What is a Preliminary Roost Assessment in Chester?

A Preliminary Roost Assessment in Cheshire may be requested as part of a planning application. A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is designed to determine whether a property offers suitable roosting conditions or habitats for bats. This assessment is the initial step in the bat surveying process and is often required by local planning authorities to ensure proposed developments do not negatively impact local bat populations.

Preliminary Roost Assessments in Cheshire can be carried out year-round during daylight hours. Depending on the results of the PRA, additional surveys may be necessary. Please be aware that these further surveys can only take place during the designated bat survey season.

Next Steps Following a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)?

If no evidence of bats is found on-site during the Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), no further surveys will be necessary. However, if evidence of bats is identified, or if the site is deemed suitable for bat roosting, a bat emergence survey will be required.

Emergence surveys are conducted at night between May and September to monitor and record bat activity. During this survey, our team observes the building or structure to determine whether bats are present and exiting the site.

• If no bats are recorded, no further action is required.
• If bats are observed, an additional survey may be necessary to assess whether the proposed development could impact the roosting bats.

If the development is found to cause potential harm or disturbance to roosting bats, a bat licence will be required before proceeding with the works. Conversely, if the development can continue without affecting bat roosting areas, it may proceed with the recommended precautions in place to safeguard bat habitats.