BDS – Data Request Options

For most planning applications a consultant will be expected to request data within a 1 km or 2 km search radius depending upon the size of the development and zones of influence. A larger search radius may be required for a larger development or EIA. Information for species, habitats and conservation sites should be considered.

SPECIES INFORMATION

A standard species data request includes post-2010 records for rare, threatened or protected species plus species with a Biodiversity Action Plan or statement in the vicinity of your chosen area. European Protected Species, invasive species and species with a Dorset Notable status will be included. Records are provided in an Excel spreadsheet.

A GCN check will usually be made for all planning related species searches in the Dorset Council area. It includes:

  • A check against Natural England maps to determine the GCN DLL risk zone/zones. This may help you decide the potential impact of the development on GCN. Depending upon the nature of the development a licence may be required, either
    • under the Dorset Council District Licence Scheme
    • or a mitigation licence from Natural England
  • Results of GCN surveys within 500 m of the site
  • Note: the Dorset Council DLL only covers the Dorset Council area (not the BCP Council area)

SITE DATA

We can provide a list of sites and pdf maps showing site boundaries. We provide separate maps for:

International conservation sites: Natura 2000 sites (SPA, SAC) plus Ramsar & the World Heritage Site.

Nationally designated sites: Ancient Woodland, National Landscapes, National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, RSPB and Butterfly Conservation Reserves.

Local sites: Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (Local Wildlife Sites), Local Geological Sites, Local Nature Reserves, Local Community Nature Reserves, Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserves and Habitat Restoration Sites. If there is likely to be a direct impact on an SNCI we can usually provide a citation or site report.

HABITAT DATA

DERC holds habitat data for most conservation sites (SSSI and SNCI). We can provide pdf habitat maps showing recorded habitat and Priority Habitat.

A standard local sites search will include information on Sites of Nature Conservation Interest including site boundary, year selected, reason for selection and a 1 sentence description. For an additional fee we can provide a Short Citation with a map, short description, panel history and species lists. Alternatively, a Long Citation will also include descriptions by compartment with Dorset Notable lists. These are not yet available for all sites.

MARINE DATA

The Dorset Marine Biodiversity Database is managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and we will contact DWT for reports on marine species and biotopes. It may take a little longer to provide marine data.

ECOLOGICAL NETWORK MAPS

An Ecological Networks map is recommended for larger developments. For minor applications, a check against the networks on Dorset Explorer is sufficient.

DORSET EXPLORER

Dorset Explorer is an online resource which includes a lot of data specific to Dorset. You can use Dorset Explorer to check:

  • If the site is within the Bryanston SSSI consultation zone, if so you may require an Annex II bat search
  • Ecological Network maps
  • Dorset National Landscape Character Assessments

Note: Maps from Dorset Explorer cannot be included with a planning application.

EXAMPLES

Dorset Council NET have given three examples for data requirements:

  • Double storey extension to a single dwelling: 50m radius property check and EPS licence check. – for which you can use the Householder Property Check for Species
  • 2 new dwellings in an existing garden: 1km local and national designated sites, 5km international designated sites, 1km species check including EPS licenses, existing and potential ecological networks map.
  • 35 new dwellings on grazed field: 2km local and national designated sites, 5km international designated sites, 2km species check including EPS licenses, 8km Annex II bat species check, existing and potential ecological networks map.