Bats
Updated guidelines
The Bat Conservation Trust has released the 4th edition of the Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists Good Practice Guidelines. All applications where bats may be a consideration should be supported by reports which are in accordance with the latest version of the Bat Conservation Trust Good Practice Guidelines.
Historic buildings can often be home to wildlife such as bats, barn owls and other nesting birds. Bats in particular like older buildings and there are often no obvious signs to the owner that bats are present.
All species of bat in the UK are protected by legislation including, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and are a material consideration when determining planning applications.
When making an application for planning permission or listed building consent it is often necessary to submit an ecological assessment undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist. The ecologist will need to demonstrate if bats are likely to be present in the building(s) and if so how they would be affected by the proposals. This may lead to the requirement of more detailed surveys, mitigation and full compensation proposals if bats are found to be present.
Applicants should be aware of this before they submit their application. If protected species are not considered at the early stages of a project, planning and Listed building applications may need to be delayed and potentially withdrawn or refused.
When is a survey likely to be required?
If the proposed development involves the modification, conversion/renovation, demolition or removal of buildings and structures (especially roof voids) of the following* :
- All agricultural buildings
- Buildings with weather boarding and/or hanging tiles that are within 200m of woodland and/or water
- Pre-1960 detached building structures within 200m of woodland and/or water
- Pre-1914 buildings within 400m of woodland and/or water
- Pre-1914 buildings with gable ends or slate roofs, regardless of location
- Demolition, in full or part, of any other building within the curtilage of a listed building constructed prior to 1st July 1948.
there is a significant risk of bats being affected. Therefore, a bat survey will need to be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist in accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust good practice guidelines. The results of the survey must be submitted with the application.
*Not a comprehensive list, bats may also be affected by proposed works to other types of buildings
Building owners should also be aware of this issue when carrying out works to their buildings which do not require permission, such as minor repairs in roof spaces. Complying with the relevant legislation, including obtaining and complying with the terms and conditions or any licences required, is compulsory even where planning permission is not required.
Bat Boxes
Bat boxes provide valuable roosting locations for the eighteen native UK nocturnal bat species to rest in dark, quiet spaces during the day. Roosting provisions such as bat boxes enable bats to exist in areas with few roosting opportunities. Different bat species will require different types of space to roost in, which includes crevice dwelling and void dwelling bats. Bat boxes which are designed to allow droppings to fall out will reduce the maintenance needs of the bat box.
Stroud District Council advises the installation of these three varieties of bat box
These are boxes which are built into new structures, which offer permanent secure roosting spaces for bats and require little maintenance. Integrated bat boxes also potentially offer better thermal properties than other alternatives.
Installation and Maintenance:
- Ideally at least 4m (13ft) above ground with the entrance at least 50cm from the eaves.
- Facing southwards on an elevation which receives sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds.
- In a location which will not be illuminated by artificial lighting. Bat boxes should be at least 5m away from any artificial light source.
- A minimum of 2m away from windows or any features which may spill internal light.
- Installation should be in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
- Most integrated bat boxes require no maintenance. Bat boxes which require cleaning should be cleaned by a suitably qualified, licensed ecologist.
Design:
- Various models and designs of integrated bat boxes are available. Models which can be effectively integrated into the build should be selected.
These are bat boxes which are mounted to the external surface of a structure using screws. Boxes can accommodate different species and roost types, and be constructed of various materials, with some materials offering greater durability than others.
Installation and Maintenance:
- Ideally at least 4m (13ft) above ground with the entrance at least 50cm from the eaves.
- Facing southwards on an elevation which receives sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds.
- In a location which will not be illuminated by artificial lighting. Bat boxes should be at least 5m away from any artificial light source.
- A minimum of 2m away from windows or any features which may spill internal light.
- Installation should be in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
- Most integrated bat boxes require no maintenance. Bat boxes which require cleaning should be cleaned by a suitably qualified, licensed ecologist.
Design:
- Various models and designs of externally mounted bat boxes are available. Models which are durable and constructed from woodcrete or a similar material should be selected. Wooden bat boxes often deteriorate and are deemed unsuitable.
Tree-mounted bat boxes are installed similarly to externally mounted bat boxes. The main difference is determining whether the tree selected to mount the bat box on is suitable to support the additional weight.
Installation and Maintenance:
- Ideally at least 4m (13ft) above ground with the entrance at least 50cm from branches to reduce the risk of predation
- Facing southwards on an area of the tree which receives sunlight and is not sheltered by leaves.
- In a location which will not be illuminated by artificial lighting. Bat boxes should be at least 5m away from any artificial light source
- Installation should be in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Bat boxes installed onto trees are often mounted using aluminium nails or a strap
- The positioning of bat boxes may need to be adjusted as the tree grows. This should be done by a suitably qualified and licensed ecologist.
- Bat boxes which require cleaning should be cleaned by a suitably qualified, licensed ecologist.
- Vegetation should be managed to ensure that the box continues to receive sunlight as shaded boxes are unlikely to be adopted by bats.
Design:
- Various models and designs of externally mounted bat boxes are available. Models which are durable and constructed from woodcrete or a similar material should be selected. Wooden bat boxes often deteriorate and are deemed unsuitable.
Further information
For further information on this topic please take a look at the guidance provided below or take advantage of our ecological pre-application advice service to specifically discuss your project with one of our the Biodiversity Officers.
Useful guidance
Building Works and Bats | Historic England
Bats & Planning | The Bat Conservation Trust
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