Bat surveys for
planning applications
All UK bat species are legally protected. Our Natural England licensed ecologists provide the bat surveys and reports your planning application needs — fast and proportionate.
Why do you need a bat survey?
All UK bat species are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (As Amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2019. Bats are a material planning consideration under the NPPF and BS42020:2013 Biodiversity Code of Practice for Planning and Development.
Our surveys are carried out in full accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust's national good practice guidelines (Collins, 2023, 4th Edition) - ensuring a robust, defensible approach that satisfies planning authority requirements.
It is typically the responsibility of the planning applicant or their agents to organise and pay for a bat survey, by commissioning a Natural England bat licensed ecologist. Our licensed ecologists handle the full process from initial assessment through to mitigation licence support where required.
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1
Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment
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2
Nocturnal Emergence Surveys if required
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3
Report
Will roosting bats stop my planning application?
Very rarely. The key is getting the right surveys done at the right time. Here's what you need to know.
Negligible suitability
If the Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment concludes negligible bat roost suitability, no nocturnal surveys are required and the application can proceed immediately.
Nocturnal emergence survey
If the building has suitability for bats and/or the planning authority has requested it, nocturnal emergence surveys are typically required prior to determination of the application.
Natural England licence
Where impacts cannot be avoided, we support the application for a Natural England bat mitigation licence, including the Bat Mitigation Class Licence (BMCL) for lower-impact works.
Bat survey FAQs
Why do I need a bat survey for planning?
Bats are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are a material planning consideration. A bat survey is required to satisfy the Local Planning Authority that development will not unlawfully impact bats or their roosts.
What is a Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment?
A daytime survey of a building, tree, or structure to classify bat roost suitability as negligible, low, moderate, high, or a confirmed roost — determining whether nocturnal surveys are needed.
What if bats are found — will it stop my development?
Very rarely. Simple avoidance measures can often be written into the bat report for the LPA. Where impacts cannot be avoided, a Natural England bat mitigation licence is required — we support the full licence application process.
Who carries out a bat survey?
Bat surveys should be undertaken by an ecologist holding or accredited on a bat survey licence issued by Natural England. It is the responsibility of the planning applicant or their agents to commission and fund the surveys.
When can nocturnal bat surveys be carried out?
Nocturnal emergence and re-entry surveys can only be undertaken when bats are active. The seasonal survey window is May to August each year, with September survey possible in limited circumstances. A Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment can be carried out at any time of year.
What is a Bat Mitigation Class Licence?
A Bat Mitigation Class Licence (BMCL) allows registered consultants to carry out licensable bat work more efficiently, with reduced documentation and timing requirements compared to an individual licence. Elton Ecology provides trusted ecologists registered to work under the BMCL.
Ready to discuss your project?
Our ecologists will review your site details and respond within one working day with a clear, no-obligation quote.