Why does the planning system place so much importance on bats?


  • Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem; their protection is mandated under UK law.

  • If your development project involves buildings, barns or area close to woodlands and water bodies, you may need to conduct a bat survey. This ensures that any potential impact on bat populations is assessed and mitigated.

  • This is often a requirement from your LPA to obtain planning permission. Ignoring this can lead to delays and even refusal.

It’s not about stopping development; it’s about making sure development is done lawfully and responsibly.

It is likely that you will need to budget for a bat survey as an important part of your planning application process. It is a necessary investment to ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws and smooth progression of your planning application.

How much does a bat survey cost?


  • A bat survey involves two main stages; a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is the first step and involves detailed inspection of your site by a qualified ecologist. They will be looking for signs of bats, such as droppings, feeding remains and roosting sites. This will cost from £300 upwards.

  • If the PRA indicates that bats are likely to be present, further Emergence Surveys are conducted. These are usually carried out a month apart when the bats are most active, normally dusk, and will use various tools, including bat detectors and thermal imaging cameras to observe and record bat activity. These normally cost from £1000 upwards depending on findings, the results of this survey may suggest mitigation measures to minimise impact on habitats which can be expensive.

The timing of a bat survey is crucial for accurate results, planning ahead is crucial. These slots are already filling up fast so if you have a project in mind, it’s best to get going with it.

What time of year can a bat survey take place?


  • Preliminary Roost Assessments can be conducted all year round.
  • Emergence Surveys need to be completed between May and September when bats are most active.

Conducting surveys outside this window may not provide accurate results and could lead to delays in your planning application.


P.S Bats aren't the only thing to keep your eye out for, get your ecologist to check to avoid any surprises later.