European Protected Species Licensing
European Protected Species such as bats, great crested newts (GCN), otters and dormice are legally protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). It is an offence to damage or destroy breeding sites or resting places for these species, or disturb or obstruct access to their habitats. A mitigation licence is therefore required to carry out activities that would otherwise be illegal such as development works impacting a bat roost or GCN habitat. Licences are issued by NRW in Wales, Natural England in England and NatureScot in Scotland.
A licence application requires detailed and current survey information. An application can be completed at any time of year but requires all relevant permissions, such as full planning permission, to have been obtained. Development work can begin when the licence is granted but the licence may contain conditions and restrictions such as the timing of construction work.