News
The Countryside at a Crossroads
House of Lords Select Committee’s report 'The countryside at a crossroads: Is the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 still fit for purpose?' House of Lords Select Committee’s report 'The countryside at a crossroads: Is the Natural Environment and Rural...
Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) changes are coming. The NPPF was originally launched in 2012 and guides development across England. The government are proposing some significant changes, we discuss the key points from the revised draft below. The Framework...
Where Have All The Hedgehogs Gone?
You may remember a familiar sight or sound as a hedgehog snuffles across the road or garden. But when was the last time you heard one? Hedgehogs are now a Biodiversity Action Plan species BAP (2007) and appear in Local Plan policy document as a species targeted for...
BREEAM Changes Coming Soon
Following consultation last year, changes to the BREEAM assessment process are expected to be announced early this year. Early information suggests that the changes will include an additional (third) stage of assessment – Verification, a 12 month monitoring and review...
A Green Future: 25yr Plan. Does it Deliver anything new for our Wildlife?
The government released their plan to improve the environment on the 12th of January ‘A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment’. The 150 page document sets out a 25 year plan covering, air, water, terrestrial and marine wildlife,...
(How to) Build Housing in a Nature Friendly Way
New guidance recently released by the Wildlife Trusts has set out a blueprint for building nature friendly homes, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of this for developers, residents and wildlife. The guide highlights the importance of retaining and...
District Licensing in Kent
Bakerwell reported in 2017 (weblink to our article http://bit.ly/2mY8xDT) on the new district licensing project for great crested newts (GCN) which is coming to Kent. Developers choosing and able to bring their project under the district licensing scheme will not...
Monthly Networking Event in Sussex
Bakerwell have set up a networking group, Building Sussex Connections, with SEA Building Compliance and in association with kirksaunders. This is an informal networking group for property and construction professionals located in Hove, East Sussex. Each event is held...
Have Your Say!
Wildlife licences are required from Natural England in some situations, where your project may disturb or remove protected wildlife or damage protected habitats. Natural England are proposing to charge for protected species licences. The intention is to reduce the...
UK Environmental Protection Bill Update
The second hearing of the Proposed UK Environmental Protection Bill is due to take place on the 12th May 2017. The House of Commons will debate the proposal to safeguard protection measures for the UK. These are currently enshrined in EU legislation and the...