Arbtech were commissioned to undertake a preliminary roost assessment in Baschruch, near Shrewsbury.
The survey was required as part of a planning application to the local planning authority. The proposed plans were to extend the existing residential dwelling. We were able to be on-site within a week of being instructed, and we were able to get the report out to the client the following week.
About the Area
Baschurch is a small village located between Oswestry and Shrewsbury in North Shropshire. Arbtech have carried out a number of surveys in this area.
Survey Background
Arbech were instructed by the client to conduct a preliminary roost assessment to inform a planning application for the expansion of the existing residential dwelling on site.
Our Survey
After arranging with the client their most convenient date and time, Mel met the client and his wife on site. We were able to be on-site within a week of the client instructing us on the survey. When on-site, she discussed with the client the survey process and potential outcomes. After being shown the internals and externals of the building, Mel conducted the survey. She thoroughly inspected the internal loft space, looking for evidence of bat evidence, including bat droppings and feeding remains. After this, she carried out an external inspection of the property looking for any bat access or egress points. She also surveyed all outbuildings on-site to make sure the survey and report were thorough. Mel also made note of any evidence of nesting birds whilst on site.
Outcome of Survey
Due to the lack of bat evidence and habitat value for roosting bats, and due to the limited impact on the roof during the proposed works, further surveys were not deemed necessary on this site. The likely risk of harm to bats from this proposed development was determined to be extremely low and so the preliminary roost assessment was sufficient to inform the planning decision. Site-specific enhancements were made within the report, including bat and bird boxes. It is a requirement of local planning authorities to ask for enhancements under the National Planning Policy Framework (2019). To accommodate this, Arbtech will always make considered site-specific enhancements for protected species within their reports. This is to assist clients in helping to achieve a positive planning outcome and to assist the local planning authority in conditioning the right enhancements for each site.
Planning Decision
Since completing this survey, the report has been submitted to the local planning authority to be considered along with the rest of the planning application. The planning decision was a positive one, with full planning being granted. Conditions were granted as part of this planning, some of which are ecology and bat related. Arbtech will be there to help inform and assist with the discharging of these conditions.
Thanks to the speediness and thoroughness from Arbtech we were able to assist the client with their needs without causing delay and procured a positive outcome for the client. If you require a similar service please get in touch via our website or give us a call on 01244 661170 and we will be more than happy to assist on your project.
“My wife and I met with Mel at the Property which my Client is about to extend and refurbish. Mel was every bit as professional as her other Arbtech colleagues whom I have met on various projects over the years.
She was not only courteous, but most efficient in her thorough inspection of all the relevant attributes and areas of the property. The resultant report was clear, concise and presented to the usual, high professional standard. I look forward to further Property development projects when Arbtech will again advise on matters of Ecology.”