Can You Build There? The Role of Bat Surveys in Planning Applications
Bat surveys are often legally required for planning permission in the UK. Find out when, why and how to get yours done right.
Bat Surveys and Planning Applications
If you’re planning a new development, renovation or demolition project in the UK, you may be surprised to find that bats can affect whether or not your planning application gets approved. As a protected species under UK law, bats and their roosts are legally safeguarded, even when buildings appear unused or abandoned.
A bat survey ensures that your project complies with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and local planning policies. Without the correct surveys and mitigation plans, your project could be delayed, rejected, or even prosecuted.
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When Is a Bat Survey Required?
You’ll need a bat survey if your site involves:
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Demolishing or altering roof structures
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Converting barns, lofts, bridges or old buildings
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Removing trees with cavities or loose bark
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Working near rivers, woodland or hedgerows
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Developing within certain zones known for bat activity
Local planning authorities often screen applications and request an ecological assessment if the proposed development could impact a potential bat roost.
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Timing Is Everything
Bat surveys are seasonally restricted. Most Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA) can be carried out year-round, but if evidence of bats is found, you’ll need emergence or activity surveys, which can only be done between May and September.
Delaying a survey may push your timeline back by months. That’s why early engagement with an ecology consultancy is crucial.
Protect Your Project with Expert Ecology Advice
Working with an experienced ecology consultancy:
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Compliance with legislation
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Avoidance of costly delays
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Smooth communication with planning officers
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A clear path from survey to construction
Understanding the role of bat surveys early on is key to keeping your project on track.
Bat surveys are a legal requirement that can make or break your planning application.
Understanding when they’re needed and how to approach them can save you time, money and frustration. By getting ahead of potential ecological issues, you stay compliant and contribute to protecting the UK’s vital wildlife. If your project involves buildings, trees, or habitats that could host bats, acting early is the smart move.
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I have both employed and recommended Encon Associates for a number of the differing services they are able to provide and without exception, always been extremely satisfied with the cost, timescales and quality of the work produced.