You may be wondering why Leslie Cornell Building Restoration Ltd are writing a blog about Bats in Historic Buildings in Cornwall. The answer is that many of our Historic Building Restoration in Cornwall projects have been subject to a Bat Survey during the planning application for Listed Building Consent. The findings of these surveys determine when and how our Restoration Works are undertaken.

One of our current projects was subject to a Bat Survey prior to commencement of our Restoration Works.

Bats are the only flying mammals in the UK, and their species have dramatically declined over the years. This is partly due to alterations that have subsequently destroyed bat habitats.

Due to their decline, bats are now protected under European Law (H.M. Government Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010). This protection means that it is illegal to disturb, injure, harm or kill any species of bat.

On the submission of a Building Planning Application, Cornwall Council assesses your buildings’ construction type and/or location to determine if there is a reasonable level of likelihood that bats are using the site. If appropriate, they will then request that a Bat Survey is carried out before Planning Consent is approved.

On our project mentioned above species of bats were found, and several conditions and timings were imposed to ensure the bats habitat was not disturbed.

Specific instructions were given for materials to be used for the re-roofing works and guidance was received about forming a roof access within the timbers to enable the bats to enter the roof space.

This access has now been slated and lead former as per specifications received, to create a bat dormer.

If you have an Historic Building Restoration in Cornwall project that you would like to discuss, please Contact Us.

Historic Building Restoration Contractors Cornwall – Listed Building Specialists Cornwall – Heritage Building Conservation Specialists Cornwall