Bat Survey Westminster: Protected Species

If you are planning a development in Westminster, you may need to carry out a bat survey to meet ecological planning requirements. Local planning authorities often require assessments for protected species as part of the planning application, especially where bat habitats may be impacted. In many of the London boroughs, identifying the presence of bats is a crucial step in obtaining planning permission.

Bats are protected by UK law and listed as a European protected species, making it a criminal offence to disturb their roosts or feeding grounds. To ensure compliance with laws such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, Westminster City Council may request ecological assessments.

At Collington Winter, our licensed ecologists offer clear, professional guidance to developers and homeowners, helping projects move forward efficiently while fulfilling all bat survey obligations required for planning approval.

Every site is unique, so we tailor our assessments to suit the specific features of your development and its surrounding environment. Our primary bat survey methods include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): This initial inspection is carried out by out by one of our experienced ecologists, who visually examines buildings, trees, and other structures – both internally and externally – for evidence of bat presence, such as droppings, staining, or features that could serve as roosts.

Bat Emergence and Dawn Re-entry Surveys: When potential roosts are identified, we conduct focused surveys at dusk and dawn. Using bat detectors and thermal imaging equipment, we observe bat movements to determine where and when bats are entering or leaving the site.

Nocturnal Surveys: Conducted during nighttime hours, these surveys help us understand bat activity in greater detail, including flight routes, feeding patterns, and species identification. We use sophisticated acoustic monitoring and tracking tools to gather reliable data while minimising disturbance to the bats.

Recommendations arising from a bat survey will vary depending on the type and scale of the proposed development. For instance, a large-scale project such as a new housing development may require more extensive measures than a smaller scheme like a barn conversion. Common recommendations following bat surveys may include:

Timing of Works – Many bat roosts are seasonal, typically active in warmer months. Therefore, development work is often scheduled during periods when bat activity is minimal to avoid disturbance.

Roost Restoration or Creation – Where existing roosts cannot be preserved, developers may be required to recreate suitable bat habitats that replicate natural features. Larger or sustainably focused projects are often encouraged to incorporate bat-friendly infrastructure, such as integrated roosting features, into their designs.

Long-term Habitat Management – Surveys provide insight into how bats use the site – whether for roosting, foraging, hibernation, or breeding. Long-term management plans be recommended to protect these functions. Enhancing local biodiversity – for example, by planting insect-attracting vegetation – can help support bat populations.

All recommendations should be clearly addressed in the planning application and reflected in development proposals, helping to improve the chances of approval by the local planning authority.

Regardless of whether bat activity is confirmed, national planning policy encourages the inclusion of biodiversity enhancement features within new permitted developments to support local wildlife, including bats.

Our experienced ecological consultants will evaluate your project and deliver tailored advice to help you meet both ecological and planning requirements effectively.

Collington Winter is an environmental consultancy that offers protected species assessment services to both small and large-scale project developments. We have extensive experience in providing bat ecologist services, including preliminary roost assessments, dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys and nocturnal bat surveys.

Our consultants hold European Protected Species licences in addition to Mitigation Licences from Natural England and perform informative and professional project assessments across the country.

Get in touch with a member of our ecologist team (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk)  for more information on other Protected Species Surveys we offer, such as Great Crested Newt Surveys and Badger Surveys. We also provide Preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) services and landscape architecture services to support your project.