Bat Survey Requirements
Discussion
I've pulled back from project work (Chartered Building Surveyor) as I wind towards retirement and it's quite some time since I dealt with projects where a bat survey was a requirement - in all those cases it was triggered by the Planning process.
Lotocub has bought and old circa 200 year old detached stone cottage which is a real 'doer upper'. One of the first thing we need to do is replace the roof - it's a cut roof which has spread (untied rafter feet) and caused movement to the walls. A modern truss rafter roof provides the most cost effective solution and makes good structural sense for tying in and butressing everything.
Anyway it will be like for like with Welsh slate covering and so planning is not required (and not listed). We will however submit a Building Notice.
I am 99% certain there are no bats (as a surveyor I know the key signs) - mid village setting and away from water and more than 200m from any trees/woods. Would we be in contravention if we just cracked on?
Lotocub has bought and old circa 200 year old detached stone cottage which is a real 'doer upper'. One of the first thing we need to do is replace the roof - it's a cut roof which has spread (untied rafter feet) and caused movement to the walls. A modern truss rafter roof provides the most cost effective solution and makes good structural sense for tying in and butressing everything.
Anyway it will be like for like with Welsh slate covering and so planning is not required (and not listed). We will however submit a Building Notice.
I am 99% certain there are no bats (as a surveyor I know the key signs) - mid village setting and away from water and more than 200m from any trees/woods. Would we be in contravention if we just cracked on?
Simpo Two said:
wolfracesonic said:
Bat surveys, how to monetise an ecology degree from Reading University
I know a 20-something who does exactly this - but I bet she doesn't get paid £500-£1,000 per house. Who gets the other 90% - is it just a profit centre for the local council?Quhet said:
If planning isn't needed then they can't request that a bat survey is done. Amazing how much damage you can do to wildlife as part of 'general maintenance' and no one seems to care! (Not saying you'll do any ecological damage OP)
However. If bats are there, it would be breaking the law to disturb them. The surveys protect people from inadvertently breaking the law.
I think it is down to your Local Authority and what there interpretation is of the rules as to whether you need a bat survey ? On a 200 year old house I’d be amazed if there were no likely gaps/loose tiles that a bat might roost in ? Understand your point about being away from trees etc.
Been there and done it with bat surveys…I wouldn’t mind if a decent proportion of the money it cost us went to actually being spent on the bats.
We had to have two bat boxes put up which was equivalent to about 2% of the cost of the surveys…….
Been there and done it with bat surveys…I wouldn’t mind if a decent proportion of the money it cost us went to actually being spent on the bats.
We had to have two bat boxes put up which was equivalent to about 2% of the cost of the surveys…….
The bat survey is intended to consider whether there are any protected species that may be present and need a licence to disturb. It has been tagged on to the planning process as that is a statutory form of legislation that offers the mechanisms to assess and condition bay surveys, should they be required. There is the opportunity to consult statutory consultees who can offer the professional advice and also advise on the licence process.
It’s not perfect as any works that do not require a planning application do not require a bat survey. This does not mean that if bats are found, a licence won’t be required. If bats are disturbed, it is a crime, so the onus is on the developer to ensure they comply. However, in most cases, who would know?
Finally, the local authority sees none of the fees the private ecologists charge. Why would you think that?
It’s not perfect as any works that do not require a planning application do not require a bat survey. This does not mean that if bats are found, a licence won’t be required. If bats are disturbed, it is a crime, so the onus is on the developer to ensure they comply. However, in most cases, who would know?
Finally, the local authority sees none of the fees the private ecologists charge. Why would you think that?
wolfracesonic said:
Bat surveys, how to monetise an ecology degree from Reading University
See also, ground contamination. If you try to get planning permission for anything within 100 miles of an old cemetery the local authority need a full environmental report (£££££) to ensure the dental fillings etc of the deceased haven't polluted this half of the planet.It's completely bats.
Simpo Two said:
roscopervis said:
Finally, the local authority sees none of the fees the private ecologists charge. Why would you think that?
I thought it was Planning who required bat surveys and that they'd have an in-house bat person.
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