European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) Licences for Development
If a proposed development is likely to impact upon a European Protected Species (those listed on Schedule 2 of Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994, including in England, great crested newt, dormouse and all bats) it may be necessary to obtain an EPSM Licence before commencing works.
These licences are issued by Natural England and lawfully permit works that would otherwise contravene wildlife legislation. They detail the mitigation required to prevent harm to individual animals and to maintain populations. If, for example, a proposed barn conversion threatens a bat roost, mitigation may include correct timing of the work and provision of a new bat roost to replace the original.
Applications for EPSM Licences require detailed knowledge of the species concerned and often require detailed survey work to be undertaken.
Our team includes ecologists who hold conservation, science and education licences issued by Natural England and have considerable experience in securing EPSM Licences. We provide expert advice relating to mitigation measures tailored specifically to each development and protected species.
