What is a Preliminary Roost Assessment in Bath?

A Preliminary Roost Assessment in Bath is carried out to establish whether the premises provides a suitable roosting site or habitat for bats. This is the first stage in the surveying process for bats and is often requested by the local planning authorities to ensure that any new development in Bath will not affect bats in the surrounding area. Preliminary Roost Assessments can be undertaken during daylight hours and at any time of year. However if further surveys are required they can only be done in May through to August/September.

What Happens Following a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)?

If no evidence of bats is found, then a PRA is all that’s needed. However, if evidence of bats is found or if the site is identified to be a suitable habitat for bats then the next step would be to have a bat emergence survey. 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 then a further survey will be required to assess whether the bats will be affected by the proposed development. In the event that the development is identified as causing damage or disturb to roosting bats then 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.