Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey: Conversion of two stone barns, Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire
Abricon was commissioned to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey on a farmyard, complete with a number of agricultural buildings, near the village of Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire. The outbuildings were considered to have negligible potential for roosting bats the overgrown yard was considered to be suitable for reptiles. Due to the nature of the works to be carried out and the size and connectivity of the site, no further surveys were considered necessary. A Method Statement was included in the report to address residual risk to reptiles during the site clearance.
Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey, Bat Surveys, EPS License and Mitigation: barn conversion and restoration of listed farmhouse and installation of yurts , Longhope, Gloucestershire
Abricon was commissioned to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of a site in Longhope, Gloucestershire, consisting of a farmhouse, associated outbuildings and agricultural fields. The initial survey found evidence of two species of bats in the farmhouse cellar, loft and in one of the stone barns. As bats are protected by national and international legislation further bat emergence surveys were recommended and undertaken.
A mitigation strategy for bats was then included in the final report in order to satisfy the local planning authority (LPA) and secure planning permission.
Once planning permissions/listed building consent had been awarded, Abricon, on behalf of the client, applied for and was granted a European Protected Species (Bats) License from Natural England. The license allowed activities that affected a bat roost to be undertaken. Finally, Abricon provided a licensed bat ecologist to oversee part of the renovation works, ensuring that the client was legally compliant.
Reptile and Badger Survey: residential development, Brentry, Bristol
Abricon was commissioned to undertake a Badger and Reptile Survey on a parcel of land within the residential area of Brentry, Bristol, following conditions placed on the planning approval of a residential development by the LPA. A reptile survey was undertaken after the initial site survey identified suitable reptile habitat. Following the recording of a reptile population on the site, a method statement with regard to reptiles was prepared in consultation with the local planning authority, which included translocation of the reptile population to a nearby receptor site. Implementing the method statement allowed for the conditions to be discharged and the development to proceed.