When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.

A planning application can be decided by the case officer or by the planning committee. Usually, wildlife concerns are addressed by conditions. These can relate to construction methods, mitigation and compensation and the aftercare and management of the site.

Global governments are coming together once again for COP27 (or the 27th Conference of the Parties) to discuss climate change and the commitments each country will make to adapt and reduce carbon emissions. A year on from COP26 in Glasgow little progress has been made and time is running out to avoid catastrophic global warming.

The Wildlife Trusts want to see the bold rhetoric and ambitions translated into real action this decade to tackle the twin nature and climate crises.

If there is a development that significantly threatens wildlife, you may want to raise awareness and support by running a local campaign. Such campaigns can serve several purposes, such as encouraging more people to respond to the planning application and showing the level of concern to the developer and the planning authority.

We have lots of exciting events planned for 2026 - these will go on sale on Monday 8th December.