NI Biodiversity Checklist Assessment

An NI Biodiversity Checklist is ‘step by step’ tool which can be used by applicants and their agents to help identify if a development proposal is likely to adversely affect any biodiversity and natural heritage interests and whether further ecological assessments/surveys may be required. NIEA and the Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in Northern Ireland recommend that a NI Biodiversity Checklist accompany all planning applications.

Sections 1 and 2 of the Checklist have been designed to be completed by non-ecologists. However, sometimes non-ecologists may struggle to complete these sections. Where the applicant or their agent are unsure how to complete sections 1 and 2 NIEA recommend commissioning an ecologist.

If all answers are ‘NO’ in sections 1 & 2, and NIEA agree with that assessment, no further surveys, assessments, or mitigation will be required.

Where an answer of ‘YES’ has been provided in Sections 1 or 2, or the LPA or NIEA believe that the answer is ‘YES’, an ecologist will need to complete sections 3 and 4. Often this will mean that a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey will be needed. In this case, if ecological surveys or assessments are completed, a NI Biodiversity Checklist is not required.