Having conducted three emergence/re-entry surveys two Common Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrelle pipistrellus) were seen entering a gap in the stonework in the tower and a Satellite roost was determined to be present. In addition, a nesting bird survey was also carried out and after all surveys had been carried out it was advised that a Biodiversity Mitigation and Enhancement Plan should be designed by JCA based on the planning conditions set out by Calderdale Planning Authority.

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After conducting a thorough site investigation, our consultant confirmed that the site contained habitats of low to moderate ecological value and considered the site to have a negligible potential for supporting foraging, commuting, and roosting bats.

However, it was concluded, due to the tree and scrub on the site, it had potential for nesting and foraging birds and our consultant recommended to enhance the proposed development, faunal boxes for bats and birds should be incorporated into the development plans along with hedgehog holes put into any fencing on site.

Additional survey work would be required for birds if the trees and vegetation were to be removed during the nesting bird period.

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Firstly, our ecological consultants carried out a bat scoping survey and the site was considered to have a high potential for supporting bats. As a result of this, it then determined that our ecologists needed to carry out further surveys in the form of emergence/re-entry and hibernation surveys.
The hibernation surveys were carried out in mid-January and Mid-February and consisted of a detailed and systematic inspection of all cracks, crevices and voids suitable for hibernating bats in the loft void. Static bat detectors were also deployed within identified potential hibernation roost areas. In this instance, two static Anabat detectors were placed at the two ends of the loft void and left for a total of 35 days. Our ecologist confirmed that there was no evidence of bats identified during either site visit; with no physical sightings of bats identified during the endoscopic inspection.

The final stage was the emergence and re-entry surveys which were carried out later in the year during the months of May & June. The bat re-entry survey confirmed three common pipistrelle bats re-entering the buildings Two bats re-entered the front of building, one on the lower floor window flashing and the second on the second floor of the building in a gap in the mortar of a roof tile. The third bat re-entered under the valley lead flashing to the rear of buildings.

As bats had been confirmed to be roosting at the hotel, a bat mitigation licence was required therefore JCA put together a mitigation strategy for our client which detailed that additional bat roosting features in the form of bat boxes and bat tubes would be required. In addition wildlife lighting was to be utilised throughout the site and landscape planting of native trees & shrubs to be carried out at the borders of the site.

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Our recommendations for individual trees are listed into to categories. Category 1 being recommendations made for structural/safety reasons and are recommended to be undertaken immediately. Category 2 works are of a cosmetic or general nature only, and usually do not require to be carried out as urgently. On this particular occasion the trees associated with this property were classed as category 2 trees where only slight reductions were required and maintenance at the current size on a biennial (2 yearly) basis. As there were no major concerns, we determined there were no arboricultural reasons why the property should not be purchased, this then allowed our client to proceed with their mortgage application.

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The tree survey revealed a total of 13 items of vegetation (3 individual trees, 8 groups of trees and 2 hedges). Of these, 4 items were identified as retention category ‘B’ and 9 items were identified as retention category ‘C’.

As a general rule, the trees listed a retention category ‘A’ or retention category ‘B’ are the most valuable items of vegetation and as such the removal of these is likely to be met with resistance by the Local Planning Authority.

The trees listed within a retention category ‘C’ are of lesser value and the removal of these is generally less likely to be met with resistance by the Local Planning authority.

Items which are listed as category ‘U’ comprise of dead trees or trees of limited safe life expectancy and are often recommended removal, irrespective of any proposals.

On this occasion, no trees were identified as category ‘U’ and as such no trees were recommended for removal in the current context of the site.

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After conducting a detailed survey, our consultant identified a common beech tree as the primary cause of damage. We therefore recommended that the tree was felled, and the stump treated to prevent any regrowth. As this tree had a tree protection order, we had to apply to Calderdale Council for this to be removed. Our consultant also identified two groups of vegetation to be of possible future concern, if left unmanaged. We therefore, recommended that these groups of trees were to be maintained at or below their current sizes.

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The site had a dense woodland belt running along its periphery adjacent to the Public House and included a stream running north to south. Access to the trees was extremely restricted due to a steep banking and dense understory vegetation; as such their target value was considered to be low. It was therefore recommended that these trees were to be left as part of a natural woodland, with the presence of dead, dying and decaying trees for ecology and wildlife purposes.

However, 3 trees which were close to the public house were given a category 2 recommendation to have minor maintenance pruning undertaken. Category 1 recommendations are made for structural/safety reasons and are recommended to be undertaken immediately. Category 2 works are of a cosmetic or general nature only, and usually do not require to be carried out as urgently.

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