kitekitekite ecology

Bat Survey

The Villa Lamphey Pembrokeshire

Mr S Zouras

Final Report

September !"#

kite ecology Chelston Narberth Road Tenby Pembrokeshire SA(! )JD !"),- )- )." !()#( )!.!.. enquiries0kiteecology1co1uk

The Villa Lamphey Pembrokeshire kite ecology Bat Report September !"#

ContentContentssss

""" Executive summary ,,,

Introduction and site description ---

,,, Desk study and survey methodology ...

--- Baseline 5results and findings7 ###

... Limitations to survey "

### Legislation and planning ",",",

((( Discussion and key recrecommendationsommendations ",",",

))) Proposed mitigation strategy "-"-"-

888 Conclusions "("("(

"!"!"! References "("("(

AppendicAppendiceseseses

Copyright kitekitekite ecology 1 All rights reserved1

No part of the report may be altered or extracted without the prior written consent of kitekitekite ecology as to the form and context in which it may appearappear1 Ownership of the report remainsremains with kitekitekite ecology until full payment has been received1 kitekitekite ecology have prepared this report for the sole use of clienclientt and no other party may use or copy 5either in partpart or whole7 any part of the report without the written confirmation of kitekitekite ecology 1 Any part of the report cancannotnot be altered or extracted without the prior written consent of kitekitekite ecology as to the form and context in which it may appear1 kitekitekite ecology accepts no responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party1

This report and the information contained in it is intended to be valid for a maximum of " months from the date of the survey providing no significant baseline changes have occuoccurred1rred1

Project number Report number Revision number Date of issue ".(, !!" Draft "8!8"# ".(, !!" Final !8"#

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""" Executive Summary "1" Bat surveys of the property known as The Villa Lamphey Pembrokeshire were commissioned in relation to a planning application by the owner Mr S Zouras1 Under the proposals the existing house is to replace an existing extension on the eastern elevation with a larger one1

"1 A visual inspection of the property was completed on the evening of " st September !"# with a bat emergence survey undertaken on the same evening1 A dawn survey was also carried out on the morning of ", th September !"#1 All surveyed were completed by a suitably licensed and experienced ecologist1

"1, Scatterings of bat droppings consistent with brown long eared bats were found beneath the ridges within the roof spaces over The Villa1 The droppings were more numerous and concentrated in the roof over the southern wing of the existing property particularly on the western side of the chimney breast1 During the emergence survey on " st September one bat 5didn’t call7 was seen exiting beneath a slipped slate beneath the chimney on the southern aspect of the southern wing1 One long eared was also seen re>entering the property during the dawn survey on ", th September1 Based on the level of activity recorded during the dawn surveys and the amount of droppings within the roof space it is likely that this is a small 5fewer than five individuals7 regularly used roost for brown long eared bats1

"1- Note to client Bats are roosting in the roof spaces over the property known as The Villa which is proposed for extension1 Prior to any works commencing on this building which may impact on the bat roost it will be necessary to obtain a bat development licence from Natural Resources Wales1 As part of any licence application a mitigation strategy must be designed which sets out how the scheme will include mitigation to allow the bats to roost on site post development1 In this instance as the existing roof space over the property is being retained the southern wing will be sectioned off from the other roof spaces and retained as a dedicated bat roost1

"1. Note to client Bat development licences can only be applied for once full planning permission has been granted and any conditions relating to bats have been discharged1 All mitigation must be cleared marked up on plans that are submitted to the Local Planning Authority1

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Introduction and site description 1" Bat surveys of the property known as The Villa Lamphey Pembrokeshire were commissioned in relation to a planning application by the owner Mr S Zouras1 Under the proposals the existing house is to replace an existing extension on the eastern elevation with a larger one1 The centre of the site is located at OSGR SN!".!!-1

1 A Grade II Listed period house that has solid stone walls 5smooth rendering7 with unlined slate roofs1 There are clay ridge tiles with very little insulation within the roofs1 Internally the roof spaces are of traditional ‘cut’ truss design and also include a ridge board1 There are stone parapets on the gable ends with wooden fascias throughout1 There is a catslip roof on the eastern side of the building 5this lacks a roof space7 with a modern single storey flat roofed extension beyond this 5as shown in Figure 71

Figure "1 Northern aspect of The Villa1

Figure 1 Southern aspect of The Villa1

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1, Unless the client indicates otherwise all species records will be submitted to the relevant biological records centre1

,,, Desk study and survey methodology ,1" General A visual inspection of the property was completed on the evening of " st September !"# with a bat emergence survey undertaken on the same evening1 A dawn survey was also carried out on the morning of ", th September !"#1 The weather during the surveys is summarised in Table "1 All surveys were undertaken by a suitably licensed ecologist who is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and a Chartered Environmentalist1

Table "1 Weather conditions during the survey1 Date Type of survey Wind speed Wind direction Temperature Cloud cover !"!8"# Visual "> South easterly "( ˚C (!B !"!8"# Emergence "> South easterly ". ˚C (!B ",!8"# Dawn " North easterly "( ˚C "!!B

,1 Desk study ,1 1" Aerial photographs Google Earth was used to identify any important landscape features surrounding the site1

,1 1 Designated sites The Multi>Agency Geographic Information website 5www1magic1gov1uk7 was used to identify the presence of any protected sites within km of the survey area1

,1, OnOnOn sitesitesite surveys ,1,1" Bats ,1,1"1" Visual inspection An initial internal inspection of the buildings was undertaken using a ladder and powerful torch1 Binoculars and an endoscope were also available1 The buildings were searched thoroughly for any signs of bats including droppings feeding remains staining and the bats themselves1 Any potential bat access points were also recorded1 Following this initial inspection an emergence survey was carried out1

,1,1"1 Emergence survey During this the surveyor using an Anabat SD" and Echometer Touch bat detector monitored potential bat access points identified during the initial inspection for emerging

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bats1 The survey commenced ! minutes before sunset and continued for over an hour after sunset1

,1,1"1, Dawn survey During this the surveyor using an Anabat SD" and Echometer Touch bat detector monitored potential bat access points identified during the initial inspection for returning bats1 The survey commenced hours before sunrise and continued until sunrise itself1

,1,1 Other species Incidental records of any other species seen or heard on site during the survey were also recorded1

--- Results -1" General Located centrally in the village of Lamphey The Villa has existing properties to the north and east with a minor road along the western boundary and a train line forming the southern boundary1

-1 Desk study -1 1" Aerial photographs There is a mature tree line along the southern and western boundaries 5Figure ,7 with the southern vegetation 5which follows the route of the railway line7 extending to the east and west where it links up with the surrounding countryside1 There is also a mature ash tree Fraxinus excelsior in the south eastern corner of the plot1

-1 1 Designated sites There are no designated sites within a km radius of the site1

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Figure ,1 Aerial photograph of the site in relation to the surrounding habitat1

-1, OnOnOn site surveys -1,1" Bats -1,1"1" Visual inspection Bat droppings consistent with long eared 5most likely brown long eared Plecotus auritus 7 were found in the roof spaces over the existing property1 The droppings were mainly concentrated in the section to the west of the existing chimney of the southern wing 5Figure -71 While scatterings of droppings were in the other roof spaces certainly the main concentration was in the western half of the southern wing as shown in Figure .1 This was the only section of roof spaces that had insulation at ceiling level1 Externally several areas were identified as possible access points including slipped or missing slates on the southern wing missing mortar beneath ridges gaps in the wooden fascias 5particularly on the western corner of the southern wing where there was a relatively large gap of c1,!mm71 Gable ends are unlikely to be used by bats as there are stone parapets along the tops of the walls1

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Key Main concentration Scatterings

Figure -1 Location of droppings in roof space over The Villa1

Figure .1 Photograph of the main concentration of droppings in the western half of the southern wing1

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-1,1"1 Emergence survey One brown long eared bat emerged at !,- from beneath a slipped slate on the southern side of the southern wing at The Villa1 The bat immediately flew to the mature tree line along the western boundary and flew south off site1 Common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus and a partial call of a Myotis species were also recorded during the survey1 The activity is summarised in Table and shown on Figure #1

Table 1 Summary of bat activity during emergence survey1 Reference on Time Species Activity Figure # " !"( Common pipistrelle Commuting along western boundary !"8 Soprano pipistrelle Flew across site from east to west appeared near ash tree in eastern boudary , ! ( Myotis species Partial call to east of site - !,- Brown long eared Emerged from slipped slate on southern elevation of southern wing before commuting south along western boundary hedge

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1

4

2 3

Figure #1 Summary of bat activity during the emergeemergencence survey as detailed in Table 111

-1,1"1, Dawn survey One brown long eared bat was seen foraging and social calling over the rear garden for approximately "! minutes before the bat was seen flying around the chimney on the southern aspect of the southern wing1 The bat disappeared at !#!81 A further brown long eared bat was recorded flying along the western hedgerow at !# , but was not seen re> entering the property1 The bat activity recorded during the dawn survey is summarised in Table , and shown on Figure (1

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Table 1 Summary of bat activity during emergence survey1 Reference on Time Species Activity Figure #( " !.-! Common pipistrelle Feeding over rear garden !... Common pipistrelle Feeding over rear garden , !#!, Brown long eared Flying around garden until !#!( when it began flying around the roof near the chimney on the southern wing1 Disappeared at !#!81 - !# ! Common pipistrelle Commuting along southern hedgerow . !# , Possibly long eared 5not Seen along western hedgerow calling7 but not seen going into the house

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4 3

1 2

4

Figure (1 Summary of bat activity during the dawn survey as detailed in Table ,,1111

-1,1 Other species No other species were recorded using the property1

... Limitations to surveysurveyssss .1" The results and recommendations of the report are based on findings as they were at the time of the survey1 Kite Ecology cannot be held responsible for any base line changes to the site that have occurred since the survey was carried out that may have any effect on the results and recommendations1

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### Legislation and planning policy #1" Bats All species of bat and their breeding sites or resting places 5roosts7 are protected under the Conservation and Habitats and Species Regulations !"! and Section 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act "8)" 5as amended71 It is an offence for anyone intentionally to kill injure or handle a bat to possess a bat 5whether live or dead7 disturb a roosting bat or sell or offer a bat for sale without a licence1 It is also an offence to damage destroy or obstruct access to any place used by bats for shelter whether they are present or not1 Licences are available from Natural Resources Wales to allow actions that would otherwise be unlawful1 Further information on licences is included in Appendix "1

#1 NNNaturalNatural Environment and Rural Communities Act !!# Section -! of the NERC Act places a ‘Biodiversity Duty’ on local planning authorities as far as is consistent with the proper exercise of their functions1 This replaces Section (- of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act1

#1, Technical Advice Notes . TAN . gives advice to local authorities on development control issues for Special Protection Areas 5SPAs7 Special Areas of Conservation 5SACs7 and Sites of Special Scientific Interest 5SSSIs71 It also covers the selection and designation of non>statutory nature conservation sites such as local nature reserves and the protection of species commons and greens1

#1- Local Development Plan Policy GN1,( 5Protection and Enhancement of Biodiversity7 from the Pembrokeshire Local Development Plan statesE

‘All development should demonstrate a positive approach to maintaining and where ever possible enhancing biodiversity1 Development that would disturb or otherwise harm protected species or their habitats or the integrity of other habitats sites or features of importance to wildlife and individual species will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where the effects are minimised or mitigated through careful design work scheduling or other appropriate measures1’

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((( Discussion and key recommendations (1" Bats (1"1" Note to client Bats are roosting in the roof spaces over the property known as The Villa which is proposed for extension1 Prior to any works commencing on this building which may impact on the bat roost it will be necessary to obtain a bat development licence from Natural Resources Wales1 As part of any licence application a mitigation strategy must be designed which sets out how the scheme will include mitigation to allow the bats to roost on site post development1 In this instance as the existing roof space over the property is being retained the southern wing will be sectioned off from the other roof spaces and retained as a dedicated bat roost1 Further information on the proposed mitigation strategy is discussed in Section )1

(1 Note to client Mitigation strategies for protected species licenses need to be considered before any planning application as it may affect designs submitted for planning approval1

))) Proposed mitigation strategy )1" Summary of bat use on site Bat droppings consistent with brown long eared bats were found throughout the three roof spaces over The Villa1 While there were scatterings throughout 5as shown on Figure -7 there was a greater concentration of droppings on the western end of the southern wing1 The numbers of droppings present indicate a regularly used roost by small numbers of brown long eared bats1 Only one non>calling bat was recorded exiting and re>entering the property using a gap created by a slipped slate on the southern aspect of the southern wing 5close to the chimney71 Brown long eared bats call very quietly and are often very difficult to record on bat detectors1 Brown long eared bats are known to form very small maternity colonies so it is possible that this is a small breeding roost of this species1

)1 Summary of development Under the proposals the existing eastern extension would be demolished and replaced with a full height two storey extension that will mirror the existing northern wing 5as shown on Figure )71 These new roofs will join up with the existing1

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Figure )1 Existing property in relation to the proposals1

)1, Summary of mitigation )1,1" Mitigation Under the proposals the existing property is to be extended1 To allow the roof spaces to be utilised as storage the roof space over the southern wing is to be isolated from the other roof spaces by installing sterling board from the rafters and to floor level 5as shown on Figure )71 This roof space will be at least -m wide and "!m long with the drop from ridge to ceiling as is currently the case 5approximately "1.m71 The access point that the bats are currently using is also located within this space so will be retained in the same location1 The dedicated bat loft will be insulated at ceiling height with an attic hatch included to allow future monitoring1

Figure )1 Extent of dedicated bat loft at The VillaVilla with location of new access point also shown1

)1,1 Access points The existing access point is a slipped slate located on the southern aspect of the southern wing1 As the slate will be replaced 5whole roof is to be replaced as it has reached the end

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of its natural life7 a new dedicated bat access point will be included to mimic this existing point1 This will be in the form of a Habibat access slate1 These are the same dimensions as a standard slate but can be custom made to match in with the slates used on the scheme1 The Habibat slate includes a small cowled entrance to allow the bats to access1 A hole is made in the underlying felt behind the slate to allow the bats access into the roof void1 The Habibat slate is shown in Figure 8 with its position in the scheme highlighted on Figure )1

Figure 81 Example of the Habibat access slate in situ1

)1,1, Materials Only traditional "F type bituminous felt can be used in the bat roost due to problems of bat entanglement in breathable membranes1 As the bat loft 5as shown on Figure )7 is to be separate from the other roof spaces breathable membranes can be used in these other spaces as they will be totally separate from the bat roost and no access points are to be provided into them1

)1,1- Timing Brown long eared bats form very small maternity colonies so the possibility of the existing building being used as a maternity roost cannot be discounted1 Brown long eared bats also often hibernate at summer roosts1 Therefore work to the existing building must avoid the winter months 5December January and February7 and the summer months 5May through to August inclusive71

)1- Note to client The above mitigation strategy is still subject to approval following a formal bat development licence application1 This licence must be issued before any works that may impact on the bats can proceed even if all other consents are in place1

)1. Note to client and architect All mitigation must be cleared marked up on the plans submitted to the Local Planning Authority1

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888 Conclusions Bats are roosting in the roof space over The Villa1 Prior to any works commencing on this building which may impact on the bat roost it will be necessary to obtain a bat development licence from Natural Resources Wales1 As part of any licence application a mitigation strategy must be designed which sets out how the scheme will include mitigation to allow the bats to roost on site post development1

"!"!"! References Bat Conservation Trust 5 !"#71 Bat Surveys for Professional EcologistsE Good Practice Guidelines1 ,rd Edition1 Bat Conservation Trust London1

Pembrokeshire County Council 5 !",7 Local Development Plan1

Harris S and Yalden D1W1 eds 5 !!)71 Mammals of the British Isles 5- th Edition71 The Mammal Society1

Mitchell>Jones A1J1 G McLeish A1P1 5 !!-71 Bat WorkersH Manual 5,rd Edition71 Joint Nature Conservancy Committee Peterborough

Mitchell> Jones A1J1 5 !!-71 Bat Mitigation Guidelines1 English Nature Peterborough1

Welsh Assembly Government 5 !!87 Technical Advice Note . Nature Conservation and Planning1

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APPENDIX " Further information on European Protected Species licences from Natural Resources Wales

The Welsh Ministers in exercise of the powers conferred under regulation --5 75e>g7 G --5,75a> b7 of the Conservation 5Natural Habitats Gc17 Regulations 5as amended7 has authority to issue licences for the following purposesE • Preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environmentJ • Preventing the spread of diseaseJ • Preventing serious damage to livestock foodstuffs for livestock crops vegetables fruit growing timber or any other forms of property or to fisheriesJ to allow people to carry out activities which would otherwise be illegalJ Provided thatE • that there is no satisfactory alternativeJ and • that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range1

Although the licence is applied for and if successful issued in the name of the developer a suitably experienced and licensed ecologist must assist with the completion of the forms and the design of the accompanying method statement1

It should be noted that Natural Resources Wales licenses are legally binding documents and the method statement will be attached to any licence issued1 It is the responsibility of the licence holder to ensure that the method statement is adhered to1

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