Environmental Services

Ecological Surveys & Assessments

We can coordinate the full suite of ecological surveys and assessments including: desk-top ecological scoping surveys, Extended Phase 1 Habitat surveys and Protected Species Surveys including: Bats, Birds, Badgers, Barn Owl, Newts, Water Voles etc. In addition to the above we also have the capacity to manage Ecological Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, Habitat Restoration / Creation / Enhancement Plans as well as overseeing the implementation of ecological works as the Ecological Clerk of Works.

Landscape Schemes, Trees & Hedgerow Studies/ Licences

We have an in-house Landscape Architect who is able prepare detailed landscaping schemes, visualisations and Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs) for development projects. We work with an experienced and qualified Aboriculturalist who is able to undertake tree surveys and reports on our behalf. We can also prepare and submit applications to carry out work to protected trees and hedgerows.

Heritage Studies & surveys

These include Desk-based Archeological investigations and heritage significance statements. Often these documents are required for planning applications and applications for Listed Building Consent and Scheduled Monument Consent. Northern Planners are also able to produce planning-based heritage studies to support your proposals.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

We can submit requests for Screening and Scoping opinions as well as coordinating the production of the Environmental Statement for development projects.

See our work

Energy

From anaerobic digestion and biomass plants to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, we provide the planning expertise behind renewable energy development in the North.

View our Energy projects

Residential

From single-storey extensions to multi-dwelling housing schemes, our Chartered Town Planners handle residential planning applications of every scale across North Yorkshire and beyond.

View our Residential projects

What Our Clients Say

Northern Planners did a fantastic job in helping us gain planning permission for an in-fill housing plot. They offered great advice, helped us find all the specialist advice and surveys we needed and instructed a firm of plan drawers. My time was limited, so I was grateful to be able to leave so much in their hands, as they kept me updated during the process and liaised with the planning authority. Sophie Cattlin, the planner who managed our case was super: always friendly and helpful and also very efficient.

Mr Dorin

Thank you so much for your very kind, empathetic help with my planning application. You’ve been a fabulous, efficient, professional friend guiding me through this arduous process. It’s been very much appreciated especially with the unexpected positive outcome!

Mrs Norfolk

A friend kindly recommended Northern Planners to me, and from day one my experiences dealing with them has been excellent. I have been highly impressed with their efficiency and professionalism. They have kept me in the loop throughout the process. During which, I have been looked after by a very competent team, who have gone beyond the call of duty to help me with my planning proposal. Without doubt they are always ahead of the game. I would have no hesitation in using them again or recommending them.

Mr Walker

As a result of the input from Northern Planners, we came to a very satisfactory agreement with the residential developers whereby, by exchanging small pieces of land, both they and we were able to preserve and enhance our holdings.

Mr Porter

Environmental — your questions answered

What environmental surveys might my planning application need?

It depends on the site and the proposal, but common requirements include ecological surveys, an Environmental Impact Assessment for larger or more sensitive schemes, heritage assessments near listed buildings or conservation areas, and landscape and visual assessments. We coordinate the right package so nothing holds up your application.

When do I need an ecological survey?

Where protected species or habitats could be affected, councils usually expect ecological survey work before they determine an application. Timing matters — some surveys can only be carried out at certain times of year — so it is worth planning these in early.

What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

An EIA is a formal assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of larger or more sensitive developments, reported in an Environmental Statement submitted with the application. We advise whether your scheme needs one and manage the process.

Do you provide landscape assessments?

Yes. We have an in-house Landscape Architect who can prepare landscaping schemes, visualisations and, where needed, a full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

Serving Harrogate & Knaresborough — and clients across Yorkshire and the North of England.