Breaking news! - Bat mitigation guidelines
This morning saw English Nature's long awaited Bat Mitigation Guidelines drop through the EPCG letterbox.
1.1 Background, states:
'These guidelines have been developed to assist those involved with land-use planning and development operations (in the widest sense) where bats are known or suspected to occur. Although the emphasis is on developments that fall within the remit of the planning system, the guidelines apply equally to other sorts of developments and contain elements of good practice that apply to a wide range of situations. In developing these guidelines, we have drawn on a wide range of expertise, and believe that the advice given is the best that is currently available. However, it must be recognised that the basis for many mitigation proposals is personal experience and opinion, rather than objective science, and we hope that the publication of these guidelines will stimulate the collection of better information about the success or failure of mitigation projects.
Although changes to both the planning system and wildlife legislation are made from time to time, many of the principles of survey and mitigation will continue to apply, though developers should satisfy themselves that any proposals comply with current legislation.'
For more information or help with bats contact us on 01730 231019 or ra@epcg.co.uk
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