The bat survey season is from April to September when bats are active. Outside this period bats are preparing for hibernation and activity surveys are not possible. Therefore, to avoid delays to your programme ensure you get a survey in good time.
All bat species, their breeding sites and resting places are fully protected by law under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to injure, kill, capture or disturb a bat or to damage, destroy or obstruct trees, buildings or other places used for roosting.
If you have bats in your existing building or believe bats are in the area you should commission a bat survey. However, you will only need to undertake a survey if there is a ‘reasonable likelihood’ of bats being present.
In any case, your local authority may insist on a bat survey before giving planning consent.
So plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary delays.