Great Crested Newt District Level Licensing (DLL)

Traditional Great Crested Newt (GCN) surveys can cause significant delays to planning applications due to the strict 4-month seasonal survey window. At Southwest Environmental Limited (SWEL), we help developers utilize District Level Licensing (DLL) to bypass these delays, offering a faster, more predictable route to planning consent.

Why Choose District Level Licensing?

District Level Licensing is a strategic approach developed by Natural England. Instead of conducting costly on-site mitigation and trapping, developers pay a "Conservation Payment" to fund off-site habitat creation.

• No Seasonal Restrictions: You do not need to wait for the mid-March to mid-June survey window. DLL can be applied for at any time of the year.
• Cost Certainty: Fees are calculated upfront based on the impact of your development, removing the financial unpredictability of traditional trapping and fencing.
• Faster Planning Decisions: By eliminating the need for extensive seasonal surveys, your planning application can proceed without ecological hold-ups.
• Better for Conservation: Funds are pooled to create high-quality, landscape-scale ponds that offer better long-term survival rates for the species.

How Our DLL Consultancy Service Works

SWEL provides end-to-end management of the DLL application process to ensure your project stays on track:

1. DLL Site Feasibility Assessment: We review your site against local DLL scheme availability and assess whether it is the most cost-effective route for your project.
2. Enquiry Application: We compile and submit the necessary baseline data and development plans to Natural England (or the local scheme provider).
3. Conservation Payment Calculations: We review the Impact Assessment and counter-sign the Conservation Payment Certificate (CPC) on your behalf.
4. Planning Submission:The finalized CPC is submitted alongside your planning application, satisfying the local planning authority's GCN requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DLL be used for other protected species?

No, District Level Licensing is a bespoke scheme designed exclusively for Great Crested Newts. If your site contains other protected species (such as bats, dormice, or badgers), traditional surveys and specific mitigation licences will still be required for those animals. SWEL can manage this "hybrid" approach for you.

Do I still need an ecologist if I use DLL?

Yes. While you avoid the seasonal surveys, you still require an ecological consultancy like SWEL to assess site eligibility, accurately map habitat impacts, process the application, and ensure no other protected species or habitats are unlawfully harmed during works.

How much does the Conservation Payment cost?

The cost varies entirely depending on the location of your site (whether it is in a red, amber, or green risk zone) and the amount of suitable habitat being lost. SWEL will obtain an upfront calculation for you before you commit to the scheme.

Contact Us for DLL Support

Don't let the Great Crested Newt survey season dictate your development timeline. Contact Southwest Environmental Limited today to discuss whether District Level Licensing is right for your site.

Call Us

01392 927961 (Exeter) | 01173270092 (Bristol)

Case Studies

Below you will find example case sdtudies from our blog:

Great Crested Newt District Level Licensing - South Gloucestershire