Consultancy Dice Environmental has launched a planning-led ecology and biodiversity service to help developers meet mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.
The expansion responds to rising demand for specialist ecological advice following the introduction of mandatory BNG requirements and the growing role biodiversity plays within the planning system.
The sister company to Dice Consulting Engineers, Dice Environmental operates nationwide, with offices in Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.
The expanded offering includes preliminary ecological appraisals, BNG assessments and statutory metric calculations, UKHab habitat surveys, preliminary roost assessments and bat surveys, ecological impact assessments, protected species surveys, ecological clerk of works services and ongoing ecological planning support.
The new capability complements the company’s existing flood risk and drainage, acoustic and noise and vibration, pre-planning and geo-environmental services – providing a single multidisciplinary consultancy capable of supporting projects from initial site appraisal through to planning, construction and compliance.
The service is being led by newly appointed associate ecologist Rob Halcrow, who said: “The launch of our ecology and biodiversity service is an important step in the growth of Dice Environmental. As planning requirements continue to evolve, particularly around Biodiversity Net Gain, it’s more important than ever that developers, architects, planning consultants and landowners have access to clear, practical ecological advice from the outset, supported by integrated environmental expertise.
“By considering ecological constraints at the earliest stages of a project, developers can identify potential planning issues sooner, commission proportionate surveys, reduce programme risk and improve the likelihood of securing planning consent without unnecessary delays or costs.
“Our focus is on making the process as straightforward as possible by providing the right surveys at the right time, helping clients navigate the planning process with confidence while delivering meaningful benefits for both development and nature.
“I’m pleased to be part of the Dice team and to be leading the development and implementation of our new ecology services.”
The launch forms part of Dice’s growth strategy, following the opening of its Leeds office at the beginning of this year and its expansion into a larger office space in Nottingham.
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