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 four replacement dwelling units within the Derby City Council Planning Authority area.

The Issue

With reference to the British Standard BS:42020 – Biodiversity Code of Practice for Planning and Development, the Local Planning Authority requested that bat surveys be undertaken to assess any bat activity at the site prior to determining the application.

Our Solution

With reference to best practice survey guidelines (Collins, 2016), Elton Ecology carried out a Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment (PBRA) survey followed by two nocturnal emergence/ re-entry surveys. The surveys were aided by full spectrum bat echolocation detectors, thermal imaging and full HD infrared video cameras, comprising one dusk emergence survey and one dawn re-entry survey during which no emerging/re-entering bats were recorded. A Bat Report for the site 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 with reference to our report that all survey work had been carried out in accordance with current best practice guidance and provided a robust assessment of the bat activity associated with the site, presented in a clear professional report of a high standard. The consultee advised that therefore bats should not present a constraint to the development and sufficient information had been provided for the Planning Authority to reach an informed decision and discharge its duty.