Is the scheme a highway or transport project (not requiring planning permission) which must be cleared through the Environment Directorate's Environmental Audit procedures

Don't know

Don't know which species are legally protected?

The following types of proposal must be cleared through the Environmental Audit process:

• new highway schemes
• traffic calming schemes
• highway enhancement schemes
• bridge strengthening or repair schemes, whether or not the structure is listed or scheduled as an ancient monument
• street lighting and signing in Conservation Areas
• modifications to the highway in Conservation Areas
• new cycle ways not using existing highways
• bus shelters in conservation areas and rural bus shelters in National Parks/AONBs
• any scheme that may have an impact up on a listed building, Scheduled Ancient Monument or other monument of importance, or areas of important wildlife habitat.

What should I do if the scheme has to be cleared through the Environment Directorate's Environmental Audit procedures?

You will need to ensure that agreed procedures are followed. Please read the information on the 'Yes Section'.

Yes

If an Environmental Audit (EA) is required, it should be started as early as possible in the design process.

A standard form should be completed and submitted by email to plannning@devon.gov.uk or telephone 01392 383195. The form should be submitted along with the following information:

• a brief statement of need
• a location plan
• plans indicating design and appearance of the proposal (including materials)
• further supplementary information such as photographs, results of safety audits etc so that the impact of the proposal can be delivered.

Audits should normally be completed within 21 days of receipt.

The audit may recommend that certain mitigation measures or other changes to the scheme, eg retention or translocation of hedges. These recommendations should be followed.