Will You Get a Bat Licence?
When a bat survey finds evidence of bats or a bat roost, people often ask whether they will need a bat licence before work can begin. The answer depends on what the survey shows and whether the planned works could disturb, damage or destroy a roost.
Bat licences exist to ensure that essential works can take place while keeping bat populations safe. They are only issued when three legal tests are met. Understanding these tests helps you see how decisions are made and what your ecologist is working towards.
Test 1: There must be no satisfactory alternative
Before a licence is issued, the licensing authority must be satisfied that the work cannot be carried out another way that avoids affecting bats or their roosts. We won’t suggest a licence unless it is absolutely necessary, so we will have exhausted other options by the time we get to this stage.
Your ecologist will consider questions such as:
Can the design be adjusted to avoid the roost?
Can the timing be changed?
Can the works be completed without disturbing the roost?
If no viable alternative exists, and the works genuinely need to go ahead, this test can be met. Your ecologist will document the reasoning and provide supporting evidence for the licence application.
Test 2: The work must meet a legally defined purpose
A bat licence can only be issued if the work qualifies under specific lawful reasons. For most building and construction projects, the relevant purpose is usually overriding public interest, which includes:
Important development or infrastructure
Public safety
Essential repairs
Work necessary to maintain a building in safe condition
Other legally defined purposes include scientific research, conservation activities and preserving public health, though these are less common for household projects.
If your project meets one of the lawful reasons and the survey evidence supports it, this test can be met.
Test 3: Bats must be left in favourable conservation status
This final test ensures that completing the work will not negatively affect the bat population in the long term. To pass this test, the licence must include steps to protect or replace what would be lost.
Mitigation often includes:
Creating replacement roost features
Improving existing roosting opportunities
Timing works to avoid sensitive periods
Ensuring no bats are harmed during the process
The goal is not just to minimise impact, but to ensure bats remain secure and stable after the work is complete. Your ecologist will design the mitigation and explain how it fits into your project plan.
Will you get a licence?
If the survey evidence shows that your works will affect bats or a roost, and the project meets the three legal tests, a licence can be issued. Your ecologist’s role is to guide you through the process, explain what is needed and prepare all the necessary documentation.
For many projects, licensing is straightforward as long as surveys are done early and there is enough time to plan. Beginning the process at the earliest stage of your project gives you the best chance of avoiding delays.
If you need a bat survey (or think you might) get in touch with our team of specialist ecologists!
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