Wildlife, planning and development

Fallow deer. Photo, Jamie Hall

Living alongside wildlife

The planning system shapes the places where we live and work and has a critical impact on our urban and rural landscapes. Inappropriate development can harm our natural heritage, but well-considered planning has the potential to protect and enhance our environment.

Devon Wildlife Trust is consulted on hundreds of planning applications every year. Unfortunately, our resources are limited and we are unable to comment on individual planning applications. We have, however, provided information here that will help individuals and communities to respond to applications on wildlife grounds.

Devon Wildlife Trust believes development should:

Follow the mitigation hierarchy to:

Avoid harm to wildlife in the first instance
If harm cannot be avoided, mitigation should be put in place on site
If mitigation is not possible, compensation should be provided
benefit the wildlife, habitats and species on site and create a substantial net gain in biodiversity. DWT supports a minimum of 20% Biodiversity Net Gain.
provide better proximity to nature for people, addressing the physical and mental wellbeing of residents
be subject to monitoring and maintenance in the long term

Your planning toolkit

The following guides will help you to respond to a local planning application.

Starling with worm in its beak - image by Jon Hawkins

Planning - How to get started

Concerned about a development near you that you think may cause harm to nature? This guide will help you get started and ensure that…

Planning - Find out how wildlife could be affected

A place does not need to be a nature reserve to matter for wildlife. Gardens, fields, hedgerows, trees and streams can provide food,…

Planning - Build your case for nature

Your response will be most useful when it explains what wildlife could be affected, how the proposal could cause harm and what you would…

Planning - Write and submit your comments

Now bring your concerns and evidence together in a clear response. Anyone can comment on a planning application. You can object, support…

Barn owl flying above some trees and houses

Planning - Responding to a local plan consultation

You can speak up for nature before an individual planning application is submitted.

Local Plans help shape where development…

a field of yellow crops in front of a residential area. A swan pops its head out of the plants.

Blog

Planning for people and nature: How Devon Wildlife Trust engages with the planning system

Devon Wildlife Trust recognises that new homes, schools, businesses and infrastructure are essential, but they should not come at nature…

Help shape future development - Responding to Local Plan consultation

You can speak up for nature before an individual planning application is submitted.

Local Plans help shape where development happens and the policies it must meet. Taking part in a consultation is an opportunity to highlight important wildlife habitats and ask for nature to be considered from the start.

Here's how to respond to a local planning consultation