Josef Saunders

Background

About Josef Saunders

Project experience on varying sizes of sites involving a wide range of issues. Experienced in Phase 1 and 2 surveys, specifically in identification of planning constraints on sites such as the presence of species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or under the Conservation of Habitat and Species Regulations 2017, designated sites of conservation importance, non-designated or listed species and habitats of conservation importance. Natural England licence holder for Great Crested Newt, Sand Lizard, Smooth Snake and Dormouse. Full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Experience of development, consultation and implementation of mitigation and enhancement strategies for a wide range of protected species. Experienced in scoping, managing and preparing Environmental Statements for a range of schemes. Experienced in the production of scoping documents through consultation and meetings with Statutory Agencies as well as interested third parties. Directly involved in the production of proofs of evidence for public inquires including attendance at conferences and assistance whilst inquiries proceed. Participation in pupillage training exercises for planning barristers, involving extensive cross-examination on ecological proofs of evidence. Specialties: Evaluation of development proposals in relation to a range of sensitive ecological sites including SACs, SPAs, Ramsar Sites, and County Wildlife Sites; Developing and implementation of mitigation strategies, including licensing; EIA process and the production of ES Chapters; Ecological Assessment; Preliminary Ecological Appraisals; BREEAM; Carrying out a variety of ecological surveys including Phase 1 habitat survey and protected species surveys (Bats, Great Crested Newts, Badgers, Dormice, Otter, Water Voles, Reptiles, etc.).