Bat Survey & Mitigation Strategy – Former Hotel Site – Halifax
Location: Former Hotel Site – Halifax
Service: Bat Surveys (Scoping, Hibernation, Emergence), Mitigation Strategy
Client Objective: Assess bat presence and secure development permissions
Project Overview
JCA was appointed by the client to conduct a bat survey and ecological assessment at a former hotel site proposed for redevelopment. Plans included the conversion of the main building and demolition of remaining structures, necessitating compliance with wildlife legislation regarding bats.
Our goal was to assess the site for:
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Bat roosting potential
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Foraging and commuting habitat
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Species protection requirements
Stage 1: Bat Scoping Survey
Our licensed ecologists conducted an initial bat scoping survey. The site was assessed as having high potential to support bats due to:
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Loft voids with suitable features for roosting
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Mature landscape setting
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Connectivity to nearby habitats
Based on this, further surveys were required to determine bat presence.
Stage 2: Hibernation Surveys
Hibernation surveys were carried out in mid-January and mid-February, following best practice guidelines:
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Systematic inspection of cracks, crevices, and voids within loft spaces
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Use of endoscopes for internal void inspections
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Deployment of 2 static Anabat detectors for 35 days, positioned at each end of the loft
✅ Result:
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No bats or signs of hibernation were observed during inspections
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No recordings of bat activity were captured during detector deployment
Stage 3: Emergence & Re-entry Surveys
The final stage involved dusk/dawn bat activity surveys conducted in May and June.
🔍 Confirmed Results:
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Three common pipistrelle bats were seen re-entering the building:
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1 via a lower-floor window flashing at the front of the building
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1 into a gap in the roof tile mortar on the second floor
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1 beneath valley lead flashing to the rear of the structure
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These findings confirmed active roosts at the site, triggering the need for a bat mitigation licence before works could proceed.
Bat Mitigation Strategy
JCA prepared and submitted a Natural England bat licence application, including a full mitigation plan to ensure legal compliance and biodiversity enhancement. The strategy included:
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Installation of bat boxes and bat tubes integrated into the redeveloped structure
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Use of wildlife-sensitive lighting to reduce disturbance
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Native tree and shrub planting around the site boundaries to support foraging and commuting bats