Bat Mitigation Licence Support in England
A bat mitigation licence is often required where development proposals could impact bats or their roosts. Bats are protected as European Protected Species, meaning it is an offence to disturb, damage or destroy a roost without appropriate assessment and licensing.
Across England, planning authorities expect developers, homeowners and project teams to demonstrate that ecological impacts have been properly assessed through a structured survey and licensing process supported by experienced ecologists. ACP Consultants provides bat licence application support across England, preparing the bat mitigation licence application, bat mitigation method statement and coordinating ecological input with Natural England to support compliant project delivery.
We follow a simple, transparent process to ensure your project runs smoothly from the very first contact to the final report. Our approach is designed to provide you with clarity at every step, so you’re fully informed and confident in moving forward.
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Step 1: Request a Quote
Fill out our quick quote form or call us, and our team will provide a free, no-obligation quote, outlining the services tailored to your needs.
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Step 2: Confirm Your Booking
Once you approve the quote, simply return the booking form. We’ll schedule your survey and ensure all the details are taken care of.
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Step 3: Receive Your Report
After your survey is completed and payment is received, we’ll promptly issue your survey report, ensuring you get the results as quickly as possible.
In the past year, we’ve delivered over 750+ audit-ready reports supporting 400+ projects for developers, planners, and architects nationwide. We put quality over quantity and build lasting relationships based on trust, ensuring your planning applications are backed by robust evidence and delivered on time.
Do I need a Bat Mitigation Licence?
A bat mitigation licence may be required if your development could affect bats or their roosts. This applies to a wide range of projects across both urban and rural environments.
In England, bats are fully protected under wildlife legislation. This protection applies not only to the bats themselves but also to the places they use for shelter, even when bats are not present at the time.
You may need a licence if your project involves:
- Roof repairs, loft conversions or structural alterations
- Demolition of buildings or redevelopment sites
- Barn conversions or agricultural building upgrades
- Removal or management of mature trees
- Installation of external lighting near habitats used by bats
- Development near woodland edges, rivers or hedgerows
- Works affecting buildings with features suitable for roosting bats
Planning authorities often require survey evidence where there is potential for bats to be present. If surveys confirm bats or roosts, a protected species licence (EPS bat licence) is typically required before works can proceed.
Early assessment is important. It helps determine whether a licence is needed and allows sufficient time for surveys, mitigation design and the licensing application process.
Bat Survey and Licensing Pathway Explained
The pathway to a bat mitigation licence follows a structured, evidence-based process designed to ensure compliance with protected species legislation and planning requirements. It begins with a preliminary assessment of bat roost potential, usually through a daytime inspection of buildings, trees or structures that may support bats. This early stage helps identify whether features such as roof voids, gaps in masonry, lifted tiles, timber cladding or tree cavities could be used as roosts.
Where necessary, the process then progresses to activity surveys, including dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys, to confirm presence, species and roost use. These surveys help establish how bats interact with the site and whether the proposed development could disturb, damage or destroy a roost.
The findings inform a development impact assessment and the design of appropriate mitigation. This may include timing controls, supervised works, retention of roost features or replacement roost provision. This staged approach ensures that any bat mitigation licence application is supported by robust ecological evidence, allowing planning authorities and regulators to make informed decisions while enabling development to proceed lawfully and with clear ecological safeguards.
Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)
A preliminary roost assessment is the first stage in the bat survey and licensing pathway. This daytime survey involves inspecting buildings, structures or trees for features that could support bats, helping determine whether further survey work is required before planning or development can progress.
Ecologists assess:
- Roof voids, tiles and ridge lines
- Cracks, crevices and gaps in masonry
- Timber structures and cladding
- Tree cavities, splits and loose bark
- Surrounding habitat and commuting routes
During the assessment, the ecologist records potential access points, roosting features and habitat links such as hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens, rivers or green corridors. These features can influence how bats use a site for roosting, foraging or commuting.
The outcome is a classification of bat roost potential: negligible, low, moderate or high. This classification helps determine whether bat emergence surveys or re-entry surveys are needed. If no suitable features are found, further surveys may not be required. If potential is identified, the results inform the next stage of the process and help support planning decisions with clear ecological evidence.
Bat Emergence / Re-entry Surveys (BERS)
Where potential exists, bat emergence surveys and re-entry surveys are required to confirm whether bats are using a building, structure or tree as a roost. These surveys are undertaken at dusk and dawn during the active season, when bats are most likely to leave or return to roosting features.
They provide:
- Confirmation of bat presence or absence
- Identification of species
- Understanding of roost type and usage
- Activity levels and movement patterns
During BERS, ecologists observe potential access points and record bat activity using appropriate survey methods and equipment. This helps establish whether bats are emerging from the site, returning to it, or using nearby habitats for commuting and foraging.
The results are important for planning and licensing because they show how bats use the site and whether the proposed works could cause disturbance, damage or roost loss. This information forms the basis of a development impact assessment and helps determine whether mitigation, further survey work or a bat mitigation licence application may be required. Early booking is recommended because these surveys are seasonal and may require multiple visits.
Mitigation and Licensing
If bats are confirmed and impacts cannot be avoided, mitigation is required to ensure works are planned in line with protected species legislation and planning requirements. This stage considers how the development could affect bats, their roosts and nearby habitats, before setting out practical measures to reduce risk.
This leads to a bat mitigation licence application, supported by:
- Survey data
- Impact assessment
- Mitigation proposals
- A bat mitigation method statement
Mitigation proposals may include timing works to avoid sensitive periods, retaining existing roost features where possible, installing replacement roost provision, using sensitive lighting design and arranging ecological supervision during key stages of work. The bat mitigation method statement explains how these measures will be implemented on site and how bats will remain protected throughout the project.
This structured approach ensures compliance with planning and ecological requirements while giving planning authorities, Natural England and project teams clear information on how impacts will be managed. Early mitigation planning can also help reduce delays and support smoother project delivery.
How to get a Bat Mitigation Licence
The licensing application process for a natural england bat mitigation licence involves several stages.
Survey evidence
Appropriate surveys must be completed to establish bat presence, roost type and ecological context.
Impact assessment
A detailed assessment identifies how development may affect bats and their habitats
- Mitigation design
- Ecological mitigation measures are developed. These may include:
- Retaining roost features
- Timing works to avoid sensitive periods
- Installing bat boxes or integrated roost features
- Habitat restoration techniques
Documentation
A complete bat mitigation licence application includes
- Reasoned statement
- Bat mitigation licence method statement
- Work schedule
- Plans and drawings
- Supporting survey reports
Submission
Applications are submitted using the appropriate bat mitigation licence application form (often referred to as A13).
Determination
Natural England reviews the application and may request further information.
Implementation
Once granted, works must follow the licensed method and ecological supervision requirements.
ACP Consultants provides full bat licence application support, ensuring that all documentation is accurate, proportionate and aligned with regulatory expectations.
Bat Mitigation Method Statement and Licence Documents
The bat mitigation method statement is a central component of the application. It explains how impacts will be avoided, reduced or compensated.
Typical documents include:
- Bat mitigation method statement
- Reasoned statement
- Work schedule
- Site plans and roost location drawings
- Survey data and technical appendices
Mitigation measures often involve:
- Controlled timing of works
- Supervised soft strip of structures
- Retention or replacement of roost features
- Installation of bat boxes or integrated roosting features
- Biodiversity offsetting where appropriate
Well-prepared documentation supports efficient determination of the bat mitigation licence natural england application.
Bat Survey Season & Timelines
Bat surveys are influenced by seasonal behaviour. This has a direct impact on the timing of a bat mitigation licence application.
- Preliminary roost assessments can be completed year-round
- Activity surveys are typically undertaken between May and September
- Multiple visits may be required depending on site potential
- Because bats are less active in colder months, activity surveys cannot usually be completed in winter. This means projects may need to wait for the appropriate survey season.
- Early engagement helps:
- Avoid delays
- Plan surveys within the correct seasonal window
- Align ecological requirements with construction programmes
Booking surveys early is one of the most effective ways to maintain project timelines.
Costs and Timescales
The bat mitigation licence cost depends on several factors:
- Site size and complexity
- Survey requirements
- Presence and type of bat roost
- Complexity of mitigation design
- Licensing authority review times
Simple projects may progress quickly, while more complex schemes require additional survey effort and detailed mitigation.
Timescales typically include:
- Survey phase (season-dependent)
- Application preparation
- Determination period
A tailored quote ensures costs reflect project-specific requirements.
What you receive from ACP Consultants
Your bat mitigation licence support includes a comprehensive, planning-ready service designed to support planning applications and the discharge of planning conditions where required across England. The information is structured clearly so it can be reviewed efficiently by planning officers, ecological consultees, architects and project teams, ensuring it aligns with national and local planning expectations.
You will receive a detailed ecological report suitable for planning submission, presenting clear survey findings and interpretation alongside a structured bat mitigation method statement. This is supported by a robust development impact assessment, explaining how bats and their roosts may be affected and how this relates to protected species legislation.
Typical contents include:
- Site description and ecological context – outlining the building, surrounding habitat and how features such as woodland edges, rivers, hedgerows or urban green corridors influence bat activity
- Survey findings and assessment – identifying roost potential and summarising any bat activity recorded
- Bat mitigation method statement – detailing ecological mitigation measures and how works will be carried out
- Development impact assessment – clearly explaining potential effects on bats
- Recommendations for mitigation and ecological mitigation measures – proportionate and practical guidance
- Support with the bat mitigation licence form and application – ensuring documentation is complete and compliant
- Clear next steps to guide project delivery
Our reports support sustainable development practices and are prepared in accordance with recognised ecological guidance.
Need Help With a Bat Mitigation Licence Application?
Bat survey requirements can vary depending on your property, location and development type. Our experienced ecologists can review your proposal, assess bat roost potential, and confirm whether a preliminary roost assessment or further surveys are required before you submit your planning application.
Local Planning Policy and Licensing Context
lanning authorities across England follow national guidance but apply local validation requirements when assessing ecological impacts.
Most councils require ecological survey information where:
- Buildings or trees have bat roost potential
- Development affects habitats such as woodland or rivers
- Lighting proposals may impact bat activity
- Policies are typically informed by:
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- Wildlife legislation protecting bats
- Local biodiversity and conservation strategies
Authorities such as those in London boroughs, Greater Manchester, West Midlands and county councils including Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire regularly require bat surveys and licensing where appropriate.
Planning officers expect:
- Up-to-date survey data
- Clear impact assessment
- Proportionate mitigation proposals
Providing this information helps ensure that applications can be determined efficiently.
Local Context Across England
Across England, bats are widely distributed due to the variety of habitats available. Urban areas such as London, Manchester and Leeds contain older housing stock with roof voids, brickwork gaps and loft spaces that can support roosting bats.
In rural areas, including parts of Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire and the South West, traditional barns, farm buildings and mature trees provide ideal roosting conditions. Hedgerows, woodland edges and river corridors such as the Thames, Severn and Trent act as important commuting routes.
Many developments occur close to these features, meaning ecological assessments are often required. Lighting schemes, extensions and redevelopment projects can all affect bat behaviour, particularly where habitats are well connected.
Local Coverage Includes
ACP Consultants provides bat mitigation licence support across England, including major cities and surrounding rural areas where development projects may require ecological assessment and licensing input. Our work regularly supports homeowners, architects, planning consultants and developers in locations including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Nottingham and Sheffield.
These areas contain a wide range of building types and habitats capable of supporting bats. In cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, older housing stock, roof voids and historic structures can provide suitable roosting opportunities. In areas surrounding Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol, traditional barns, mature trees, woodland edges and river corridors often form important commuting and foraging habitats for bats.
Many developments within these locations involve planning constraints linked to protected species, particularly where projects affect roof spaces, redevelopment sites, lighting schemes or green infrastructure. Councils across these areas commonly require ecological survey information and, where bats are confirmed, a bat mitigation licence application supported by appropriate survey evidence and mitigation proposals.
Our England-wide coverage allows projects to progress with consistent ecological advice aligned with planning and licensing requirements.
Common Project Types in This Area
ACP Consultants provides bat surveys in England with a strong focus on planning compliance and practical delivery. Our work is tailored to support planning applications, ensuring ecological considerations are addressed clearly and proportionately from the outset.
Our approach is based on:
- Residential extensions and roof alterations
- Barn conversions and rural redevelopment
- Demolition and regeneration schemes
- Infrastructure near rivers or green corridors
- Tree works associated with development
We work with homeowners, architects and developers across England, ensuring ecological requirements are addressed efficiently and in line with planning expectations. Our reports are designed to be easily understood by planning officers and consultees, helping to reduce delays and support a smooth planning process.
Why Choose ACP Consultants
ACP Consultants provides experienced ecological consultancy services across England, supporting a wide range of projects that require clear, planning-led ecological input. Our approach includes a strong focus on delivering proportionate, reliable information that aligns with planning authority expectations and helps projects progress efficiently.
Our approach includes:
- Qualified ecologists with relevant experience
- Surveys aligned with recognised guidance
- Strong understanding of planning and licensing processes
- Clear, practical advice for project teams
- Quality assurance and internal technical review
- Experience across residential and large-scale development
We work closely with homeowners, architects, planning consultants and developers to ensure ecological requirements are understood early and addressed appropriately. Our team has experience across a variety of building types, landscapes and development scenarios, allowing us to provide tailored advice that reflects real project constraints.
We support projects from initial feasibility through to licensing and implementation, helping to manage ecological risk while maintaining programme certainty and supporting sustainable development outcomes.
References and Useful Resources
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) – Bat Survey Guidelines for UK Homeowners
- CIEEM – What to Expect from a Bat Survey: Homeowner guide to survey stages, reporting and outcomes
- CIEEM – Bat Mitigation Guidelines (2025): Best practice guidance for mitigation design and implementation
- GOV.UK – Bats: Advice for Making Planning Decisions
- GOV.UK – Bats: Protection, Surveys and Licences
- GOV.UK – Protected Species: How to Review Planning Applications: Guidance for assessing ecological impacts within planning decisions
- Natural England – Bat Advice Service (BAS) Updates and Guidance
- Bat Conservation Trust – British Bat Survey (Passive Acoustic Surveys)
- Bat Conservation Trust – Contacting an Ecological Consultant: Advice on engaging a qualified bat ecologist for surveys and planning
- Bat Conservation Trust – Planning and the Law: Overview of legal protections and planning considerations for bats
- Bat Conservation Trust – Building or Development Works: Guidance on managing bats during construction and development
- Bat Conservation Trust – Planning and Infrastructure Act: Policy context affecting biodiversity and development
- Bat Conservation Trust – Planning and Infrastructure Policy Update (2026): Latest developments in planning and biodiversity policy
- Bat Conservation Trust – National Bat Monitoring Programme Surveys
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bat mitigation licences are required where development may impact bats or their roosts, which are protected under UK law as European Protected Species. The licensing process involves completing appropriate bat surveys, preparing a bat mitigation method statement and submitting a bat mitigation licence application to Natural England. This ensures that potential impacts are properly assessed and managed through ecological mitigation measures, allowing planning authorities to make informed decisions. Understanding how bat mitigation licences, survey requirements and application processes work is essential to avoid delays, ensure compliance and support successful project delivery.
How to get a bat mitigation licence?
You must complete appropriate surveys, prepare mitigation proposals and submit a bat mitigation licence application to Natural England. The licensing application process requires technical documentation, including survey data and a bat mitigation method statement.
Do I need a bat mitigation licence for planning permission?
If development affects bats or their roosts, a protected species licence (EPS bat licence) is usually required before works can proceed.
What is a natural england bat mitigation licence?
A natural england bat mitigation licence is issued to permit works that would otherwise be unlawful due to impacts on bats, which are protected as European Protected Species.
What is included in a bat mitigation licence application?
A typical application includes survey reports, a development impact assessment, a bat mitigation method statement, a reasoned statement, a work schedule and supporting plans.
What is a bat mitigation licence application form A13?
The A13 is the standard bat mitigation licence application form used in England when submitting applications to Natural England.
How long does a bat mitigation licence take and what does it cost?
The bat mitigation licence cost and timescales depend on survey requirements, site complexity and mitigation design. The process can take several weeks to months depending on project scope.
What is a bat mitigation method statement and work schedule?
A bat mitigation licence method statement explains how impacts will be managed, while the bat mitigation licence work schedule outlines when and how works will be carried out, including supervision and timing constraints.
What is a bat mitigation licence reasoned statement?
The reasoned statement justifies the development and demonstrates that there are no satisfactory alternatives, forming a key requirement of the licensing application process.
Can a bat mitigation licence be amended or changed?
Yes, a bat mitigation licence amendment, including a minor amendment to work schedule, can be submitted if project details change, subject to approval.
What is a bat mitigation class licence?
A bat mitigation class licence allows certain low-impact works to proceed under predefined conditions, where eligibility criteria are met.
What happens after a bat mitigation licence is granted?
Works must follow licence conditions, and a bat mitigation licence return is submitted after completion to confirm compliance with ecological requirements.
What mitigation measures are used for bats?
Mitigation may include ecological mitigation measures, habitat restoration techniques, biodiversity offsetting and wider wildlife management practices to protect bats and support sustainable development.
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- Last Updated:
- October 2026
Disclaimer: Our content is prepared by ACP Consultants’ in-house specialists and is based on current guidance, standards, and best practice in environmental consultancy. While we make every effort to keep information accurate and up to date, it is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice on specific projects. Planning authorities retain final decision-making powers, and requirements may vary between local authorities and over time. ACP Consultants accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content without obtaining tailored advice for your project.