Arbtech carried out a preliminary ecological appraisal (including preliminary roost assessment) and subsequent bat emergence and re-entry surveys at a site in Liverpool. The consisted of disused care home buildings and communal garden areas. Arbtech were able to conduct and turn around the reports rapidly to prevent delays for the client.
About the Area
The site is based in Liverpool. Liverpool is a large and thriving port city, set on the River Mersey. the city has a diverse range of architecture with a range of new and old buildings. As our head office is based in the not-too-far-away city of Chester, we carry out a great deal of work in the Liverpool area.
Survey Background
Arbtech were instructed to carry out a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) including preliminary roost assessment (PRA) at the site of a disused care home building. Arbtech are able to offer stand-alone bat (PRA) or full protected species (PEA) surveys, or when required we can combine the surveys to reduce costs for our clients and make the process faster.
The survey was conducted on two buildings on site that were due to be demolished and replaced by a new building. Due to the scale of the survey, two consultants were assigned to conduct the assessment. We were able to provide this service due to our locally available consultants.
Preliminary Roost Assessment (Stage 1)
Two consultants arrived on site with all the necessary equipment to conduct the assessment. A thorough inspection of the internal roof spaces was carried out in both buildings. A full visual survey was then done on the exterior of the buildings to assess for bat entry and exits points. The outcome of the survey was a requirement for further surveys. These further surveys are called bat emergence and re-entry surveys (BERS). They were recommended due to the presence of features on the buildings that bats could use, and therefore bat likely-absence could not be determined from a PRA alone.
Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys (Stage 2)
The next stage was to conduct BER surveys on the buildings. Due to the scale and architecture of the buildings, a large number of surveyors were required to cover each building to ensure that no bats were missed leaving or entering the buildings. Thanks to our substantial and reliable sub-contractor network, these surveys were successfully conducted over the summer months. The client was kept up-to-date with correspondence after each survey to inform them of the results. The consultants were also available via phone or email to take any queries the client had during the process.
Survey Outcome
There were no bats seen entering or leaving the buildings during the BER surveys. This meant the client did not need to apply for a licence to proceed with the works. The client was happy with this outcome and they are now ready to apply for planning permission with all the necessary surveys and reports ready to go.
By conducting the relevant surveys and reports, via the help of Arbtech, the proposed works can now proceed and will comply with the legislation. The report carried out by Arbtech will be used to form part of the planning application, and will provide all the details the local planning authority will require to make an informed planning consent.
“Very conscientious and prompt in carrying out required work. Very friendly and approachable.”