The British Standard 'Biodiversity - Code of Practice for Planning and Development' (BS42020) sets out standards about how ecologists and planners should work when dealing with development projects. For instance, it sets out guidance about the information required to protect species such as bats and badgers from harm.
The Standard, which was originally published in 2013, is now being reviewed due to rapid changes in legislation and policy in this area.
Professor Tait will be drawing on his research, including his report for Wild Justice which looked at the delivery of ecological features on new housing estates, as well as his ESRC-funded project 'Planning for Nature', which investigates whether planning policies are improving outcomes for biodiversity on the ground.
The Wild Justice report found that only 53% of ecological enhancements required as part of housing schemes had actually been implemented or maintained in an appropriate condition.
The British Standard will set out new guidelines about delivering and maintaining these ecological features, and will be the key reference point for local councils and consultant ecologists working in this area.
Speaking about his appointment to the committee, Professor Tait said: “It’s a pleasure to be given the opportunity to work on the new British Standard on Planning and Biodiversity. We live in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and it is essential that the processes we have to protect nature are robust and understood by everyone involved in the planning and development sector. I hope that the new Standard will give planners and ecologists the tools they need to ensure that the outcomes of development are better for nature.”