Elton Ecology were commissioned to carry out nocturnal bat surveys to inform a planning application for the demolition of a building and the creation of replacement residential dwellings within the Rugby Borough Council Local Planning Authority area.

The Issues

With reference to Paragraph 99 of ODPM Circular 06/2005 (Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Statutory Obligations and Their Impact Within the Planning System), the Local Planning Authority ecology consultee required that a bat survey was undertaken at the site by a suitably qualified ecologist prior to determination.

During the Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment (PBRA) survey undertaken by a third-party ecologist, one brown long-eared bat was observed in the roof void of the building to be demolished under the proposals.

Our Solution

Elton Ecology were subsequently commissioned to carry out nocturnal bat surveys of the site to assess the potential impacts on bats and design a proportionate mitigation strategy to inform the planning application.

With reference to best practice survey guidelines (Collins, 2016) and aided by full HD infrared cameras, Elton Ecology carried out nocturnal surveys on the building, recording the exit point being used by the brown long-eared bat.

We supplied a Bat Survey Report and Method Statement containing proportionate and low-cost measures to protect bats during works, including securing a Natural England ‘Low Impact’ Bat Mitigation Class Licence, and providing compensatory bat roosts within the proposed development.

The Local Planning Authority consultee for ecology confirmed that our report was acceptable and planning for the site was subsequently granted.