We provide reptile surveys across Sussex, including Brighton, Worthing, Crawley, Horsham, Lewes and Eastbourne.
Do I need a reptile survey for my development in Sussex?
If your project may affect a reptile habitats, a professional survey is essential — we provide compliant reports to support planning consent.
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Sussex contains a diverse landscape of chalk grassland, heathland margins, coastal habitats, scrub and woodland edges that support widespread populations of common reptiles.
A reptile survey determines whether reptiles are present on a site and assesses how they may be affected by development. Ecologists carry out repeat surveys using standard methods to record species presence and distribution. The findings support planning applications by demonstrating how potential impacts will be avoided or mitigated. Planning authorities across East and West Sussex frequently require reptile surveys where suitable habitat is present.
You may need a reptile survey if your project involves:
clearance of grassland or scrub between March–October near Brighton or Worthing
development on heathland edges around Crawley or Horsham
works close to coastal habitats or drainage networks
schemes affecting hedgerows, woodland rides or field margins
sites flagged for reptile potential during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
A simple postcode review can confirm whether reptile habitat is likely.
We provide reptile surveys across Sussex, including Brighton, Worthing, Crawley, Horsham, Lewes and Eastbourne.
Sussex planning authorities require reptile survey evidence where suitable habitat is present to ensure development complies with the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate evidence, applications are frequently delayed through validation queries, requests for further ecological information, or seasonal survey constraints that can halt project programmes and necessitate design amendments.
We take a practical, proportionate approach, carrying out reptile presence checks and habitat assessments, identifying areas of suitable habitat, and inspecting grassland, scrub, rough ground, and brownfield sites before works begin. Our Reptile Survey reports provide clear mitigation and timing recommendations, are fully LPA-ready, and outline any precautionary measures required to protect reptiles. We also give straightforward next steps for contractors, focusing on clarity and practical guidance so your project can proceed safely and confidently.
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
We help you plan works across Sussex safely around reptile habitats, ensuring compliance while keeping your project on schedule.
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Site walkovers, habitat suitability assessments, refugia checks, and activity monitoring for reptiles.
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys
Need a reptile survey in Sussex? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
A reptile survey may be required where a proposed development could affect suitable reptile habitat. In Sussex, this can include coastal grassland, scrub, railway embankments, woodland edges, brownfield sites, field margins and unmanaged plots. If reptiles may be present, ecological survey information can be requested before planning permission is granted.
Reptile surveys are usually undertaken between April and September, when reptiles are active. Spring and early autumn often provide the best survey conditions, as reptiles are more likely to bask and use artificial refuges. Early booking is important because surveys are seasonal and weather dependent.
Reptile activity can be reduced by heavy rain, strong winds, cold temperatures or extreme heat. Light rain may not always prevent survey work, but ecologists must choose suitable conditions so that the results are reliable for planning purposes.
Sussex can support slow worms, common lizards, grass snakes and adders, along with sand lizards in specific suitable habitats. The species present will depend on site conditions, surrounding habitat and local records. An initial ecological assessment helps confirm whether detailed reptile surveys are needed.
The cost depends on the size of the site, the quality of the reptile habitat, access arrangements and the number of survey visits required. ProHort can review your planning drawings, site photographs and ecological constraints before providing a clear quotation for the work needed.
Sussex planning authorities may request reptile surveys where suitable habitat could be affected by development. Requirements can vary between local councils, so it is important to respond to the specific ecological comments on your application. Planning information can be found through East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council:
A reptile survey report is commonly treated as valid for around two years, provided the site has not changed significantly. If vegetation has been cleared, habitats have become more established, or the application has been delayed, the Local Planning Authority may ask for updated survey information.
If reptiles are found, development may still proceed with appropriate mitigation. This may include habitat retention, sensitive clearance methods, timing restrictions, ecological supervision, habitat creation or reptile translocation where required. The approach depends on the species recorded and the expected impact of the works.
Yes. Small developments can require reptile surveys if suitable habitat is present. Extensions, single dwellings, barn conversions, commercial schemes, solar developments and changes of land use can all trigger survey requirements where reptiles could be affected.
