0:01 AM, 23rd April 2025, About 8 months ago 1
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What a joke. I have been asked to get someone to complete a Small Sites Metric (SS report for a new build. We want to pave a part of the front garden (already part paved) to provide 1 x car park space for a disabled vehicle.
Part of the front is already paved, so the extra bit of paving amounts to half the width of a car and then length of a car.
It’s a dead patch of grass within the curtledge of the property. Nothing on it, totally barren.
Planners have insisted I now need a small site metric assessment. Does anyone know someone who can do this? They don’t even need to go to the site. I have photos etc.
Another stupid tick box exercise in the ridiculous planning system. More time, more costs.
This is the last time I’ll build anything. No wonder the system is in crisis, and there is no housing being built.
Reluctant
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Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3445 - Articles: 286
13:44 PM, 23rd April 2025, About 8 months ago
A Small Sites Metric (SSM) assessment for a single parking bay on an already partly paved area is a perfect example of bureaucracy at its worst!
Since it’s a biodiversity metric, what they want is an assessment under Defra’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy—even if the actual ecological impact is negligible. The Small Sites Metric is specifically designed for developments like yours, but annoyingly, it still requires a qualified ecologist or assessor to complete it:
A consultant familiar with the Small Sites Metric (SSM) — ideally someone with experience in small-scale urban developments.
Basic site information — photos, address, a description of the site and the proposed works.
No site visit needed as you said, many assessors are happy to work remotely for minor jobs like this, especially if it’s just converting a dead lawn into paving.
Look for independent ecological consultants who specialise in small or domestic projects. Larger consultancies may charge more and insist on unnecessary extras.
Try contacting:
Local planning consultants or architects—they often work with ecologists.
Your county ecological records centre (LERC)—they may have a list of local qualified assessors.
Check CIEEM’s professional directory: https://cieem.net/ — search for ecologists with “Biodiversity Net Gain” experience.
What to ask:
Are you familiar with the Small Sites Metric (v2)?
Can you complete a remote desktop assessment based on photos and site info?
What’s the cost and turnaround?