Bat Survey - Planning Public Access

Transcription

PAP/2015/0383
Internal and External Bat Survey, Shortwoods Centre, Dordon
November, 2014
NORTH WARWICKSHIRE
BOROUGH COUNCIL
RECEIVED
23/06/2015
Internal /External Bat Survey
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION
Shortwoods Centre
Dordon
Warwickshire
Surveyor: Dr. Stefan Bodnar BSc (Hons) PhD MIEEM NE bat class license level 2: CLS01159
Client
FILIP FLORCZAK
MSC ARCH ENG RIBA
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
M: +44 (0)7727 620298
[email protected]
Consultant
Dr. Stefan Bodnar (MCIEEM)
35 Post Office Road
Baddesley Ensor
Warwickshire
CV9 2DD
Tel: 07429 209549
Email: [email protected]
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Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Site Location
1.3 General Site Description and Status
1.4. Wider Landscape Context in Relation to Bats
1.5 Bat Ecology (a Summary)
1.6 Description of Works
1.7 Existing relevant bat records and interpretation
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2.0 Methodology
2.1 Personnel
2.2 Visual External Assessment
2.3 Visual Internal Assessment
3.0 Results
3.1 External Visual Assessment
3.2 Internal Visual Assessment
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Mitigation/ Compensation
6.0 References
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Appendices
1. Site photographs and suitable entrance points for bats
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1.0. Introduction
At the request of Filip Florszak, on behalf of clients, the Shortwoods Centre, Dordon was subject to survey
in relation to the potential for presence of bat species and roost sites. This follows an initial Ecological
Appraisal by Warwickshire County Council Ecological Services in October 2013, which recommended:
If any works are proposed to affect the roof of the main building or outbuilding/garage on site then these building should be
surveyed for roosting bats prior to determination of the works. The survey should include an internal inspection of the existing roof
voids with activity surveys carried out in accordance with Bat Conservation Trust guidelines (2012). Similarly, if the mature
hawthorn tree or other ivy-covered trees are proposed to be cut down or lopped, then these trees should be surveyed for roosting bats
prior to tree works commencing. Bats and their roost sites are fully protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (as
amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, making them a European Protected Species. It is a
criminal offence to recklessly disturb or destroy a known or suspected bat roost, even if the roost is only occasionally used.
The brief of the current survey was as follows;
 An external/Internal evaluation of the buildings for utilization signs by bat species.
 To determine whether any buildings and trees within the site had potential for use by bats for roosting
or as a place of shelter, with consequent implication for development work with respect to Schedule 5
of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations (and subsequent
amendments).
 To determine the presence of any roosts within the site.
 To make an overall assessment of the value of the site as foraging, feeding and commuting areas.
 To make recommendations for the development work to take place including any mitigation/
compensation required.
1.1. Background
Bats and the Law
Prior to August 2007, all bat species in the UK were fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
(as amended) through an inclusion in Schedule 5. The amendment of the Conservation (Natural Habitats)
Regulations 1994, in August 2007 now is the regulatory protection mechanism. In addition there are obligations
within the Conservation of Species and Habitat Regulations (2010) and National Planning Policy Framework
(2012) which replaced the former Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS 9).
In England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all bat species are fully protected by the Conservation (Natural
Habitats, &c.) Regulations, which defines ‘European protected species of animals’ (EPS). This gives
protection to bats and their roosts. The Regulations have slightly different amendments in the different
countries.
Under the regulations it is an offence toa) Deliberately or recklessly to capture, injure, or kill a EPS.
b) Deliberately or recklessly –
i. To harass a wild animal or group of wild animals of a EPS.
ii. To disturb while it is occupying a place of shelter (roosts).
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iii. To disturb while it is rearing its young or caring for its young.
iv. To obstruct access to a breeding site or resting place, or otherwise deny the animal use of that
site or resting place.
v. To disturb a EPS in a manner that is, or circumstances which are likely to significantly affect the
local distribution or abundance of the species.
vi. To disturb a EPS in a manner that is, or circumstances which are likely to impair its ability to
survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise care for young.
In this interpretation, a bat roost is “any structure or place which any bat uses for shelter or protection”. As
bats tend to reuse the same roosts, legal opinion is that the roost is protected whether or not the bats are
present at the time.
Planning and Development
All British bat species and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, through
inclusion on Schedule 5. They are also protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations
1994 (which were issued under the European Communities Act 1972), through inclusion on Schedule 2.
The Act and Regulations include provisions making it illegal to:
 Intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or capture bats.
 Deliberately disturb bats.
 Damage, destroy or obstruct access to a roost.
Local Planning Authorities consult the Government’s guidance notes, National Planning Policy Framework
(2012) and the Conservation of Species Habitat Regulations (2010) in England, and equivalents in Scotland
and Wales, before making a planning decision where there may be protected species on a site. The presence
of a protected species should be a material consideration when considering a development proposal which, if
carried out, would be likely to result in harm to the species or its habitat. If bats use the site, appropriate
Statutory Nature Conservation Organization (English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage or the Countryside
Council for Wales) must be consulted before any work is carried out. Where necessary, a bat expert should
visit and assess the site.
If planning permission is being sought from the local authority, any observations of bats should be reported
to them and they can be reminded of their obligations within the National Planning Policy Framework
(2012). The presence of bats will rarely prevent the general approval of a development, although it may be
possible to incorporate mitigation to maintain habitats for bats.
Developers need to be aware that:
 Assessment of current use, likely effects and mitigation or habitat enhancement should be incorporated
into development proposals at an early stage.
 Where changes in land use could affect bats, the implications to bats should be considered and advice
sought.
 When considering planning applications, authorities are required to take account of protected species,
including all bats, and their habitats.
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Bat feeding habitats can be some distance from their roost sites, therefore, bats seen in flight may roost
nearby or some miles away. Bats use a range of sites for roosting, including buildings and trees. Signs of
roosts, which are visible from the outside, include bats emerging from the roost (timing varies from before
sunset to up to about an hour after) and bat droppings on surfaces near emergence points.
1.2. Site Location
The Shortwoods Centre
Dordon
Warwickshire
B78 1TP
Location plan below:
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1.3. General Site Description and Status
The site contains one main building, an outbuilding/garage, a greenhouse and hardstanding, surrounded by
amenity grassland with planted trees. Small areas include introduced shrubs and flower beds, trees, tall
ruderal and bare ground. The site is bordered by wooden and steel palisade fencing. The site contains the
following habitats:
• Amenity grassland • Bare ground • Broad-leaved woodland plantation • Buildings • Fences • Hardstanding •
Intact hedgerow • Introduced shrubs and flower beds • Trees
The site comprised of a single storey main building and outbuilding/garage. The buildings were of brick
construction. The main building had a pitched concrete tiled roof, as is the outbuilding.
The building itself is of around 1980's construction, and is of traditional brick with a cavity wall present. The
roof is intact and of concrete tile construction. Weatherboards and Soffits are original wood, windows and
doors UPVC throughout. See appendix 1 for building images.
The main building was overall in good condition and well-sealed, having however there were a small number
of access opportunities that were identified and investigated. The garage was of similar construction and
overall condition.
1.4 Wider Landscape Context in Relation to Bats
The site lies within the village of Dordon. (see aerial photograph below). Although surrounded by urban
development at a short distance to the West and East are open agricultural areas and to the East woodland
pockets, formed mainly on reclaimed previous mining sites. These woodland areas are likely to be the key
foraging areas for bats in the immediate landscape area. The large a5 trunk road which is well lit and lying to
the south, is likely to be a significant barrier to bat movement.
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1.5. Bat Ecology (a Summary)
Where do bats build roosts?
Different species of bat prefer different places; some creep into tiny spaces, cracks and crevices. Only
occasionally do they hang free or are easily visible.
Outside they may roost:
 Under weather boarding or hanging tiles
 Above soffits and behind fascia and barrage boarding
 Between window frame and wall brickwork
 In gaps behind cladding tiles or wood
 Between underfelt and boards or tiles
 Inside cavity walls
Inside roof spaces they may roost
 Along the ridge beam
 Around the gable end
 Around the chimney breast
 Looking for the evidence
Bats do not make nests or cause structural damage. The most obvious sign of their presence is droppings.
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 Bat droppings consist largely of insect remains and crumble easily between your fingers to a powder of
semi-shiny fragments.
 Rodent droppings are smooth and plastic, quickly becoming hard. They cannot be crumbled.
 Bat droppings do not present any known health hazards.
 Droppings may not always be readily visible in a loft.
 Large accumulations may reflect use over a number of years rather than large numbers of bats at any
one time.
When do bats use buildings?
Bats use buildings at any time, but are most often found in houses between May and August.
 Mother bats have only one baby a year, suckling it for several weeks. The mothers gather in maternity
roosts to have their young in summer, and this is the time they are most likely to be seen using
buildings.
 The bats move away when the young can fly and feed themselves, and have usually left by September.
 Immature individuals, adult males and non- breeding females will occupy a variety of roosts,
individually or in small groups, at any time of year.
 Disturbance or the use of chemicals at maternity roosts in houses can have a major impact on bat
populations gathered from a wide area.
 Bats do roost in houses in winter, usually individually, but are difficult to see.
Which bats use buildings?
All UK species have been recorded in houses, but some very rarely. Pipistrelles and Long-eared bats are the
species most usually found.
Pipistrelle bats
There are three different species of Pipistrelle; the common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle and the rarer
Nathusius’ Pipistrelle. They sometimes use houses as maternity roosts, choosing confined spaces. These are
usually on the outside of buildings, such as under the soffits or behind barge boards or hanging tiles, where
the bats can rarely be seen.
Brown long-eared bats
This species mostly prefers older houses with large roof spaces. Small clusters may be seen at junctions of
roof timbers or under the ridge. It is the bat most frequently seen inside lofts, small numbers may stay longer
than the other species.
1.6. Description of Works
The application is for demolition of the original building and a replacement building partially on the existing
footprint (see below). Almost all of the existing semi-mature landscape planting and hedgerows are intended
to be retained.
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1.7 Bat Species Records
The following is taken from the Ecological Appraisal, undertaken by Warwickshire County Council
Ecological Services, October, 2013.
There are several bat records within 1km of the site, including common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
and soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus). All bat species are European Protected Species (EPS) and
fully protected in the UK under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) and the Conservation
Regulations 2010.
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2.0. Methodology
The survey consisted of two elements


A day-time visual external assessment of the buildings and their potential in relation to use by bats as
roosts.
A day-time visual internal assessment of the buildings and their potential in relation to use by bats as
roosts
2.1. Personnel
The survey was conducted by Dr. Stefan Bodnar, a full time member of the institute of the Chartered
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, an experienced ecologist with over 27 years experience
of bat surveys, working under Natural England Class license (Bat Survey Level 2) CLS01159.
2.2. Visual External Assessment
The external building inspection (from the ground using binoculars) focused particularly on roof areas,
soffits, areas of wall with cracks and apertures, window surrounds and the overall structure of the buildings
including any features such as crevices or cavities that may be suitable for bats to roost in. Any evidence of
roosting (such as droppings or staining around entrances) was also recorded, if present.
The date of site visit was 25th November 2014.
Methods of survey used have been based on those outlined in Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s Bat
Workers Manual (Mitchell-Jones & McLeish, 2004) and English Nature’s Bat Mitigation Guidelines (MitchellJones, 2004), and the BCT Good practice Survey guidelines, 2012.
2.3. Visual Internal Assessment
An internal roof space inspection will be carried out if access and health and safety permits. Any evidence of
roosts such as staining, droppings and feeding remains will be recorded.
The date of site visit was 25th November 2014.
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3.0. Results
3.1. External Visual Assessment
The site comprised of a single storey main building and outbuilding/garage. The buildings were of brick
construction. The main building had a pitched concrete tiled roof, as is the outbuilding.
The building itself is of around 1980's construction, and is of traditional brick with a cavity wall present. The
roof is intact and of concrete tile construction. Weatherboards and Soffits are original wood, windows and
doors UPVC throughout. See appendix 1 for building images.
The main building was overall in good condition and well-sealed, having however there were a small number
of access opportunities that were identified and investigated. The garage was of similar construction and
overall condition.
Appendix 1 shows site photographs.
There are very few suitable external access features present. This is in agreement with the original Ecological
Appraisal (2013). Refer to photographs Appendix 1. In particular the flashing, brickwork, soffits and ridge
and hipped tiles were generally intact.
Soffits are original wood with narrow gaps present. Where there were gaps identified in some sections, none
were sufficient for bats to gain entry. The potential access points consisted of:
Main building: gaps in cement grouting gable ends, water damaged and missing soffit to rear. As the building
was low aspect, it was possible to access and inspect all of these with an endoscope.
Garages: gaps in cement grouting, east and west gable ends. As the building was low aspect, it was possible to
access and inspect all of these with an endoscope.
The roof structure is entirely intact with no access points identified. The slightly raised tiles present were too
shallow to permit bat access.
There was no evidence determined such as droppings, staining or other signs of bats at any point on the
building exterior.
Overall categorisation: low access features, no evidence. All access points categorised as low quality.
3.2. Internal Visual Assessment
An internal visual assessment of the roof space was carried out on the same date. Access to all interior roof
spaces was possible. There were no signs of bat presence such as droppings, staining or scratch marks. The
internal roof space appeared intact, with a height of between 1.2 and 2.4m. The tiles sit on a plastic covered
rockwool insulation internal lining.
There was evidence of access to the internal roof space by vermin (mice). Refer to photographs, Appendix 1.
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4.0. Conclusion
The survey determined that the building was not being used as a bat roost site. The building overall was
categorized as having low opportunities for access and use by bats.
In relation to the proposed works which involve demolition and rebuild, there is low residual risk of bat roost
presence . It is proposed that this is addressed by an ecological supervision of strip of suitable features on
roofs of both the main building and the garage.
The vegetated areas of the site, and in particular the on-site trees, will remain largely unaffected by the
proposed works.
5.0. Mitigation/Compensation
In relation to the National Planning Policy Framework (2012) there will be no requirement for Mitigation/
Compensation measures for bats.
6.0. References
Bats in Roofs. A guide for surveyors. English Nature, Peterborough, Mitchell-Jones, A.J. (2004).
Bat Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough, Mitchell-Jones, A.J.& Mcleish, A.P. (Eds)(2004).
Bat workers Manual, 3rd Edn. Joint Nature Conservation committee, Peterborough.
Bats and Trees, (2000), Bat Conservation Trust
Good practice survey guidelines, (2012), Bat Conservation Trust
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Appendix 1: Site photographs and suitable entrance sites for bats.
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Soffit detail, and below, missing mortar (shallow recess formed, not suitable)
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Suitable access gaps, main building and garage
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Internal images (roof space and general well lit ground floor area)
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Bat Survey - Planning Public Access

Transcription

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