Protected species licence

Consenting organisation

Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation.

Details

A wildlife licence allows a person permission to carry out an activity affecting an animal or plant that would otherwise be illegal. Licences are only issued for certain purposes, which are set down in the law and only where there is a valid justification.

When is it required?

A licence is required by anyone who requires carrying out an activity prohibited under wildlife legislation. Examples include, to kill or take certain protected species to prevent problems, to carry out surveys or conservation work, disturb or damage the habitat of certain protected species.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will be responsible for licensing in the marine environment (this applies to all activities undertaken seaward of the mean low water mark).

Natural England (NE) will be responsible for licensing in the terrestrial environment (this applies to all the activities undertaken landward of the mean low water mark).

If a licence is required for a species found in both the marine and terrestrial environments then the organisation to apply for a licence depends on where the applicant wants to carry out the activity.

Associated legislation

Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (further associated legislation is dependant on the type of operation being carried out).

Application process

• Obtaining a licence will depend on what the licence is to be used for.
• The level of information needed in the application depends on the nature of the activity the applicant is going to undertake. For survey activity or implementing mitigation works regarding developments, the applicant may be required to provide information that demonstrates technical expertise. The application form will provide the information the applicant must provide.
• In some circumstances a site visit or telephone assessment may be required. If this is the case, the relevant officer at NE will contact the applicant.
• NE will provide the applicant with a licence or refusal, which will include an explanation within 30 working days of receiving the applicant’s application.
• The MMO will aim to acknowledge receipt of an application within five working days and inform the client if any further information is needed at that stage.
• The MMO will decide whether a licence will be granted or refused within 6 weeks of receiving the required information.
• If required information is missing from the application the applicant will be contacted. During this time the application time period will be stopped to account for the delay.
• If the licence that has been requested by the applicant is not appropriate on environmental or humaneness grounds, Natural England will write to explain this.

Appeals procedure

Not applicable.

Consultation process

Contact consenting organisation for further information.

Course of action under the habitats regulations

Priority or protected species may exist within the Marine European Site and affect habitat regulations.

Timescales

Natural England aim to respond and issue relevant licences within 30 working days. Certain licences may be quicker and be turned over within 15 working days (contact Natural England for further details).

Cost

Contact appropriate consenting organisation for further information.

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Contact details

Devon Sea Fisheries Committee (DSFC)

Old Foundry Court, 60a Fore Street, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8DZ
Telephone: 01803 854648
Website: Devon Sea Fisheries Committee

Marine Management Organisation

Head Office: Hampshire Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH

Plymouth Office: Fish Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 0HL
Telephone: 01752 228001 (initial contact with Plymouth office is recommended)
Website: Marine Management

Natural England

Cornwall, Devon and Isles of Scilly Team, Renslade House, Bonhay Road, Exeter EX4 3AW.
Telephone: 0300 060 2424

Visit the Natural England website for explanation of the appropriate licences needed by the applicant.

Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF)

C/o Development Planning, Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2EW.
Telephone: 01752 304339
Website: Tamar Estuaries

Remember! You may require further consents. Visit the development page to find out.