Works to buildings and other structures

Before a home owner or builder starts work, it is necessary that both they and the Council are satisfied that the proposals will not harm species protected by law, such as bats or nesting birds.

Bats

All bat species are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation Regulations Act 1994.  This legislation makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or disturb any bats, or destroy their breeding places or roosts.

To determine whether protected species are present, before development, an ecological survey must be undertaken by a suitably trained individual or body.  If protected species are present, a working design, method and timetable to mitigate any undue effects on the species involved must be submitted to us for approval before work starts.  To ensure the protection of the species, only works according to the agreed details are acceptable.

If bats are found during the works, the legislation requires that work must be suspended and English Nature should be notified so that appopriate advice can be given to prevent the bats being harmed and the law being breached.

Wild birds

Nesting birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild birds, take damage or destroy its nest while in use or being built, and/or take or destroy its eggs.  It is good practice to avoid work potentially affecting shrubs and trees where there are nesting birds during the period 1 March to 31 August in any year, although birds can nest either side of this period.  Before starting work, you must undertake a survey to establish that nesting birds are not present.

Works for wildlife

All species of bats and many species of birds in Britain are in decline.  One of the contributing factors is the lack of suitable bird nesting sites and sites for roosting, hibernating and rearing.  

For further information on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas contact the Conservation Officer, Built Environment, Environmental Sustainability Unit.

Tel: 01332 255060
Fax: 01332 255989
Minicom: 01332 256666
Email: built.heritage@derby.gov.uk

Other contacts:

Derby City Council's Environment Projects Officer for WildDerby
Tel: 01332 255021
Minicom: 01332 256666
wildderby@derby.gov.uk

The Bat Conservation Trust
Tel:  0207 627 2629    
http://www.bats.org.uk 

Natural England
Tel: 01629 816640      
Natural England 

RSPB
Tel: 01767 680551
www.rspb.org.uk