UES were commissioned to carry out a bat scoping survey of a residential property in Hale, Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Our client wished to submit a planning application in order to carry out improvements to their home, which included a loft conversion. Bats are a European protected species and so it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill a bat or destroy, damage or disturb its roost, even if it is not present at the time. Given the proposed works to the roof, a bat scoping survey was therefore required as bats frequently roost within the lofts or are associated with the roofs of residential properties. However, bat scoping surveys (or phase 1 bat surveys) can be conducted at any time of year. It is possible that following a bat inspection, the property may not have the potential to support roosting bats, in which case a report written by our licenced ecologists will be enough to acquire planning permission, with regard to bats.
The property in this case study was a two-storey brick structure that was occupied. The roof of the property was in good condition and no access points were identified that may be used by roosting bats. Furthermore, a thorough internal inspection of the loft void also resulted in no evidence of roosting bats being found. Bat droppings or feeding remains (such as moth wings) are commonly found in loft spaces where bats roost.
The building was assessed by our experienced bat surveyors as having negligible potential to support roosting bats. As such, no further survey or mitigation work is required for the development to proceed with regard to bats.
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