Bat Surveys and Mitigation for a Residential Redevelopment in Leicestershire

At a glance 

Collington Winter Environmental completed a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) for a proposed residential redevelopment in Dunton Bassett. The assessment evaluated the building’s potential to support protected bat species before demolition and replacement with a new residential development.

The challenge

Initial inspections identified several features capable of supporting individual roosting bats, including gaps beneath flashing and around the chimney. Under current wildlife legislation, further investigation was required before demolition could safely proceed.

The nocturnal surveys successfully identified a day roost used by a single common pipistrelle bat beneath the lead flashing surrounding the chimney.

Rather than preventing development, this allowed an appropriate mitigation strategy to be developed.

Following the survey findings:

• Planning permission was secured with a condition requiring a Bat Mitigation Class Licence (BMCL).
• A licensed ecologist supervised the ecological works on site.
• Appropriate mitigation measures, including installation of a bat box, were completed.
• Roosting features were carefully removed by hand under ecological supervision.
• No bats were present during demolition, allowing the redevelopment to proceed safely and lawfully.