What are Bat Surveys?

Bat surveys are often requested by the local planning authorities in the likelihood that a planning application will affect bats. Typically, bat surveys consist of a preliminary roost assessment, these aim to determine the presence or absence of roosting bats within a tree, building or other structure.

What Happens Next?

If no evidence of bats is found and the building or structure is not suitable for bats, then that is all that’s required.

If there is evidence of bats or if the building or structure is suitable for bats, the next stage would be to have an emergence survey carried out. However please note, these need to be undertaken between May and September. An emergence survey records the level of bat activity, undertaken at night that allows our surveyors to monitor and record whether or not bats fly out of the building or structure. If no bats are recorded, then that’s all that required.

However, if bats are recorded exiting the building or structure then we will need to assess whether the bats will be affected by the development. If the development will damage or disturb where the bats are roosting, then you will need to get a bat licence 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 you can continue with the development providing you follow the recommended precautions.