The clock was ticking 

Greenways and Cycleroutes Limited had a vision to create a cycle route and walkway connecting the village of Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire with Aylesbury Vale Parkway station – offering the local community improved access to a direct train service to central London. 

The site was situated in the red zone of our Impact Risk Map, meaning there was a high likelihood that great crested newts would be present on site. The charity also needed to obtain planning permission, a great crested newt licence, and complete all works on site prior to the fast-approaching summer holidays which was no small task. 

Waiting for the great crested newt survey window would’ve meant missing their construction start date and losing their funding (not to mention wasting an entire summer’s worth of cycling!)

The quick, simple, certain and sustainable way 

Thanks to our District Licensing Scheme, Greenways and Cycleroutes Limited received a report within ten working days and didn’t need to submit any additional newt survey data. The report was submitted with their planning application in April and work swiftly started in June, the day after planning permission was granted – a great result all round. 

Back on the saddle 

For Greenways and Cycleroutes Limited, the timeframes offered by the District Licensing Scheme were clear and certain from the outset. It meant the project could open on time and provide a summer full of cycling and walking for the local community. Our scheme allowed planning and licensing requirements to be dealt with side by side which ultimately saved the charity time, money, and stress.