Developers may, understandably, think it sensible to use netting to stop birds nesting in trees they may have to lop ...
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Are you a developer looking to fell a tree – for any reason? Then there are three questions you need ...
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Local planning authorities insist on a full ecological impact assessment before they will validate a planning application. But time can ...
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There are four reasons why you will need a contaminated land assessment: The Local Planning Authority require it to validate ...
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Merry Christmas for all of the team at agb Environmental (and their owners!). This year, rather than sending out lots ...
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agb Environmental has been fortunate enough to work on a wide variety of ground investigation project types, with a significant ...
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In the site investigation industry the biggest risk to the safety of operatives is arguably that of striking buried services, ...
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Putting new hard surfacing around a tree can be a stumbling block when it comes to a planning application, but ...
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The Newmarket and London offices will have limited staffing between Friday 22nd December and Tuesday 2nd January 2018, as the team enjoy ...
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Understanding the requirements for ecology, arboriculture and contaminated land surveys can significantly increase the likelihood of your development projects meeting ...
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Ecology is perhaps one of the few technical surveys that has the potential to cause significant delays, costs and complications ...
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In the last year we have delivered over 80 Continued Professional Development (CPD) seminars covering ecology, arboriculture and contaminated land ...
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Delivering significant added value through multidisciplinary environmental surveys for multiple sites across a London Borough. agb Environmental was instructed to ...
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When is a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal needed? What does it involve? Do you have vegetation, standing or running water, or ...
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Even if you don’t have bat roosting potential on your development site, you may still have habitats that support bat ...
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Just discovered that your site needs great crested newt surveys? Or have you found out it’s too late for the traditional surveys? Don’t ...
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Ground investigation techniques vary depending on the objectives of the investigation, the strata, and logistical factors such as access. To ...
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agb Environmental was commissioned to provide specialist arboricultural support to a residential extension project in London. The proposals were close ...
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Don’t miss the spring survey window for water voles! Water vole surveys may be required if your development project may ...
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Do I need an ecology survey for my development project? Will the Local Planning Authority validate my planning application without ...
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To understand Root Protection Areas (RPAs), first we must understand how the RPA is calculated. The British Standard (BS5937: Trees ...
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The bat roost survey season is upon us. The agb Environmental team of ecologists are ready with their various bat ...
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The number of environmental surveys required to validate a planning application may appear to get keep getting longer. It can ...
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Ground investigation techniques vary depending on the objectives of the investigation, the strata, and logistical factors such as access. To ...
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We’ve been listening to our clients and you’ve made clear that spending time managing technical surveys is not considered time ...
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Enabling the development of a new school by providing a Site Investigation and Flood Risk Assessment. agb Environmental was commissioned ...
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Are you interested in getting paid experience within ecology? agb Environmental are seeking two or three seasonal ecologists to assist ...
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Open CPD on Ecology, Protected Species and the Planning Regime University of Kent, Canterbury 13th April 2017 12:15 to 14:30 ...
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Spring had sprung, and so have the reptiles... time for a reptile survey! March sees the start of the reptile ...
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With the warming spring air, hazel dormice are likely to emerge from hibernation in the coming months. That means it’s time ...
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The Great Crested Newt – often the focus of much debate when it comes to protecting ecology and the development ...
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Responding to a significant demand for time critical multi site ecology and protected species surveys. agb Environmental was instructed to ...
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Birds and bats are the two animals most likely to be an issue when carrying out tree work. For nesting ...
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Our team of ecologists are often asked how to best avoid the costs and delays associated with the seasonality of ...
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With January now behind us, thoughts can now turn to spring, and the variety of ecology surveys that can begin ...
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Ground investigation techniques vary depending on the objectives of the investigation, the strata, and logistical factors such as access. To ...
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The badger is a familiar face in the English countryside, but when it comes to development projects, they can become ...
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The number of environmental site assessments and surveys required for a development project is significant. When instructed individually, managing the ...
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The 2017 season for water vole mitigation works is almost upon us! New water vole mitigation guidelines for development and ...
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When developing a site, where trees make life difficult, you may be able to take them out to fit your ...
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The team at agb Environmental wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We hope you all enjoy some ...
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If you’ve managed a development project with ecological constraints, you’ll appreciate that there are specific times of year that you ...
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You’re all set to start planning your development, or maybe submit the planning application, when you’re told you need a ...
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Ecology is one of the environmental surveys for which Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) require a significant amount of information upfront, ...
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More and more Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) now request a contaminated land Phase 1 Desk Study. This is for potential ...
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Bats seek out buildings and underground structures in the winter that offer specific environmental conditions to see them through the ...
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As the mild autumn temperatures that we’ve been enjoying are starting to fade and the colder weather sets in, birds ...
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With Bonfire Night fast approaching, agb Environmental have put together these top tips to help you avoid harming animals which ...
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Having managed hundreds of ground investigations on a very wide range of different site types, we have compiled our list ...
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At agb Environmental we believe in challenging the status quo to ensure our clients receive the best possible service. One example ...
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With winter fast approaching (is your Christmas party booked yet?), you may be forgiven for thinking that our ecologists are ...
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A new report published this month by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species highlights the serious rate of decline in ...
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Planning permission has at last been granted on a site where trees have provided a stumbling block for at least ...
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With the majority of protected species surveys completed, the question turns to what our team of ecologists will be doing ...
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New water vole mitigation guidelines for development and construction projects were published in April 2016. Our Ecologists at agb Environmental ...
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With two licensed white-clawed crayfish ecologists on the team, agb Environmental provides some detail on why and when crayfish surveys ...
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With September fast approaching, we are rapidly moving through the closing months and weeks of various ecological survey seasons. With ...
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Ground gas is often cited as a key aspect in any contaminated land assessment, and with good reason. On the ...
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agb Environmental is proud to announce the support of the Women in Science, Technology and Engineering, WISE Campaign. We believe ...
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Following positive feedback from the most recent round of CPD seminars, agb Environmental is pleased to announce the wider rollout ...
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New team members join our ecology team We are pleased to announce that Cassie Todd and Claire Browne will be joining ...
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agb Environmental has the capability to deliver a range of arboricultural surveys. This can help by removing the hassle and risk by delivering ...
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Following positive feedback from clients on our Trees in Development CPD, agb Environmental are now offering a seminar on Arboricultural ...
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Ground Investigations Schools With the school summer holidays nearly upon us, the team at agb Environmental is urging clients working ...
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Trees can be a real asset to a development. Keeping existing trees, or planting new ones can help both to ...
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What is Made Ground? It’s very rare that a ground investigation on a potential development site doesn’t identify at least ...
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With the assessment of potential land contamination being a key part of the planning processes, it is important to consider ...
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Tree survey You’ve had your tree survey done. You’ve got permission from the Council to prune or remove trees. Nothing ...
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agb Environmental provided ecological advice to the Natural Trust in their award winning Wimpole Hall Gothic Tower restoration project. The ...
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Following positive feedback from several clients on our Ground Investigation CPD Seminar, agb Environmental are now offering an hour long ...
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Accurate plotting of trees is an essential part of any development survey. By making sure your topographic survey covers trees ...
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We are regularly asked for a “soil test”, but are all soil tests created equal? In short, no. There are ...
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The agb Environmental Geo Team has grown significantly over the past few years, both in numbers, but also in the ...
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When it comes to risks of building on brownfield land, the risk from potential contaminated land perhaps tops the list ...
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On the 7th December 2015, Defra published a draft code of practice which sets out how the government will use ...
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When building near trees you need to consider both how your building may damage roots, and how roots may damage ...
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Why does considering tree roots in development proposals means a greater chance of a successful development? When building near trees, ...
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After a flurry of frantic bat, great crested newt, reptile, dormice and water vole surveys throughout the 2015 ecology survey ...
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In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) should be both proportionate to ...
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Find out the top three reasons why combining technical services with one consultancy can benefit your development: 1. Reduced costs A ...
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The NHBC is currently highlighting the need to consider trees and ground conditions when planning and designing the foundations for ...
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How can a tree survey increase profit and eliminate risk? 1. Increasing the sale price of the development. Although trees ...
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Waste soil disposal from a development can be costly, but a lack of classification at the pre-development stage can significantly ...
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The risks of asbestos in buildings is now well known and managed, but asbestos in soil remains an area under development ...
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Planning applications often need to be supported by several reports containing a diverse range of recommendations. These may be provided ...
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There may be trees on your development site and you may plan to clear them, but what if your neighbours ...
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As of April 2015, any development is required to consider the potential use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). As ...
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How do you compare quotes of a ground investigation? If it is based solely on the grand total, you may ...
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One of the last jobs for a development is often the landscaping. After months of disruption, the natural soils on ...
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Understanding the effect of potentially contaminated land on a proposed new development is becoming higher on the agenda of planners ...
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You’ve finalised the plans and instructed the surveys, there is a date in the diary for the planning submission and ...
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It’s July and the summer holiday season is almost here. Sun, sea, sand and (for us at least) surveys! With ...
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The saying goes, you never know the cost of a development until you’re out of the ground, and with the ...
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agb Environmental is a multidisciplinary consultancy offering a range of services – including due diligence surveys. Due diligence surveys relieve ...
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Here at agb Environmental we are always on the lookout for new techniques to produce accurate results. Firing a laser ...
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Do you have a project that goes beyond normal business practice to improve biodiversity and ecological habitats in a built ...
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Having trees on or near your site can prove to be a headache when it comes to development.  Getting an ...
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The deadline to start a dormouse survey for a 2015 finish is fast approaching! Secure your development by arranging a ...
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agb Environmental ecologists are now fully trained and licensed to use this brand new survey technique, which can determine whether ...
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There are various reptile species in the United Kingdom and they are all legally protected: Two rare species under European ...
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When planning new developments there are many different rules and regulations for you to abide by, including ones that may ...
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The public have a fascination with ancient trees. The recent national poll on the nation’s favourite tree drew the interest ...
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As it’s already March, it is important for anyone who is purchasing land, or applying for planning permission, to find ...
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In April 2014, the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) enabled conversion of some agricultural buildings to ...
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Joining the agb Environmental team in November, Richard Parmee has taken on the role of Principal Arboricultural Consultant at agb ...
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The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) recently published their response to the consultation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ...
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If you own or are responsible for trees, do you know what your legal obligations are, and are you meeting ...
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In a recent report, the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee has said that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) ...
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In a recent parliamentary statement, the Government has encouraged the redevelopment of Brownfield sites by agreeing that small housing plots ...
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As the holiday season quickly approaches, agb Environmental would like to wish all of our clients a very Merry Christmas ...
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London's plane trees could be under threat, warns the London Tree Officers Association (LTOA), from a new disease originating from ...
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Northam Town Council has recommended first level refusal of a proposed development on greenfield land, which includes 200 new homes ...
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The origins of Christmas trees in the UK dates back to the early 19th century, taking off in popularity from ...
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The danger Japanese Knotweed poses to biodiversity has been well publicised, and now a change to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime ...
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According to figures published by the Homes and Communities Agency, thousands of new homes could be built on brownfield land ...
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Whether removal or retention of trees is preferred, developers must remain aware of the ways in which to work with ...
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Whilst undertaking a £3.3 million renovation, Grove Primary School in Totnes, South Devon, found contaminated soil on the site. Originally ...
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Lead is known to be a toxic substance that, if found on your development, will require appropriate risk assessment and ...
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When purchasing commercial land with the idea to develop, there are many considerations in regards to ensuring you're making a ...
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Gas proof resistant membranes are installed to provide protection against harmful ground gases, including; methane, carbon dioxide, volatiles, hydrogen sulphide, ...
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Over the years agb Environmental has helped many clients to develop the land near, and on, former landfill sites. Here ...
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There are numerous benefits for retaining trees that developers should be aware of. Although often seemingly in the way of ...
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agb Environmental were interested to read that The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has issued it's position following Defra's C4SLs ...
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Due to the UK's chronic housing shortage, the government has made it clear that brownfield sites shall be made easier ...
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agb Environmental would like to remind developers that the bat survey season is drawing to a close. Our trusted and ...
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agb Environmental welcomes the launch of a new technical guidance website from the Environmental Agency (EA). The EA has recently ...
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Local Planning Authorities in England can now assess whether a proposed development is likely to impact a Site of Special ...
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Always advocating a full assessment of ground conditions, agb Environmental wishes to highlight the perils of not heeding this advice ...
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The new British Standard (BS42020) for Biodiversity will help clients to compare quotes and levels of service that ecologists provide ...
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For the first time in a bat crime case, an offender has been referred to the Crown Court for sentencing ...
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Buying and developing potentially contaminated sites can be a risky business. Offering guidance from the initial desk study to successful ...
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Defra has released its provisional C4SLs for the assessment of land affected by contamination under Part 2A of the Environmental ...
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Developers must review the potential for contamination when obtaining prior approval from their Local Planning Authority (LPA) before changing property ...
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The prospect of needing a Phase 1 Contaminated Land Desk Study can seem daunting with such a variety of services ...
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Development areas often have trees occupying a substantial part of the site. In many cases, particularly in urban environments, trees ...
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Natural England (NE) has announced a step forward in the detection and protection of Great Crested Newts (GCN), which could ...
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The Great Crested Newt (GCN) is a species protected by law due to an increasing loss of suitable habitats in ...
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As recent news reveals planned budget cuts for the Environment Agency, certain stakeholders fear a reduction in guidance on ecological ...
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The publication of new guidance from CIRIA in March 2014 entitled “Asbestos in soil and made ground: a guide to ...
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Providing environmental management advice to the public sector requires a broad range of expertise. Supplying services, such as ground investigations, ...
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After introducing a charging system to the pre application advice service, a currently free of charge provision, the Environment Agency ...
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A revised version of BS 10175, the British standard for the investigation of potentially contaminated sites, has recently been published ...
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The NHBC has released clear guidance on its requirements for the certification of any clean cover system. We would encourage ...
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