Recommendation 169

Collecting and reviewing data across a broader geographic region, as seen in the great crested newt District Level Licensing Schemes, can overcome costs and provide greater certainty. 223 The licensing schemes reduced the time it took to obtain a licence from 100 days to 10 days and is estimated to have saved the housebuilding sector over £200 million. 224 Box 8: Hampshire County Council Environmental Data and Advice Service Hampshire County Council provides an Environmental Data and Advice Service. This involves a team of specialists providing professional environment and planning advice and interpretation of data for interested developers ahead of commencing the planning process. An Environmental Data and Advice Service report provides site assessment information for any location in Hampshire, giving a “detailed desktop analysis” of the site and listing constraints and opportunities for developers. This might include the presence of a protected species or site designation; water management information; and mineral resources. The cost of a full report is £1,450 plus VAT for sites up to 0.5 hectares. Source: Hampshire County Council, Environmental Data and Advice Service : https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/sharedexpertise/whatwedo /environment/edas [accessed 6 September 2023]