design and access statements

A Design and Access Statement must accompany applications for outline and full planning permission and also for Listed Building consent applications unless they relate to one of the following:

• A material change of use of land and buildings, (unless it also involves operational development).
• Engineering or mining operations.
• Householder developments. However, statements are required for applications where any part of a dwelling house or its curtilage fall within one of the following designated areas:
  • Site of Special Scientific Interest
  • Conservation Area
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

NB: Developments relating to flats are not 'householder developments' and therefore Design and Access Statements will be required in respect of alterations to flats.

A Design and Access Statement is a report accompanying and supporting a planning application that should seek to explain and justify the proposal in a structured way. 

The level of detail required in a Design and Access Statement will depend on the scale and complexity of the application, and the length of the statement will vary accordingly. 

The Design and Access Statement should cover both the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the proposed development and how issues relating to access to the development have been dealt with.

Whilst there are many ways of presenting Design and Access Statement, one suggested way of structuring Design and Access Statements is to set out the statement under headings of:

• Scale
• Siting
• Land Use
• Amount
• Appearance
• Access
• Landscaping

and in preparing the Statement it is recommended that you check whether the Statement addresses the following questions:

Character

1. Does the scheme feel like a place with a distinctive character?
2. Do buildings exhibit architectural quality?
3. Are streets defined by a well-structured building layout?
4. Do the buildings and layout make it easy to find your way around?
5. Does the scheme exploit existing buildings, landscape or topography?

Roads, parking and pedestrianisation

1. Does the building layout take priority over the roads and car parking, so that the highways do not dominate?
2. Are the streets pedestrian, cycle and vehicle friendly?
3. Is the car parking well integrated and situated so it supports the street scene?
4. Does the scheme integrate with existing roads, paths and surrounding development?
5. Are public spaces and pedestrian routes overlooked and do they feel safe?

Design and construction

1. Is the design specific to the scheme?
2. Is public space well designed and does it have suitable management arrangements in place?
3. Do buildings or spaces outperform statutory minima, such as Building Regulations?
4. Has the scheme made use of advances in construction or technology that enhance its performance, quality and attractiveness?
5. Do internal spaces and layout allow for adaptation, conversion or extension? Environment and Community
6. Does the development have easy access to public transport?
7. Does the development have any features that reduce its environmental impact?
8. Is there a tenure mix that reflects the needs of the local community?
9. Is there an accommodation mix that reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community?
10. Does the development provide (or is it close to) community facilities, such as a school, parks, play areas, shops, pubs or cafés?

The Statement should identify and assess the impact upon public rights of way and this would be managed to ensure the quality of the path is not worsened and that access is maintained.

A Listed Building Consent application should always include a Design and Access Statement, which should include:

• A statement of the special architectural or historic interest of the building, including an analysis of the significance of the archaeology, history and character of the building/structure
• The particular physical features of the building that may be affected by the development.
• The Listed Buildings setting.
• How the special character and setting of the Listed Building will be affected by the proposed changes.
• A justification statement outlining why the proposed works are necessary

The legal requirements are set out in regulation 3A of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990.

A Design and Access Statement for a site within a Conservation Area should provide a statement of the likely impact of the development on the character of the Conservation Area.

We have produced a guide to assessing good design which could help you prepare a design and access statement:

• Design Assessment guide (.pdf 63KB)

Visit www.nationalarchive.gov.uk for further advice on Design and Access statements.

---

Local requirements: documents needed in some cases

Affordable housing statement

Where local plan policy requires the provision of affordable housing, the Council will require information concerning both the affordable housing and any market housing. For example; the numbers of residential units, the mix of units with numbers of habitable rooms and/or bedrooms, or the floor space of habitable areas of residential units, plans showing the location of units and their number of habitable rooms and/or bedrooms, and/or the floor space of the units. 

If different levels or types of affordability or tenure are proposed for different units this should be clearly and fully explained. 

The Council will normally expect the affordable housing to be built in accordance with Housing Corporation Scheme standards, and in accordance with the code for sustainable homes 3 star rating and lifetime homes scheme.
This should be referred to in the statement. 

You should also confirm whether discussions have taken place with Registered Social Landlords and the Council's housing department.

Air quality

Where the development is proposed inside, or adjacent to, an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), where the development could in itself result in the designation of an AQMA or where the grant of planning permission would conflict with, or render unworkable, elements of a LA's air quality action plan.

Applications should be supported by such information as is necessary to allow a full consideration of the impact of the proposal on the air quality of the area.

Further advice is available at www.communities.gov.uk.

This information may be provided as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) where applicable or through other validation requirements, for example through information provided on lorry movements.

Assessment for the treatment of foul sewage

This should include a description of the type, quantities and means of disposal of any trade waste or effluent.

Draft travel plan

A draft travel plan should outline the way in which the transport implications of the development are going to be managed in order to ensure the minimum environmental, social and economic impacts. They will often focus on measures to encourage a modal shift from car use to other means of transport. 

Plans will usually need to include details for preparing baseline data and future monitoring. As well as person(s) responsible for co-ordinating the measures contained within the plan.  

Ecology

Applications should indicate any significant biodiversity or geological conservation interests and the location of habitats of any species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 or other animals protected under their own legislation for example the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. 

Survey information on protected species or other biodiversity of geological conservation interests, should accompany the application in all non-householder cases where a new building footprint is proposed.  As a minimum, a brief ecology statement by an ecologist will be required in order to confirm there are no protected species or habitat present or affected. 

In the case of larger developments, or where protected species or habitats are identified, or there is a history of protected species on the site or in the immediate vicinity, a fully detailed ecology survey, together with any mitigation proposals necessary, will be needed, as required by Policy NC9 of the Hastings Local Plan 2004.  

Energy statement

The statement should show the predicted energy demand of the proposed development and the degree to which the development meets current energy efficient standards.

Environmental impact assessment

The submission of these is governed by the The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999. 

Only large scale developments will normally require an EIA (usually sites over 0.5 hectares in area, where there are likely to be significant environmental impacts). 

If in doubt it is best to speak to the Council, and then seek a formal opinion, if appropriate, from the Council as to whether this is required (known as a 'screening opinion'. 

If EIA is needed, this would normally be expected to incorporate an historic asset statement as part of the assessment.

Flood risk assessment

Planning applications for development proposals of 1ha or greater in Flood Zone 1 and all proposals for new development, which are located in Flood Zones 2 and 3. Other areas where the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards and other bodies have indicated that there may be drainage problems (including proposals within 20m of the top of the bank of a main river), should be accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment. 

This should include reference to 'sequential tests' (whether there are other sites available in less vulnerable areas). Identify and assess the risks of all forms of flooding to and from the development and demonstrate how these flood risks will be managed taking climate change into account.

Maps of flood zones are available from the Environment Agency.   

Flood Risk Assessments should consider flood risk issues both on a site specific basis, and in terms of the wider area, including taking into account the potential impact of the development on flood risk in the surrounding area and how that can be managed and mitigated.  Matters such as site drainage will need to be considered as part of this.

Historic asset statement

Any development that will materially affect the character or setting of an historic asset should be accompanied by an historic asset assessment. Historic assets can include historic buildings, Conservation Areas, registered parks and gardens, historic battlefields, archaeological remains and Scheduled Monuments.

Detailed plans must be provided that show historic assets on or adjacent to the application site including Listed Buildings and structures, historic parks and gardens, and historic battlefields. 

The statement should include an analysis of the archaeology, historic architecture, settlement form and character of the area or building, along with the principles of and the detailed justification for the proposed works and their impact on the character and/or setting of the historic asset. 

Major developments in areas of archaeological interest will require a full archaeological report, by an archaeologist, to accompany the Historic Asset Statement.

Information about the location of historic assets can be obtained from these websites:

• Listed Buildings and Conservation Area properties
• www.eastsussex.gov.uk

Historic England has provided detailed advice for applicants and their agents regarding how to write an heritage asset statement.

• Statements of Heritage Significance: Historic England Advice Note 12

This Historic England advice note covers the National Planning Policy Framework requirement for applicants for heritage and other consents to describe heritage significance to help local planning authorities to make decisions on the impact of proposals for change to heritage assets.

Land contamination

Applications may need to include an extended assessment of contamination focused on local circumstances.

Landscaping

Applications may be accompanied by landscaping details and include proposals for long term maintenance and landscape management.

Landscape impacts

Applications for major development in the countryside that will affect areas designated at the national level in relation to landscape and scenic beauty will need supporting information to enable consideration of the issues.

Noise impact assessment

Application proposals that raise issues of disturbance or are considered to be a noise sensitive development should be supported by a Noise Impact assessment prepared by a suitably qualified acoustician.

Open space and play provision

Plans should show any areas of existing or proposed open space within or adjoining the application site.  'Open Space' here includes space falling within the definitions of that term in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 .

Local Plan Policies require a Local Area for Play (LAP) to be provided for developments of 25 or more units, and a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) for 50 or more units.

For more information read the Council's Supplementary Planning Guidance on the provision of Children's Play space in Housing Developments.

Photographs and photomontages

These provide useful background information and can help to show how large developments can be satisfactorily integrated within the street scene. 

Photographs should be provided if the proposal involves the demolition of an existing building or development affecting a Conservation Area or a Listed Building.

Planning obligations

This could include brief draft Heads of Terms or a draft Section 106 Agreement or Unilateral Undertaking.  Applicants should clarify the Council's likely requirements in pre-application discussions. 

Regeneration statements

A supporting statement of any regeneration benefits from the proposed development, including: details of any new jobs that might be created or supported; the relative floorspace totals for each proposed use (where known); any community benefits; and reference to any regeneration strategies that might lie behind or be supported by the proposal should be included.

Retail assessments

The assessment should include the need for development, whether it is of an appropriate scale, that there are no sites close to a centre for the development, that there are no unacceptable impacts on existing centres, and if locations are accessible.

Site waste management statement

A brief statement outlining the principles of how waste will be managed and minimised on smaller development sites, in order to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Site waste management plan

Proposed new development should be supported by site waste management plans of the type encouraged by the code of practice published by the DTI in 2004 'Site Waste Management Plans: Guidance for Construction Contractors and Clients'. 

These do not require formal approval by planning authorities. They are encouraged to identify the volume and type of material to be demolished and/or excavated, opportunities for the reuse and recovery of materials and to demonstrate how off-site disposal of waste will be minimised and managed.  

Sound insulation requirements

Advice should be sought from the LPA's Environmental Health Service for individual Council requirements for sound insulation in residential and commercial developments. Also from Building Control about the need to submit either a 'Full Plans' application under the Building Regulations or a Building Notice for the erection of most types of buildings, material alterations to existing buildings. 

Works will need to be inspected on site during the construction process.

Streetscene elevation

Required particularly for infill development, in order to show how the development will be integrated with existing buildings, and relationships in terms of height, massing and siting. 

This should also show boundary treatments (existing or proposed) in front of the buildings.

Structural survey of the property

For example for building conversions - in order to demonstrate that the building can be converted.

Sunlight/daylighting assessment

Applicable for all applications where there is a potential adverse impact upon the current levels of sunlight/daylighting enjoyed by adjoining properties and building(s) - further guidance is provided in the Building Research Establishment's (BRE) guidelines on daylighting assessments.

Supporting planning statement

Information will include how the proposed development accords with policies in the development plan, supplementary planning document or development briefs.

It should also include details of consultations with LPA and wider community/statutory consultees undertaken prior to submission. However, a separate statement on community involvement may also be appropriate.

Sustainability statement

A Sustainability Statement should outline the elements of the scheme that address sustainable development issues. Including measures employed within the scheme to reduce energy consumption and reduce energy wastage, and more generally the positive environmental, social and economic implications of the development. 

These statements will be required on major schemes, normally as part of the Design and Access Statement.

Transport assessment

Where developments will have significant transport implications, Transport Assessments should be prepared.  The coverage and detail of the Transport Assessment should reflect the scale of development and the extent of the transport implications of the proposal. 

For small schemes, the Transport Assessment should simply outline the transport aspects of the application. 

For major proposals, the Assessment should illustrate accessibility to the site by all modes and the likely split of types of journey to and from the site. 

It should also give details of proposed measures to improve access by public transport, walking and cycling, to reduce the need for parking associated with the proposal and to mitigate transport impacts.

These Assessments enable LPAs better to assess the application and provide a basis for discussion on details of the scheme, such as the level of parking, the siting of buildings and entrances, and the need for further measures to improve access arrangements to the site. 

Details of any firm proposals to improve the access to a site (particularly where included in the local transport plan) should be taken into consideration when assessing the suitability of a site for development.

Department for Transport and Department for Communities and Local Government are in the process of preparing guidance on the preparation of Transport Assessments.

Tree survey/arboricultural statement

Where trees or hedgerows are present on site a full tree report by a suitably qualified person should be provided using BS5837:2005 A guide for trees in relation to construction. 

If further advice is needed please contact the Council by telephoning 01424 781090.

Utilities statement

This should include how an application connects to existing utility infrastructure systems.

Ventilation/extraction details

For example; for hot food takeaways, restaurant uses and launderettes etc.  As much information as possible should be provided, including details of the position, appearance and height of the equipment on plans and elevations, together with any manufacturers' technical details.

Appendix A: Validation of planning applications for biodiversity conservation for Hastings Borough Council

Hastings Borough Council has a duty to consider the conservation of biodiversity when determining a planning application.
This includes having regard to the safeguard of species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 or the Badgers Act 1992 and having regard to the safeguard of designated sites and priority habitats. 

Designated sites are recognised as the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); Special Areas of Conservation, (SACs); Sites of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSIs); Local Nature Reserves, (LNRs); Sites of Nature Conservation Importance, (SNCIs), Ancient Woodland. 

A full list of priority habitats and species is available at jncc.defra.gov.uk.

1. Protected species

Where a proposed development is likely to affect protected species, the applicant must submit a Protected Species Survey and Assessment.

The survey should be undertaken and prepared by competent persons with suitable qualifications and experience and must be carried out at an appropriate time and month of year, in suitable weather conditions and using nationally recognised survey guidelines/methods where available. 
The Ecological Surveys Season list identifies the optimum survey seasons for species and vegetation.

The survey may be informed by the results of a search for ecological data from a local environmental records centre.  The survey must be to an appropriate level of scope and detail and must:

• Record which species are present and identify their numbers (may be approximate);
• Map their distribution and use of the area, site, structure or feature (e.g. for feeding, shelter, breeding)

The assessment must identify and describe potential development impacts likely to harm the protected species and/or their habitats identified by the survey (these should include both direct and indirect effects both during construction and afterwards).  Where harm is likely, evidence must be submitted to show:

• How alternatives, designs or locations have been considered.
• How adverse effects will be avoided wherever possible.
• How unavoidable impacts will be mitigated or reduced.
• How impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated will be compensated.

In addition, proposals are to be encouraged that will enhance, restore or add to features or habitats used by protected species.  The assessment should also give an indication of how species numbers are likely to change, if at all, after development e.g. whether there will be a net loss or gain.

A protected species survey and assessment may form part of a wider Ecological Assessment and/or part of an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Notes: Exceptions when a full survey and assessment may not be required

• Following consultation by the applicant at the pre-application stage, the LPA has stated in writing that no protected species surveys and assessments are required.
• If it is clear that no protected species are present, despite indications that they are likely, the applicant should provide evidence with the planning application to demonstrate that such species are absent (e.g. this might be in the form of a letter or brief report from a suitably qualified and experienced person, or a relevant local nature conservation organisation).
• If it is clear that the development proposal will not affect any protected species present, then only limited information needs to be submitted.  This information should, however, (i) demonstrate that there will be no significant affect on any protected species present and (ii) include a statement acknowledging that the applicant is aware that it is a criminal offence to disturb or harm protected species should they subsequently be found or disturbed.

2. Habitats

Where a proposed development is likely to affect such a site, habitat or geological feature, the applicant must submit an Ecological/Geological Survey and Assessment.

The survey should be undertaken and prepared by competent persons with suitable qualifications and experience and must be carried out at an appropriate time and month of year, in suitable weather conditions and using nationally recognised survey guidelines/methods where available.

The survey may be informed by the results of a search for ecological or geological data from a local environmental records centre.  The survey must be to an appropriate level of scope and detail and must:

• Record which habitats and features are present on and where appropriate around the site.
• Identify the extent/area/length present.
• Map their distribution on site and/or in the surrounding area shown on an appropriate scale plan.

The assessment should identify and describe potential development impacts likely to harm designated sites, priority habitats, other listed biodiversity features or geological features (these should include both direct and indirect effects both during construction and afterwards).  Where harm is likely, evidence must be submitted to show:

• How alternatives designs or locations have been considered.
• How adverse effects will be avoided wherever possible.
• How unavoidable impacts will be mitigated or reduced.
• How impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated will be compensated.

In addition, proposals are to be encouraged that will enhance, restore or add to designated sites priority habitats, other biodiversity features or geological features.  The assessment should give an indication of likely change in the area (hectares) of priority habitat on the site after development e.g. whether there will be a net loss or gain.  An ecological/geological survey and assessment may form part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment.

Notes: Exceptions when a full survey and assessment may not be required

• International and National Sites: A survey and assessment will not be required where the applicant is able to provide copies of pre-application correspondence with Natural England, where the latter confirms in writing that they are satisfied that the proposed development will not affect any statutory sites designated for their national or international importance.
• Regional and Local Sites and Priority Habitats: A survey and assessment will not be required where the applicant is able to provide copies of pre-application correspondence with the Local Planning Authority's ecologist, that they are satisfied that the proposed development will not affect any regional or local sites designated for their local nature conservation importance or any other priority habitats or listed features.

Ecological survey seasons list

Badgers:
Optimal Survey Time: February; March; April; October; November
Extending into: May; June; July; August; September; December

Bats (hibernation roosts):
Optimal Survey Time: January; February; first half of March; November; December

Bats (summer roosts):
Optimal Survey Time: May; June; July; August; first half of September
Extending into: April; second half of September

Bats (foraging/commuting):
Optimal Survey Time: May; June; July; August; September
Extending into: April; October

Birds (breeding):
Optimal Survey Time: March; April; May; June; July; August

Birds (over wintering):
Optimal Survey Time: January; February; November; December

Dormice:
Optimal Survey Time: January; May; June; July; August; September; November; December

Great-Crested Newts (Terrestrial):
Optimal Survey Time: March; April; May; June; July; August; September; October

Great-Crested Newts (Aquatic):
Optimal Survey Time: February; March; April; May

Invertebrates:
Optimal Survey Time: April; May; June; July; August; September

Reptiles:
Optimal Survey Time: second half of March; April; May; June; September

Water Voles:
Optimal Survey Time: March; April; May; June; July; August; September
Extending into: April; October

Habitats/vegetation:
Optimal Survey Time: March; April; May; June; July; August; September

Points to note regarding surveys:

• For certain species and habitats surveys can be carried out at any time of year, but for other species, particular times of year are required to give the most reliable results.
• Surveys conducted outside of optimal times may be unreliable. For certain species (e.g. Great Crested Newt) surveys over the winter period are unlikely to yield any useful information. Similarly negative results gained outside the optimal period should not be interpreted as absence of a species and further survey work maybe required during the optimal survey season. This is especially important where existing surveys and records show the species has been found previously on site or in the surrounding area. An application may not be valid until survey information is gathered from an optimum time of year.
• Species surveys are also very weather dependent so it may be necessary to delay a survey or to carry out more than one survey if the weather is not suitable.
• Absence of evidence of a species does not necessarily mean that the species is not there, nor that its habitat is not protected (e.g. a bat roost is protected whether any bats are present or not).
• Competent ecologists should carry out any surveys.  Where surveys involve disturbance, capture or handling of a protected species, then only a licensed person can undertake such surveys (e.g. issued by Natural England).  Surveys should follow published national or local methodologies.

Notes to the applicant

Further information on appropriate survey methods can be found at cieem.net

Existing environmental information may be available from www.sxbrc.org.uk.

Natural England is the Government agency working for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas: www.naturalengland.org.uk Also information about internationally and nationally designated sites can be found at: www.natureonthemap.org.uk

DEFRA is the UK Government department tasked with issues such as the environment, rural development, the countryside, wildlife, animal welfare and sustainable development.

The National Biodiversity Network allows you to view distribution maps and download UK wildlife data by using a variety of interactive tools.

Further notes of the requirements of Hastings Borough Council on protecting species and habitats are published in the Ecology and Biodiversity Advice.

Species and habitats designated as of priority conservation concern in the UK are listed by the UK BAP website.