Great crested newts (GCN) are striking amphibians which are protected under UK law, meaning that any project affecting their habitat must carefully plan for their conservation. But complying with these regulations doesn’t have to mean costly delays or disruptions. With proper planning and the right approach, you can move your project forward smoothly while supporting biodiversity.

In this blog, we’ll explore why timely GCN surveys are essential, how the District Licensing Scheme can offer a streamlined alternative, and how understanding your options can save you time, money, and hassle.

The Legals

Great crested newts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). Where present on a construction site, disturbing their habitat or failing to carry out the necessary mitigation measures could result in fines of up to £5,000 per newt or up to 6 months in prison.

The Traditional Route: Full GCN Surveys

The most common approach to assessing the impact of a development on GCN is through full ecological surveys. These typically include:

1. A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment: a preliminary assessment to confirm the presence or absence of GCN in a water body (achieved by taking a sample of water between mid-April and the end of June) and testing for their DNA.

2. Presence/Absence Surveys: if water samples are inconclusive or you think there’s a high chance individuals will be present, four surveys which could entail bottle trapping, netting, torching, egg searching and/or other physical survey methods are used between March and June to count the numbers present.

3. Population Size Class Estimates: If newts are confirmed via route 1 or 2 above, the methods adopted via route 2 are conducted six times to enable an estimate of their population size.

Benefits of Full Surveys

Provides detailed, site-specific data about newt populations.
· Allows for tailored mitigation measures that align closely with the needs of your project.

Key Considerations of Full Surveys

Surveys must be conducted during the breeding season (March to June), so missing this window can delay your project by up to a year.

If surveys reveal that newts are present, further mitigation, such as creating new ponds or suitable terrestrial habitat could add additional costs to the project.[LG1]

A full survey will be necessary if your development falls outside the area covered by a District Licensing Scheme.

Ecology by Design Director Ben Gardner says: “It’s critical to get the surveys done early. Not only will this save developers time, but it also helps in avoiding unnecessary delays. If newts are found late in the process, mitigation can often become much more expensive and complex.”

The Alternative: The District Licensing Scheme

For some developers, the District Licensing Scheme offers a more streamlined approach to GCN mitigation. This scheme allows developers to contribute to a large-scale conservation fund instead of conducting site-specific surveys. The funds are then used to create, restore, and manage habitats for GCN across a wider landscape.

How District Licensing Works

Each district is divided up into different risk zones (White, Green, Amber, Red and Black) which reflect the level of habitat suitability and therefore the likelihood that GCN will be present.

Benefits of District Licensing

Faster Process: avoids the need for site-specific surveys, eliminating delays caused by seasonal restrictions.
Landscape-Scale Conservation: supports long-term biodiversity by focusing on habitat creation and management across entire regions.
·Simplified Compliance: reduces administrative and logistical complexity for developers.
Cost-Effective: often more affordable than traditional surveys, especially for smaller developments.

Drawbacks of District Licensing

Currently, district licensing is only offered in specific areas; not all regions are covered and some schemes do not allow development in all zones.
To register a site requires an ecologist to submit an application and an initial fee is payable prior to applying for planning permission. Often a second fee is payable after planning permission has been secured (as detailed in the above table).
Mitigation measures are determined by the scheme and the measures to be adopted must be paid privately by the developer in addition to the licence fees. The developer therefore will not be aware of the full costs prior to being charged to register the site.

Pros and Cons: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Project

Deciding between traditional surveys and district licensing depends on several factors, including the location of your site, potential impacts of the proposals on newts, your project's timeline, and your budget.

We can help you evaluate your options by considering:

Location: Checking whether your development site falls within a District Licensing Scheme area. If it doesn't, you'll need to proceed with full surveys.

Timeline: If your project is time-sensitive and located within a licensing area, district licensing can help you avoid delays caused by seasonal survey restrictions.

Budget: We can consider the impact zone and compare the likely upfront contribution and possible post-consent fees to the potential costs of surveys and site-specific mitigation.

Ecological Impact: If your site is particularly ecologically sensitive, traditional surveys may provide more detailed information to guide your mitigation strategy.

Takeaway: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

In conclusion, while GCN surveys may seem like a small part of the overall planning application process, their impact on project timelines and associated costs need to be factored in.

Start the process early, work with experienced professionals, and conduct surveys at the right time of year. Doing so will help you move forward with your project with fewer obstacles and avoid unnecessary delays and costs.

When selecting an ecologist, ensure they are licensed to survey for GCN and have experience working on similar projects. Look for professionals who are members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), as this indicates they adhere to the highest industry standards.

At Ecology by Design, our large team of licensed ecologists is here to ensure your project runs smoothly. We understand the complexities of GCN surveys and the critical role they play in your planning application. Whether you need full surveys or want to explore the District Licensing Scheme, we have the expertise to help you make informed decisions, avoid delays, and keep your project moving forward.

Contact us today to discuss your project and find the best approach for managing GCN while staying on schedule and within budget. Together, we can support biodiversity and ensure your development’s success.

To get in touch, drop us an email at hello@ecologybydesign.co.uk or call 01865 893346.

March 2025