Planning advice for the public

Looking out for wildlife

Wildlife across the county is under pressure from development - but you can play a crucial part in helping to protect it.

Concerned about the impact of a development on wildlife?

We try to keep up to date with major planning applications which will have a significant impact on wildlife but with so many ongoing throughout the county at any given time, we can't possibly know about everything.

There are lots of things you can do if you are concerned about a local planning application. If it is likely to have a significant impact you can also email us via planningfornature@staffs-wildlife.org.uk with details of the application, please include the application number so we can look it up easily. Tell us about the species and habitats that you or others have seen on the site. Please be as specific as you can about when and where you have seen species.

We can't guarantee that we will be able to help with every application forwarded to us because we have very limited resources - but we will use your information to help decide which proposals are of greatest concern.

Badger Appeal - please help — Credit: Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Objecting to an application

Individuals can play a crucial part in the planning system to help protect wildlife. If you are concerned about a planning application, you may wish to write a letter of objection to the application case officer.

Read our handy blog here for tips on how to express your concerns about a planning application.

If you need species and habitat records for a particular location to support your objection, members of the public can request these by contacting Staffordshire Ecological Record.