Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne

Project Overview

Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants was commissioned by Cantium Land and Development Ltd to deliver a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment for a proposed development at Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne.

The objective was to identify ecological constraints, assess potential impacts on habitats and species, and ensure that the development aligns with biodiversity enhancement principles in line with current planning policy.

Approach

A qualified ecologist undertook a site visit to carry out the PEA, which included:

• Habitat identification and mapping
• Assessment of ecological constraints
• Evaluation of potential impacts on protected and notable species

The BNG assessment was conducted in parallel, involving:

• Baseline habitat classification and condition assessment
• Calculation of biodiversity units
• Help with the design of post-development habitat proposals to achieve measurable net gain

Key Findings

The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal concluded that:

• The site did not require further detailed ecological surveys
• Ecological constraints were manageable with appropriate mitigation measures for Nesting birds, Hedgehogs, Badgers, Hazel dormice, Foraging and commuting bats, Reptiles and Great crested newts

Mitigation & Enhancement Measures

A range of mitigation strategies and ecological enhancements were incorporated into the development design to both protect existing wildlife and improve biodiversity value. These included:

• Timing of vegetation clearance to avoid bird nesting season
• Habitat retention and sensitive site management practices
• Installation of wildlife-friendly features (e.g. hedgehog access points, bat boxes)
• Habitat creation and enhancement to support protected species

Biodiversity Net Gain Results

The Biodiversity Net Gain assessment demonstrated significant ecological improvements:

• +21.37% increase in habitat units
• +667.24% increase in hedgerow units

Overall, the development achieves a 21.37% net gain in biodiversity, exceeding standard policy requirements and demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Outcome

The project successfully showed that development and biodiversity enhancement can coexist. The proposed scheme:

• Achieved a measurable and policy-compliant biodiversity net gain
• Incorporated practical and effective mitigation measures
• Enhanced the ecological value of the site beyond its original baseline

As a result, the development received a resolution to grant planning permission, with biodiversity set to significantly improve as part of the scheme.

Conclusion

This project highlights how early ecological assessment and thoughtful design can deliver positive outcomes for both development and the natural environment. Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants provided a robust, pragmatic approach that ensured compliance while maximizing ecological benefits.