Overview

The Bat Habitats Regulation (No. 2) Bill aims to improve bat habitat protection in undeveloped areas while reducing it in buildings where bats negatively impact users. It mandates bat surveys before new construction in non-built environments and introduces exceptions for bat roosts in places of worship if their presence causes significant problems.

Description

This bill modifies existing legislation concerning bat habitats. Key aspects include:

Non-Built Environment

New buildings on undeveloped land require pre-construction bat surveys. Construction is prohibited unless no bat habitats are nearby or a safe, cost-effective management plan is in place. If a survey finds nearby bat habitats, the building cannot be occupied until bat boxes or artificial roosts are provided for each bat species found.

Wind turbines also require pre-construction surveys. Construction is prohibited if bat habitats are nearby.

Built Environment

The bill limits the protection afforded to bats and their roosts within buildings used for public worship. Protection only applies if the bats' presence significantly harms building users.

The definition of "building used for public worship" includes buildings used for religious worship, regardless of additional use for counselling, social events, instruction, or religious training.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated. However, increased surveying and potential costs associated with mitigation measures (bat boxes, management plans) for developers could lead to increased costs, although the extent is uncertain. There may also be some reduction in enforcement costs if fewer restrictions apply to bats in places of worship.

Groups Affected

• Developers: Will face increased costs and potential delays due to mandatory bat surveys and mitigation measures in the non-built environment.
• Wind turbine developers: Similar to developers, they will incur costs related to surveys and potential project delays.
• Religious organizations: May experience reduced protection for bats found in their places of worship if it's deemed the bats' presence is significantly detrimental.
• Bat conservation groups: Potentially face reduced protection for bat habitats in certain built environments.
• Local councils: Will need to implement and enforce the new regulations, potentially requiring additional resources.

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