Do you require a Preliminary Roost Assessment in West Sussex?

A Preliminary Roost Assessment in West Sussex is carried out to determine whether a site provides suitable roosting or a habitat for bats. It is step one in the bat surveying process and is usually requested by the local planning authorities to ensure that any new development will not affect bats in the surrounding area. Preliminary Roost Assessments in West Sussex can be undertaken during daylight hours at any time of year.

What happens after a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)?

If no evidence of bats is found on site, then all that is needed is the PRA. However, if evidence of bats is found in the building or structure, then the next step is to have a bat emergence survey carried out. Please note, these can only be undertaken between May and September. An emergence survey records the level of bat activity. These are undertaken at night to allow our surveyors to monitor and record whether bats fly out of the building/structure or not. If no bats are recorded, then that’s all that required.

Alternatively, if bats are recorded entering and exiting the building a further survey will be needed to assess whether the bats will be affected by the proposed development. In the event that the development is identified as causing damage or disturbance to roosting bats a bat licence will need to be obtained in order to continue with the works.

However, if the development is able to proceed without any damage or disturbance to the areas where bats are roosting, then the development can proceed providing that you follow the recommended precautions.