Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is normally the first stage in any site assessment. It has three main elements: an ecological desk study; a habitat survey (typically an extended Phase 1 habitat survey); and a written assessment. The PEA has three main aims.
- Firstly, it identifies ecological constraints and features of biodiversity value present in and around the development site.
- Secondly, it informs the design of the development such that impacts on features of biodiversity importance can be avoided or minimized.
- Lastly, it informs the scope of any necessary further ecological surveys and assessments that are likely to be required as part of the planning application process.
The PEA is a tool that assesses the biodiversity value of a site and the scale of any likely impacts of a proposal on protected sites, habitats or species. It also informs you of actions needed to be taken to secure a successful outcome. It is a rapid assessment tool.
As part of the PEA it is recommended that a data search is requested from the local records centre to inform of any known records of protected species and known statutory and non-statutory sites within a radius of the site. The records help inform the survey and recommendations. The walkover survey notes all habitats and ecological features of interest, which are categorised using either Phase 1 habitat survey method or UK Habitat Classification.
Depending on the site, the PEA report can also identify mitigation and enhancement measures, although these often require the results of further, species-specific surveys. A number of native species are protected by law, making it illegal to kill or disturb a protected species or damage its habitat.
