Independent engineering and environmental consultancy Wardell Armstrong is advising its clients that the outcome of the referendum on 23 June does not change the validity of the current legislative framework for protected species and habitats as governed by relevant EU Directives. Survey protocols, evidence gathering and assessment also remain unchanged.
Tim Palmer, technical director at Wardell Armstrong explains: ”The EU Directives relating to the protection of birds, habitats and environmental impact assessments are transposed into law by UK regulation such as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.
“There may be changes in UK law after Great Britain officially leaves the EU, but for now these regulations still apply.
“If the EU regulations were to be repealed after the UK exits the EU, we think it highly likely that the current suite of European protected species would remain protected via the Wildlife and Countryside Act.”
Existing individual licenses held by surveyors in Wardell Armstrong’s ecology team, like the European Protected Species License and Mitigation License, remain valid. Wardell Armstrong is working closely with European and UK professional and legislative institutions and will keep all project managers and clients informed.
Please see www.wardell-armstrong.com/environment for further information and updates.
