Ecological Advice

This service is required to appraise the ecological impact of plans, policies, programmes or projects. The service includes but is not limited to:

• Review and validation of ecological information received in support of planning applications, including for example on bio-diversity net gain, Environmental Impact Assessment and those requiring an Appropriate Assessment.
• Preparation of Appropriate Assessments to accompany planning applications.
• Ecological advice on Local Plan Biodiversity Policy scope and content.
• Preparation of a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) for any plan, policy, programme or project requiring an HRA including but not limited to HRA for the BCP Local Plan.
• Expert witness support at Local Plan public examination and public inquiries.
• Ecological advice on the BCP Local Plan assessment under any relevant legislation, current and future, including that which may take effect as a result of the UK leaving the European Union.
• Evaluation of and advice on reports and other documents submitted to BCP Council in relation to the development of the Local Plan and planning applications.
• Ecological training to planning staff.

The intention of this procurement is to conclude a framework agreement with a single economic operator, the purpose of which is to establish the terms governing contracts to be awarded during the 4-year term of the framework agreement, in particular with regard to price.