Steps if bats are suspected at a building or development site

Below is the order of activities to carry out when undertaking building or development work where bats may be present:

Contract an ecological consultant
Undertake a bat survey (at the appropriate time of year)
If bats are present, compile a mitigation plan/method statement to be shared with architects and/or building contractors
Incorporate the bat survey report and mitigation plan/method statement into planning application
Apply for planning permission
Apply for an EPS license (if needed)
If granted, carry out works with ecologist supervision
Compliance check to ensure that mitigation is being properly implemented
Monitor the site to check response of the bat population to the mitigation