Overview

The Bat Habitats Regulation Bill aims to improve bat habitat protection in undeveloped areas while reducing protections in buildings where bats negatively impact users. It mandates bat surveys before new construction and wind turbine projects near potential habitats and allows for exceptions to existing bat protection laws in buildings used for public worship if the bats cause significant problems.

Description

Enhanced Protection in Undeveloped Areas

The bill requires bat surveys before building on undeveloped land. If bats are found nearby, developers must provide bat boxes or artificial roosts before occupancy. Similar surveys are mandated before constructing wind turbines.

Limited Protection in Built Environments

The bill modifies existing laws (European Communities Act 1972, Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) regarding bat protection in buildings used for public worship. Protection will only apply if the bats' presence doesn't significantly impact building users.

Extent and Commencement

This Act applies to England and Wales only and comes into force upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, indirect costs may arise from implementing the bat surveys, enforcing compliance, and potential compensation for developers due to delays.

Groups Affected

• Developers: Will face increased costs and potential delays due to mandatory bat surveys and mitigation measures (bat boxes, etc.).
• Wind Turbine Developers: Similar to developers, increased costs and potential delays with the mandatory surveys.
• Building Owners (Public Worship): May face challenges if bats cause significant disruption and legal action is required to determine impact.
• Bat Conservationists: Potentially negative impact as protections are reduced in specific built environments.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for enforcing the new regulations.

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