Elton Ecology were commissioned to carry out ecology work to inform a planning application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the construction of a replacement dwelling within the North East Derbyshire District Council planning authority area.

The Issue

The building to be demolished was in a rural location with good green infrastructure links to the wider landscape. With reference to the British Standard BS:42020 – Biodiversity Code of Practice for Planning and Development bat surveys were required to be undertaken to assess any potential impacts to protected species prior to the Local Planning Authority determining the application.

The Solution

With reference to best practice survey guidelines (Collins, 2016), Elton Ecology carried out a Dusk Study and Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment survey followed by two nocturnal emergence/ re-entry surveys. The surveys were aided by full spectrum bat echolocation detectors and HD infrared video cameras, and comprised one dusk emergence survey and one dawn re-entry survey during which no emerging/re-entering bats were recorded. A Bat Report was issued by Elton Ecology to the client, demonstrating with reference to best practice survey guidelines the likely absence of roosting bats at the site.

The Planning Authority ecology consultee response on the application advised that with reference to our report, no impacts on species or habitats of nature conservation significance were likely. The planning application was approved.