Help with Development Control, planning applications and forward planning.

Bats and Wind Farms - a report from Eurobat

Bats, Planning and the law - link to Bat Conservation Trust Page

Natural England - advice to Isle of Wight planners but equally valid elsewhere in England

Natural England - guidance on bat mitigation

Generally the presence of bats on a site does not prevent development.  If bats have a proven presence then  the planning permmsion will be could granted subject to planning conditions.  These conditions may stop or limit work during the period bats are present to avoid disturbance.  Sometimes development is good for bats as they may end up with a comfortable heated roost or more roosting facilites - a better more secure hibernation site etc etc.

One of the keys to good bat mitigation is an understand of how bats are using a site and what species they are.  Once development is proposed then the way forward is a) good bat records for the site and b) an Environment Impact Assesement (EIA).  A guide to EIA proceeudres can be found on the Department for Communities and Local Government website

Seperate to a planning permission a species license may be required form Natural England