What is a LEMP
A LEMP is a Landscape and Ecology Management Plan. These reports are often conditioned as part of an approved planning application, and the condition outlines what must be covered within the report at a minimum for the Local Planning Authority (LPA), to discharge the condition.
Once the LEMP is submitted to the LPA it will need to be checked by the county ecologist, local wildlife trust and statutory bodies (as appropriate) such as Natural England or the Environment Agency.
LEMPs firstly outline site-wide mitigation for habitats and protected species during both the construction and operational phase of the development. Some examples of mitigation they may cover includes reptile translocations, badger sett closures and a sensitive lighting scheme for bats and dormice.
LEMPs also detail biodiversity enhancements. As Biodiversity Net Gain is now mandatory under the Environment Act (2021) as of the 12th February 2024 (and for small sites from 2nd April 2024), habitat and hedgerow creation or enhancements included within the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, accompanying report and the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan should also be covered within the LEMP. This could include creation of wildflower meadows, planting lists for native hedgerows or tree and scrub planting.
In addition to these enhancements, the report also includes targeted enhancements for protected species that are not quantifiable within biodiversity net gain calculation such as the inclusion of bat and bird boxes, reptile/amphibian hibernacula or hedgehog homes.
The content of LEMP reports can differ greatly between the type of project and its location. For example, LEMPs for developments in cities like London will need to account for the urban landscape and lack of available greenspace for enhancements, while one for a rural glamping site will have more scope for larger-scale habitat enhancements, such as ponds or wildflower meadows.
The report also details post-construction maintenance and management of the retained, enhanced and created habitats, as well as the features for protected species. This could include the best timings for cutting wildflower meadows and hedgerows to benefit wildlife, or the methods and timings for safely clearing material from bird nest boxes. A detailed maintenance schedule summarising relevant management for each month of the year is also included. This section is important, as habitat and species enhancements will need to be maintained in perpetuity to satisfy the planning condition and attain long-term biodiversity net gain.
Finally, the report details responsibilities and competencies of those undertaking the proposed mitigation and enhancements, to ensure no breach of wildlife legislation. For example, providing instructions on what to do and a point of contact (usually an ecologist) for when protected species are found during the works and the details of who should be overseeing mitigation, such as trained arboriculturalists (tree works/planting) or vegetation clearance (Ecological Clerk of Works ECoW).
If you think you may need an LEMP, please get in touch.
Article by Emma Baker