ALERC publishes new fact sheet on unlocking better planning decisions for nature

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The Association of Local Environmental Records Centres (ALERC) has recently published a new factsheet on Unlocking Better Planning Decisions for Nature (see bottom of webpage).

The report raises concerns about the limited use of biodiversity data in planning applications across England, highlighting that many planning applications which should be informed by ecological expertise and robust evidence are being submitted and approved without it.

ALERC’s analysis suggests that, whilst around 18-21% of planning applications are likely to require ecological assessment, fewer than 10% on average are currently supported by Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC) data searches. This gap persists despite biodiversity being a statutory consideration in planning and the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in 2024.

The findings also show significant variation across England, with some areas seeing as little as 1.7% of applications supported by LERC data. In addition, only around two-thirds of local authorities have access to their LERC’s evidence base, and this is not consistently used in decision-making.

ALERC warns that without stronger requirements to use ecological data, opportunities to avoid or minimise harm to biodiversity may be missed.

The fact sheet puts forward three recommendations:

  1. There is clear advocacy for and signposting to LERCs’ planning-related services from relevant public and private sector organisations and resources such as MAGiC and local authority websites.
  2. Evidence of consulting the relevant local environmental records centre’s evidence base is a requirement for developments with potential impact on biodiversity. This should also be written into national and local authority validation checklists, and uptake should be measured and enforced.
  3. Uptake of these services by developers on a per local authority basis is used as a measure of informed decisions and consideration of the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment. This should be included as a metric for biodiversity duty reporting.

CIEEM recognises the critical role of high-quality ecological data and professional expertise in delivering better outcomes for nature through the planning system. Ensuring that planning decisions are informed by appropriate evidence is essential if the ambitions of biodiversity net gain and wider environmental policy are to be realised.