Advice and Information

The following advice and information is available to download for anyone involved in the Planning Process. This information will help you to understand what is required when applying for planning approval on land which is of nature conservation value. By supplying a comprehensive and informed application to Planning Service your time in the planning process may be shortened.

Please continue to visit this section of the website regularly, as we will update and add more information accordingly.

Planting proposals

When designing any development it is important to include native species of local provenance to the planting list. The following document lists those species which are considered native in Northern Ireland. These species can be used alone or in conjunction with ornamental species to attract invertebrates, birds and mammals which will result in biodiversity gain.

• Native Species Planting Guidance (PDF 147Kb)

Protected Species

The following publications contain information on protected species and Development. Please refer to these guides when assessing the impact of your proposal on protected species.

• Bats and Development (.PDF 1.64Mb)
• Badgers and Development (PDF 1.23MB)
• Otters and Development (.PDF 1.35Mb)

Protection Zones Badgers (Meles meles)

As detailed in the Badgers and Development booklet - badger setts require protection zones at a distance of 25 metres from each sett entrance. This is to ensure that setts are not damaged during construction works. The following document shows the type of fencing which must be used where badgers and other mammals are present to allow thier safe passage around the site. This fencing can also be used, in conjunction with badger proof fencing, to direct badgers away from dangerous areas on site or when creating artificial setts.

• Badger friendly fencing (.PDF 106Kb)

Invasive Species

Invasive species are those non- native species which out-compete native species. Once an invasive species has established within a site its spread can be rapid. Often this can occur through construction works during development. The following guide provides information on identifying the most prevalent invasive species in Ireland.

You can identify invasive species from the Field Guide to Invasive Species in Ireland (.PDF 4.0Mb) and find out about measures to control invasive species .

Bats and Single Wind Turbines - Guidance for Applicants

The following document contains information no how the Development Managamen Team assess Planning Applications for Single Turbines in relation to bats.

• Bats and Single Wind Turbines Web Info Page (.PDF 105Kb)