Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)

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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.