In August 2020, I was called in to resolve a potential issue for a development off Hepworth Road, where homemade bat boxes had “mysteriously appeared” on tree stumps following initial clearance work. The site, earmarked for 30 eco-homes, had already been surveyed as part of the planning process, with no bat roosts found. However, the unexpected installation of the bat boxes raised concerns about the need for further ecological surveys.

I conducted a thorough Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) and inspected each bat box using an endoscope to check for signs of bat activity. The results were clear—no bats or evidence of bat roosts were present.

By acting quickly, I was able to confirm that no additional surveys were necessary, saving the client valuable time and money. The boxes were safely removed, and the development could proceed without further delay.

This swift resolution ensured that the client stayed on track with the project timeline while adhering to legal requirements, proving the importance of professional judgement in avoiding unnecessary costs.