Bat Survey Requirements for UK Planning Applications

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Quick Answer

Bat surveys are essential ecological assessments required for planning applications in the UK to identify the presence of protected bat species and their roosts on a proposed development site. These surveys are mandated by legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, to protect bats and their habitats. Syntegra Group conducts bat surveys to ensure development projects comply with legal obligations, helping to avoid planning application delays or rejections by informing necessary mitigation and conservation strategies.

All species of bat native to the UK are legally protected through their inclusion in Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, which is transposed in England and Wales by the Habitats Regulations 2010.

It is a criminal offence to deliberately harm, capture, kill or disturb a bat or its resting place. When considering an application, a bat survey is needed to be attached in the planning application, before its validation. This requirement applies for all types of application (including planning, listed building, and conservation area consent applications). More than one survey may be required.

Bats can be affected by working on:

(1) Buildings

(2) Development affecting built structures – like tunnels, mines, bridge structures, aqueducts and viaducts (especially over water and wet ground).

(3) Floodlighting

(4) Felling, removal or lopping of ex. woodland

(5) Quarries, gravel pits, cliffs and caves

(6) Proposals involving the development of wind turbines

(7) All proposals where bats are known to be present

At Syntegra Consulting, suitable qualified ecologists can undertake such a survey based on BCT Bat Survey, Good Practice Guidelines (2007), as required by law.

The timing of bat surveys is very important. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact Syntegra Consulting Ltd either you require an emergence survey undertaken during active season (May-October), or an out-of-season survey, on tel: +44(0)845 0091625, e-mail : mail@syntegra-epc.co.uk

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 When is a bat survey typically required for a planning application?

Bat surveys are usually required when a proposed development could impact bats or their habitats, such as demolition or renovation of old buildings, or tree removal. Local planning authorities often request these as part of an ecological assessment to ensure compliance with protected species legislation.

2 What does a bat survey entail for a planning application?

A bat survey typically involves a preliminary ecological appraisal to identify potential roosts, followed by emergence/re-entry surveys during specific seasons if potential is found. The aim is to assess bat presence, species, and activity to inform the planning application and any necessary mitigation strategies.

3 What other ecological assessments might be necessary alongside a bat survey for a development project?

Beyond bat surveys, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is often the first step to identify other ecological constraints. Depending on the site, further protected species surveys (e.g., for birds, great crested newts), arboricultural assessments, or Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations might also be required to support a planning application.

4 How do ecological surveys, like bat surveys, impact the planning application timeline?

Ecological surveys, especially bat surveys, can influence the planning timeline due to seasonal constraints for fieldwork. If surveys identify protected species, mitigation plans or licensing may be needed, which can extend the application process. Early engagement is crucial to integrate these assessments efficiently.