Many planning applications now require a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), especially where a site includes garden ground, trees, grassland, woodland edge, ponds or semi-natural habitats. A PEA is the recognised, proportionate first step in understanding any ecological constraints and is widely expected by Local Planning Authorities before they validate an application.
At Grove House, we make this process straightforward. We organise the PEA through the most suitable ecology consultant and manage the entire process for you — ensuring you receive a clear, efficient and cost-managed assessment that meets planning expectations without unnecessary complexity.
What Is a PEA?
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is a baseline ecological survey that:
- identifies the habitats present on site
- assesses their condition and ecological value
- screens for potential protected species (bats, birds, reptiles, badgers, GCN etc.)
- highlights any constraints that may affect the design or layout
- sets out clear, proportionate next steps (if any)
A PEA is not an intrusive or specialist survey — it’s a rapid assessment carried out by a trained ecologist, with a practical, planning-focused report delivered shortly afterwards.
Most PEAs involve a single site visit and a concise written report, once reviewed, to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority.
Why a PEA Is Often Needed
LPAs typically expect a PEA where any one of the following applies:
- the site includes grassland, scrub, woodland edge or unmanaged garden
- the proposal involves demolition or alteration of buildings that could support bats or nesting birds
- the site contains or borders hedgerows, ponds, ditches or mature trees
- the land is greenfield or partially undeveloped
- the site lies near, or within the influence of, a designated nature conservation area
- the LPA cannot rule out protected species impacts without a baseline survey
Where these triggers exist, submitting a planning application without a PEA can lead to delays, additional requests from the ecology officer, or an invalidation notice.
Our Phased, Cost-Controlled Approach
We follow a clear and efficient three-phase model, designed to keep your costs low and avoid unnecessary survey escalation.
Phase 1 – Free Initial Site Check
Send us the site address or location plan and we’ll carry out a free desktop review to advise:
- whether a PEA is likely to be required
- what the LPA will expect
- whether any ecological risks are immediately apparent
- the simplest route through the process
This ensures you don’t spend money unnecessarily.
Phase 2 – Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
If a PEA is needed, we arrange the survey through what we consider to be the most suitable ecology consultant and coordinate the entire process.
Your planning-ready PEA report will include:
- Site description and summary of habitats
- UKHab classification
- Protected species risk assessment
- Photographs and habitat mapping
- Constraints and opportunities
- Clear, proportionate recommendations
- Identification of whether further surveys are genuinely needed
Turnaround is normally 7–10 days after the site visit.
We focus on proportionate assessment — avoiding unnecessary specialist surveys unless they are genuinely triggered by evidence.
Phase 3 – Follow-On Support (If Required)
If the PEA identifies further ecological requirements (which is often not the case on smaller sites), we can advise on:
- the simplest method of addressing protected species issues
- timing constraints (e.g., bat or bird survey windows)
- pragmatic mitigation measures
- whether Biodiversity Net Gain calculations are required
- the quickest route to satisfy the LPA
Your project is only recommended to proceed to additional work if the PEA identifies a clear need for it.
Why Choose Us? – Clear Advantages for Developers, Architects & Planners
✔ Low-Cost & Proportionate
We keep the process lean, ensuring you only commission what is necessary.
This avoids the “survey cascade” sometimes associated with larger ecology firms.
✔ One Point of Contact
We manage everything — from initial site check, to ecologist coordination, to the final PEA report.
✔ Fast Turnaround
We understand that planning programmes move quickly.
We prioritise fast scheduling and delivery.
✔ Local Expertise, especially across the South of England but we have contacts in many other localities
We understand local LPA expectations, common triggers, and typical validation requirements.
✔ No Unnecessary Escalation
Our approach ensures that further surveys (bats, reptiles, GCN etc.) are only recommended where evidence from the PEA warrants them.
✔ Ideal for Small Residential & Domestic Schemes
Perfect for infill plots, extensions, replacement dwellings, barn conversions, garden land, HMOs and small developments.
What You Can Expect to Pay
Because every site is different, the cost is proportionate to the scale and complexity.
Typical PEA pricing for all sites is competitive, with no hidden extras.
We provide:
- free initial assessment
- transparent fixed-fee quotations where possible
- staged costs where appropriate
- options to proceed only as needed
This keeps your project protected from unexpected ecological requirements.
Get Started – Free Site Check
If you have an upcoming project where a PEA may be required, we can review it free of charge.
Simply send:
- a postcode or site location plan
- a short description of the proposal
We’ll comment quickly whether a PEA is needed and outline the most efficient route through the ecological side of the planning process.