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 building users. It mandates bat surveys before new construction in certain situations and introduces exceptions for bat roosts in places of worship.

Description

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

Non-Built Environment

Before constructing new buildings or wind turbines on undeveloped land, a bat survey is required. If bats are present, construction may only proceed if either no bats are present nearby, or a cost-effective mitigation strategy is implemented. If a bat habitat is found nearby, the developer must provide bat boxes or artificial roosts before the building can be occupied.

Built Environment

The bill limits the protection afforded to bats in buildings used for public worship. The existing protections under the European Communities Act 1972, the Habitats Regulations, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 will only apply if the bats' presence significantly harms building users.

Interpretation

A "building used for public worship" is defined as a building used for religious worship, regardless of other uses like counselling or social events.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated. However, it could lead to increased costs for developers due to mandatory bat surveys and mitigation measures in the non-built environment. Conversely, it may reduce costs associated with enforcing existing bat protection laws in specific building types. No figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Developers: Will face additional costs and potential delays due to mandatory surveys and mitigation requirements for projects near bat habitats in the non-built environment.
• Religious organizations: May experience reduced regulatory burdens regarding bat roosts in places of worship, depending on the presence and impact of the bat population.
• Bat conservation groups: Could see decreased protection for bats in certain built environments, potentially affecting bat populations. Conversely, increased protection is offered in non-built areas.
• Building users in places of worship: May experience improved conditions if bat presence negatively impacts building usage.

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