Monmouthshire County Council Local Development Plan

The project In 2011, we undertook a series of habitat and botanical surveys of thirty two sites that were being put forward for inclusion on the register of candidate sites for development in the Local Development Plan (LDP). The ecological assessments were part of the process of producing the LDP under Part 6 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Monmouthshire County Council required the ecological assessment as part of the process of reviewing and developing the evidence base for the plan and the study followed a prescribed methodology of desk study and a rapid field assessment to evaluate the sites according to criteria set for high, moderate or low ecological value.

Our involvement A team of four ecologists gathered the baseline ecological data. A detailed desk study with review of designated sites and protected species held by South East Wales Biological Records Centre (SEWBReC) was followed by a Phase 1 habitat survey. The project involved the surveying of a number of existing County Wildlife Sites within Monmouthshire and the subsequent assessment of each site to evaluate its ecological resources and to identify biodiversity constraints.

The assessment outcomes were reported in a Word document and was supported by a comprehensive digital GIS database produced by our GIS specialist and supplied in MapInfo format. The GIS project created distribution maps showing the extent of the candidate sites in Monmouthshire and the ecological information was presented on layers, showing: 1) The overall biodiversity value; 2) Valued ecological features and receptors within the sites; 3) Habitat coding (according to Phase 1 habitat categories).

Client Testimonials

Pure Ecology have been professional, practical and proactive; it has been an opportunity to meet and work with an interesting and informative expert outside of my usual circle.

Roger Moscrop

Pure Ecology offer a completely reliable service, combining robust science with expert advice and reliable delivery and reporting. Importantly they also appreciate and respect the safety and sustainability requirements pertaining to our business and to our clients objectives.

Stuart Hedgecott Principal Consultant CH2MHill

Arup have worked with Pure Ecology since the beginning of 2014, and continue to do so because of the excellent service we have received. Anton has consistently provided sound and pragmatic technical ecological services and advice, in particular with regard to specialist bat services. He is highly competent, very organised and excellent at communicating and interpreting the likely significance of his work throughout the process.â€

Arup

Thank you so so much for your prompt report, such a pleasure to work with such an efficient company and pleasant staff.

Mr James, Homeowner in Monmouthshire.

Pure Ecology provided a comprehensive service and the report was clear and concise. The ecology assessment was well received by the local authority

Capture Energy for a single wind turbine in Camarthenshire

We use Pure Ecology because the are reliable and consistently deliver a high quality of work. They respond quickly, work well with our development team and have successfully negotiated ecological requirements with the planning authority

Lisa Way Development Surveyor, Monmouthshire Housing Association

We have found Pure ecology to be very knowledgeable and well respected. Their approach is both professional, friendly and they are always happy to listen to clients requirements and look for workable solutions

Andrew Carter, Morgan & Horowskyj Architects

Pure Ecology provides a professional and reliable service. Their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of ecological issues within the planning system has been invaluable for the success of several of our schemes.

Joe Burnard, Project Manager for Rea Housing Development