Bat Survey in Hampshire

Background

LHB Ecology was contacted by an architect who was managing a project for a residential development consisting of a two-storey extension of a property. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) requested a bat survey because the roof of the building was being partly demolished and bats could be impacted by the proposed works. Because bats are a material consideration within the planning process, an LPA cannot grant planning permission until a full investigation into bat presence has been completed.

What we did

LHB Ecology undertook an initial scoping survey to check for bat presence and to assess the building’s suitability to support roosting bats. This involved an inspection of the loft space to check for bats and evidence of bat activity. Often, it is bat droppings on the floor of the loft space which indicates the use of the building by bats. No bats were observed and there was no sign of secondary evidence of bat activity. The loft space was heavily cobwebbed which can be an indication that bats are not performing warm-up flights within the building before emerging. An external assessment of the building was carried out, paying particular attention to the condition of the roof structure. Raised tiles can be used by bats which roost beneath the tiles themselves, rather than inside the loft space. Any access gaps to cavity walls were checked for as bats are known to roost within walls. The building was in good condition with no external roosting features that bats could roost in.

What the outcome was

The client was informed on the same day as the survey that there was no evidence of bat activity and that bats were highly unlikely to be roosting within any external features. A detailed report was produced which included photos from the survey and provided justification for why the conclusion was reached. The survey report was submitted to the LPA planning portal for review and the client was able to proceed with their planning application without any delays.