Translocations and development planning

The primary objective of most planning-related translocation proposals will be to allow a development to take place by relocating individuals of a protected species to support avoidance of adverse impacts on a local population.

Rarely there may be instances where a proposed translocation intends wider conservation benefits to support the conservation of a species from the development site. Only in these cases will the IUCN guidelines apply. It is likely that such cases will be restricted to large schemes such as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and Significant Infrastructure Projects (SIPs).

When considering a planning-related translocation ask the following question:

• is it intended that the translocation will benefit a different recipient population as well as the rescued individuals, and/or that moving these individuals is intended to achieve specific conservation outcomes at the release site or in the wider environment?

If you answer “no” to this question, you should consult the protected species team as per normal practice and continue to assess the application through normal planning routes

If you answer “yes” you must consult the Conservation Translocations co-ordinator. They will provide initial advice on whether the proposal meets the definition, and if so, agree roles and timeframes for considering it. This initial advice will be provided within 10 working days for development planning cases. If this is problematic, an alternative deadline may be agreed.

Hypothetical examples of potential development planning related conservation translocations

Example 1

A new housing development will result in the loss of Great Crested Newt habitat. Individuals at risk will be transported from a development site and released into a nearby area of habitat not at risk from the development.

This is not a conservation translocation as it benefits only the translocated individuals and the local population at risk from the development and proposes no wider ecological benefits.

Example 2

Water Voles at risk will be translocated from the development site and released into another suitable site where there is a declining population. The objectives are to both protect the at-risk individuals and reinforce the recipient population.

This is a conservation translocation as the relocation is intended to also benefit the recipient population, and not just the individuals affected by the development.