Business Details
Bat Surveys for Planning Applications
Established by Jo Pedder, an independent ecologist with over two decades of experience, our business specialises in Preliminary Roost Assessments for planning applications. We provide expert bat surveys across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with legal protections and local authority requirements. Our streamlined process prioritises speed and accuracy, offering fixed-price quotes and same-day reports to expedite planning approvals.With a deep understanding of bat conservation regulations, we deliver tailored mitigation strategies to balance development needs with ecological responsibilities. Our methodology aligns with British Standard 4200:2013 and Bat Conservation Trust guidelines, ensuring reports meet the rigorous expectations of planning authorities. By focusing exclusively on initial bat surveys, we maintain efficiency while upholding the highest standards of ecological due diligence.
Services
Bat Surveys
Preliminary Roost Assessments
Emergency Surveys
Ecological Mitigation Planning
Natural England Licensing Support
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialist experience in bat surveys for planning applications.
- Our focused service delivers faster results by concentrating solely on preliminary assessments.
- We operate across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and surrounding areas.
- Same-day reports include actionable recommendations for planning compliance.
- Our methodology meets British Standard 4200:2013 and Bat Conservation Trust guidelines.
Associations and certifications
- Natural England
Services
Bat Surveys
Our bat surveys assess structures for roost suitability to support planning applications. Using binoculars, torches, and endoscopes, we identify evidence of bats and evaluate legal implications. Reports include mitigation recommendations to ensure compliance with conservation laws.
Preliminary Roost Assessments
These assessments determine a structure's suitability for bat roosts through visual inspections and evidence collection. Findings inform planning authorities about potential impacts and necessary mitigation measures, following Natural England guidelines.
Emergency Surveys
For time-sensitive planning applications, we prioritise rapid assessments to identify bat presence and provide actionable reports within 24 hours, ensuring minimal project delays while maintaining legal compliance.
Mitigation Planning
We develop tailored strategies to reduce bat-related impacts, including habitat compensation and licensing applications. Our plans align with national policy to secure planning permissions while protecting bat populations.
Natural England Licensing Support
We guide clients through obtaining licenses for works affecting bat roosts. This includes preparing mitigation proposals and liaising with authorities to ensure legal adherence and project approval.
People
Jo Pedder
Ecologist
Jo Pedder is an independent ecologist with over 20 years of experience in bat surveys for planning applications. Specialising in Preliminary Roost Assessments, Jo combines technical expertise with practical knowledge of local planning requirements to deliver efficient, compliant solutions.
Questions
How much does a bat survey cost?
Bat surveys start at £500, covering site assessment and travel within 45 minutes of Belper. Additional charges apply for longer travel distances.
Do I need a bat survey for my project?
If your project involves modifying structures that could host bats (e.g., roofs, trees), a survey is required to comply with legal protections and planning regulations.
Will bats delay my planning application?
Bats rarely halt applications. We provide mitigation strategies to ensure compliance, such as timing adjustments or habitat compensation measures.
How long does a bat survey take?
Surveys typically take 1–4 hours depending on site complexity, followed by same-day delivery of detailed reports with planning recommendations.
What happens if bats are found?
If bats are present, we recommend emergence surveys and mitigation plans. Licensing options from Natural England can facilitate legal project progression.
Reviews (5)
Lee Smith
Nov 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
A professional and efficient service from Jo to provide a Bat PRA for a Planning Application. I look forward to working with him again on my next application where I need his services.
A professional and efficient service from Jo to provide a Bat PRA for a Planning Application. I look forward to working with him again on my next application where I need his services.
Andy Sands
Oct 10, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
We commissioned Jo to do a Preliminary Roost Assessment of an adjoining barn. He was responsive and carried out the assessment within a few days, producing a thorough and professional report. He was friendly and knowledgeable.
We commissioned Jo to do a Preliminary Roost Assessment of an adjoining barn. He was responsive and carried out the assessment within a few days, producing a thorough and professional report. He was friendly and knowledgeable.
T. & K. Spall
Sep 11, 2021
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Whilst seeking planning permission for a replacement building my local Planning Authority requested a Bat & Bird Survey on my old worn out wood barn/stable complex. Jo attended the site promptly, did a thorough examination of the building over several hours and produced a detailed report on the very same day. The price was very good, more reasonable I thought compared to other quotations I had received and more importantly for me communication, both online and in person, has been excellent throughout. I can now happily move forward with my project and can fully recommend Jo.
Emery Moore
Apr 05, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Prompt and very professional service provided to accompany a Planning Application. Very useful and helpful advice. Would definitely recommend The Bat Surveyor to anyone in the future
Prompt and very professional service provided to accompany a Planning Application. Very useful and helpful advice. Would definitely recommend The Bat Surveyor to anyone in the future
Christopher Raw
Dec 24, 2020
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If you require a bird or bat survey undertaken, I would certainly recommend Jo Pedder.
Jo was extremely efficient when arranging the initial appointment and visited the site at the agreed time and date. I have never needed a bird or bat survey in the past and the process of having a bat survey completed can be a little daunting, yet Jo put me at ease and could not have been more helpful by fully explaining the process to me. He was very friendly and knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions that I had.
Jo promised that I would receive the Bird and Bat Report on the same day as the
Jo was extremely efficient when arranging the initial appointment and visited the site at the agreed time and date. I have never needed a bird or bat survey in the past and the process of having a bat survey completed can be a little daunting, yet Jo put me at ease and could not have been more helpful by fully explaining the process to me. He was very friendly and knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions that I had.
Jo promised that I would receive the Bird and Bat Report on the same day as the
