The GCNLICL is intended to facilitate small scale activities which result in temporary or permanent losses of terrestrial habitat of low impact to great crested newts. The project must meet strict conditions to be eligible for GCNLICL; which includes only small scale habitat damage/losses close to known GCN ponds and works being completed within 6 – 12 months.
Registration of sites under GCNLICL will allow a much quicker turnaround of licence applications with Natural England currently working towards a 10 working day turnaround for applications. The licence is subject to the same rules and conditions of the full licence application in terms of necessary permission and consents being in place.
Licences only need presence/absence survey data and not the full suite of population size class assessment surveys ordinarily required for full applications. The GCNLICL is only relevant for small scale works and depending on the site circumstances trapping may not be required.
The licence application requires submission of an application form and one map, which streamlines the full licence application process significantly. A brief working method statement will still be required between Clarkson and Woods and the client. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.'
