Sectors
Local authorities and public
At Ethos, we provide expert consultancy services tailored to the needs of Local Authorities and Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). Our multidisciplinary team delivers evidence-led strategies and assessments across green space, play space, green infrastructure (GI), ecology, and biodiversity — helping authorities comply with national planning policies and legislation.
Our specialist services
Green space planning
Open space assessments
Comprehensive evaluation of publicly accessible open space, assessing quantity, quality, and accessibility. Ethos uses GIS mapping, demographic analysis, and community and stakeholder engagement to identify current provision and future needs. These assessments provide a strong evidence base for Local Plan policy and planning decisions.
Play space frameworks
Strategic frameworks to enhance access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality play spaces. Ethos analyses play provision through quality audits, accessibility metrics, health indicators, and deprivation data, engaging communities and stakeholders to prioritise investment and improvement.
Green infrastructure (GI) strategies
Development of integrated GI strategies that address climate, health, and biodiversity priorities. These strategies support the delivery of multifunctional, high-quality green infrastructure and align with Local Plan policies, parks and green space strategies, and Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).
Policy & planning support
Local plan evidence base
Delivering open space, GI and biodiversity assessments to inform and support policy development.
Planning application review
Supporting LPAs with expert analysis of biodiversity, ecology, and green space impacts in submitted applications.
Policy implementation & monitoring
Interpreting national guidance, delivering SPDs, and helping apply BNG policies locally.
Engagement & capacity building
Stakeholder engagement
Facilitating collaboration with communities, developers, and stakeholders.
Training & workshops
Providing planning officers with practical training on ecology, biodiversity, and green space planning.
Policy implementation & monitoring
Interpreting national guidance, delivering SPDs, and helping apply BNG policies locally.
Strategic biodiversity planning
Development of biodiversity strategies and reports aligned with statutory duties
Preparation of Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
Policy advice that aligns with national legislation and supports Local Plan delivery
Ecological surveys
Habitat and species surveys
Including UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) surveys and protected species assessments to support planning applications and inform policy.
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Identifying likely effects of development on ecology and providing mitigation strategies.
Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA)
Supporting LPAs in meeting legal obligations under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.
BNG Assessments
Identifying suitable council-owned land for offsetting, reviewing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) plans submitted with applications, and advising on delivery and monitoring.
Why local authorities choose Ethos?
A dedicated and experience team
Confident in making informed, on-the-spot decisions to keep projects moving safely and compliantly.
Extensive expertise
In green space, policy, and biodiversity planning.
Strong track record
Supporting LPAs across strategy, policy, and planning.
Collaborative, evidence-led approach
Grounded in local needs.
Dedicated team
Skilled at interpreting and applying national planning reforms.
Experienced working with local councils
Trusted by council teams for our insight, communication, and delivery.
Receive a detailed breakdown
for your project
We provide tailored solutions to help you deliver high-quality, sustainable green spaces. Contact us today to discuss your needs. Whether you require:
Biodiversity net gain
Policy advice
Full strategy
Ecological assessments.
