What is a Preliminary Roost Assessment in Flintshire?
A Preliminary Roost Assessment in Flintshire may be required as part of a planning application. This type of assessment is conducted to establish whether a building or structure provides suitable roosting conditions or habitats for bats. As the first stage in the bat surveying process, it is often requested by local planning authorities to ensure that any proposed development does not negatively impact local bat populations.
Preliminary Roost Assessments can be carried out at any time of year during daylight hours. Depending on the findings, further surveys may be required. Please note that these additional surveys can only be conducted during the bat survey season.
Next Steps Following a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)?
After a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), the next steps depend on the findings:
No Evidence of Bats Found – If no evidence of bats or suitable roosting features are identified, no further action is typically required, and the development can proceed as planned.
Potential for Bat Roosting Identified – If the site is found to have suitable roosting features or evidence of bat activity, a Bat Emergence Survey will be necessary.
Bat Emergence Survey (If Required) – Conducted between May and September, this survey is performed at dusk or dawn to observe bat activity and determine if bats are using the site.
Outcome of the Bat Emergence Survey:
- Bats Identified: Additional surveys may be required to assess the size, type, and status of the roost.
- No Bats Recorded: No further action is usually needed.
Mitigation Measures and Licensing (If Required)
- If the development is likely to disturb or damage a bat roost, a bat mitigation licence will be required from Natural England (or Natural Resources Wales in Flintshire).
- Mitigation strategies may include installing bat boxes, creating alternative roosting spaces, or adjusting construction timelines.
Proceeding with Development – If no further surveys or mitigation are required, the development can continue following the recommendations provided in the PRA report.
Contact Us for your Preliminary Roost Assessment in Flintshire:
Do you require a Preliminary Roost Assessment in Flintshire? Please Phone us on 01782 479 479 or email us at [email protected]. Our friendly and professional office team will answer within two rings or email you back within the hour.
*Please note, due to the nature of bats these surveys are weather dependant.