Bat Surveys for Planning Permission

Importance of Bat Surveys for Development Projects

At PJC Consultancy, we understand that any development project that may impact bat populations requires thorough and compliant bat surveys. As European Protected Species, all UK bats are afforded strict legal protections, making it crucial to ensure that your project aligns with environmental regulations. Our expert bat surveyors proudly serve clients across Kent, Sussex, and the South of England.

Any development that could impact bats requires an appropriate Bat Survey to be carried out as part of the Ecological Assessment. All UK bats are highly protected, being European Protected Species.

Typically, this includes an internal bat survey known as a Daytime Walkover Survey (DBW) or formerly a Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment (PRA), bat emergence surveys or a bat activity survey (also called a ‘transect’ or ‘night-time bat walkover survey’). These bat surveys will aim to assess the presence of bats within bat roosting structures such as buildings, bridges and trees and assess how bats may be using the development site/surrounding area.

Partnering with PJC Consultancy for your bat surveys means safeguarding your development project while supporting the conservation of these vital species.

PJC Consultancy carries out a number of bat surveys including:

Day-time bat surveys, including an initial habitat assessment (the potential of the site to support roosting, commuting and foraging bats) and an inspection of all potential bat roosting structures.
Dusk examination to assess the species and numbers of bats leaving potential roosting sites.
Dawn examination to assess the species and numbers bats swarming or returning to potential roosting structures.
Bat activity surveys to evaluate the commuting and foraging activities of bats.
Underground site and tree examination to assess these for bat roosting potential.
Tree and building aerial roost inspections using a wide range of mobile platforms to suit all ground conditions and climbed inspections using rope and harness.

All our work is undertaken by experienced bat surveyors with at least one Natural England bat license holder on site each time. Specific in-house training is provided to our ecologists and the equipment used by our ecological consultants includes bat detectors, recording devices, endoscopes and bat sound analysis software.

A mitigation licence for bats, granted by Natural England, is required before the commencement of any development that might affect bats or their roosts. PJC Consultancy can apply for a licence on your behalf and propose a detailed mitigation strategy for the site, involving provisions of alternative bat roosting sites and commuting and foraging grounds for the future. Bat mitigation strategies can include the erection of bat boxes, a dedicated bat attic or a purpose built bat roost. Mitigation strategies for foraging and/or commuting bats may include the retention of vegetation in-situ or the addition of a planting scheme within landscaping proposals.