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Biodiversity and development

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2. Bat and Bird Surveys

If you find bats or nesting birds - stop work immediately and contact a bat/bird expert

Planning applications and other building works

Bats and nesting birds are the types of wildlife most likely to be affected by development or demolition of existing buildings. The following notes explain their legal protection, when you may need to get a survey and who can do the survey for you.  Your bat/bird consultant will assess the site for the likelihood of bats/birds being present and either complete a survey or alternatively provide a letter if no evidence of bats has been found.

You will need to submit the survey or letter with your planning application.  More information about when to employ a bat consultant is in our Planning Validation Guide which sets out the documentation required to make a valid application.

Bats, Birds and Development PAN 7.1

List of Licensed Bat Consultants PAN 7.2

Householder planning applications only

The Bat Survey Flow Chart for householders will help you decide if a bat survey will need to be submitted with your householder planning application or before you commence any other building works that do not require planning permission

A bat survey is not required within the following heavily built up areas.

Bat reports not required for Householders - Dawlish

Bat reports not required for Householders - Kingsteignton

Bat reports not required for Householders - Newton Abbot

Bat reports not required for Householders - Teignmouth

Bat/Bird Boxes

Providing bat boxes - Bat Conservation Trust or bird boxes - RSPB shop can help offset the impacts on bats and birds.