In the ‘Red’ 

Eastco Homes were the developer for a housing re-development project in Riseley, Bedfordshire. The site fell within the red zone of our Impact Risk Map, highlighting there was a high chance that great crested newts may be present on site due to high habitat suitability. The developer needed to check for impacts to great crested newts and/or their habitat – which could be a problem as there is only a short seasonal survey window for newts. 

Under standard licensing, the previous developer needed to wait a minimum of five months for the newt survey season in order to start surveying for the species and would be further delayed if newts were found on site. But thanks to the district licensing route, planning was approved in January 2021, prior to survey season starting. 

A simple way, without delay

Eastco Homes bought the site in 2020 and chose to use the District Licence development process to address concerns with newts – thanks to our simple, streamlined, and sustainable approach. 

Our District Licencing Scheme proved vital – helping to avoid delays and accelerating the developers plans so they could start work on the development as soon as possible. Due to the site being located in a red zone, the mitigation hierarchy introduced some minor mitigation, which took the form of simple hand searches prior to destructive works on site. 

We’ve got you covered

Our District Licensing Scheme gave Eastco Homes a preferable approach to standard licensing and meant the development could move forward quickly, even if newts were found at a later stage. Under the scheme, you’re free to move newts if you find them on site and carry on with work – it’s that simple. 

What’s more, for choosing this route, Eastco Homes have contributed to a long-term, landscape-scale conservation strategy for great crested newts and the wider environment. This ensures a sustainable future for the species, all whilst helping our client deal with newt requirements from the start of the project to the finish.