Natural England have just released a very useful infographic on District Level Licensing for Great Crested Newts, which from the 01st April has been rolled out to over 155 authorities. 

However, DLL is not mandatory and has an element of uncertainty which can be unattractive to developers.  It can also have considerable 'upfront' costs. We can advise on the most cost effective approach for you. Please contact us on jackie@jfa.co.uk for a chat.

Image: Clapham Park, Bauder ( solar-biosolar-systems.pdf (bauder.co.uk))

Utilising roof space for increased biodiversity and generating energy is a topical feature of many new urban brownfield developments such as Clapham Park and the proposed linear walkway at Circus Street, Brighton. This integrated approach uses solar mounted panels designed to be located on roofs within an Extensive Green Roof setting to provide a mosaic of micro habitats.  Small mounds can provide interest and a wider range of micro habitats.

This has many benefits:

• Improved local air quality;
• Increased potential for biodiversity – providing foraging for butterflies, bees and other insects;
• Small incremental linkages to surrounding inner city wildlife sites;
• Vegetation and substrate provide stability for the solar array;
• Control of rainwater discharge;
• Reduction in urban air temperature through evaporation, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing ‘heat island’ effects;
• Reduction or offset of energy consumption and carbon emissions;
• Contribution to BREEAM rating; and
• The creation of a beautiful space for both visual amenity and informal spaces to rest and reflect.

The panels are arranged 300mm above the vegetation, allowing the wild flora which is a drought tolerant species rich dry grassland with low maintenance requirements, to establish below. There is no penetration of the waterproofing element of the blue roof system. Alternatively, solar panels may be used to provide a roof to a pagoda or pergola structure, with water collected on the roof  discharged to the planting below.

This is an easy and attractive way to incorporate sustainable energy production that can be  included at both  a domestic and a commercial level. This is explored more in our News article 'The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful'.