Overview

This 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 and wind turbine projects in undeveloped areas and requires mitigation if bats are present. In buildings used for public worship, bat protection is lessened unless their presence significantly harms building users.

Description

Enhanced Protection in Non-Built Environments

The bill requires bat surveys before building construction or wind turbine installations on undeveloped land. If bats are present, developers must provide artificial roosts before occupancy of new buildings or commissioning of wind turbines.

Limited Protection in Built Environments

The bill modifies existing legislation (European Communities Act 1972, Habitats Regulations, and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) concerning bat habitats in buildings used for public worship. Protection is only guaranteed if the bats' presence significantly harms building users; otherwise, protection is reduced.

Extent and Commencement

The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into force upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending. However, indirect costs may arise from administering the new survey requirements and potential disputes regarding bat habitat mitigation. The overall fiscal impact is expected to be minimal.

Groups Affected

• Developers: Face new requirements for bat surveys and potential costs for providing artificial roosts before commencing building projects in non-built areas. In built environments, they may benefit from reduced restrictions in certain instances.
• Wind turbine developers: Subject to similar requirements as other developers, facing costs for surveys and mitigation.
• Bat conservation groups: May experience reduced protection for bats in certain built environments, requiring adaptation of conservation strategies.
• Religious institutions: May see changes in the level of protection afforded to bats found within their buildings.
• Local authorities: Will likely have a role in the administration and enforcement of the new legislation.

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