Environmental consultancy Dice Environmental has expanded its range of services with the launch of a new ecology and biodiversity division aimed at helping developers navigate increasingly complex planning requirements.
The new service has been introduced in response to growing demand for specialist ecological advice, driven by changes to the planning system and the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements for many developments.
Part of the wider Dice group alongside Dice Consulting Engineers, the consultancy operates nationally from offices in Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.
Its new ecology offering will support developers, architects, planning consultants and landowners with a range of services, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, habitat surveys, protected species surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments and Ecological Clerk of Works support.
The service is designed to provide clients with ecological expertise throughout the development process, from early site assessments and planning applications through to construction and compliance.
Dice Environmental said the expanded capability complements its existing services covering flood risk and drainage, acoustics, noise and vibration, pre-planning advice and geo-environmental consultancy.
By combining these disciplines, the business aims to provide a single point of support for projects requiring environmental input at multiple stages.
The ecology service is being led by newly appointed associate ecologist Rob Halcrow.
He said: “The launch of our ecology and biodiversity service is an important step in the growth of Dice Environmental. As planning requirements continue to evolve, particularly around Biodiversity Net Gain, it’s more important than ever that developers, architects, planning consultants and landowners have access to clear, practical ecological advice from the outset, supported by integrated environmental expertise.
“By considering ecological constraints at the earliest stages of a project, developers can identify potential planning issues sooner, commission proportionate surveys, reduce programme risk and improve the likelihood of securing planning consent without unnecessary delays or costs.
“Our focus is on making the process as straightforward as possible by providing the right surveys at the right time, helping clients navigate the planning process with confidence while delivering meaningful benefits for both development and nature.
“I’m pleased to be part of the Dice team and to be leading the development and implementation of our new ecology services’.”
The launch forms part of Dice Environmental’s wider growth strategy, following the opening of its Leeds office earlier this year and the expansion of its Nottingham base into larger premises.
