Bats: apply for a mitigation licence (A13)
Apply for a licence to carry out work that may affect bats, find out if you need to pay and how to report your actions.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
You need a mitigation licence if your work will have an impact on bats that would otherwise be illegal, such as:
- capturing, killing, disturbing or injuring them (on purpose or by not taking enough care)
- damaging or destroying their breeding or resting places (even accidentally)
- obstructing access to their resting or sheltering places (on purpose or by not taking enough care)
Find out how bats are protected.
Updates to this page
Last updated 4 October 2024 + show all updates
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We've updated the information on how to apply for a bat mitigation licence. Minor updates have been made to revise wording for accuracy on reference requirements and phased developments.
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We've updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13). Minor updates have been made to Sections 4, 5, 9 and 14, including revised wording for accuracy and an additional question for applications that include phased developments.
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Updated the licence application form (A13) to be clearer and more accessible. Added the option for the applicant to be a company or organisation. Updated guidance for completing the licence application form. Added a glossary of terms.
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Updated the licence application form and method statement to reflect that they now cover derogations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
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We've replaced the application form and removed the charge screening form as this has now been incorporated into the application form.
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We've replaced the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13), the method statement, the work schedule and the licence modification request form.
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We've replaced the mitigation licence application form (A13).
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We've updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13).
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In your application, you must include a certificate that proves the roofing membrane has passed a ‘snagging propensity test’ if you’re using a non-bitumen coated roofing membrane.
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We've updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13).
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Added a section on how to use European protected species (EPS) policies to benefit EPS as part of your mitigation licence application.
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Replaced the licence modification request form with revised version.
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Replaced the method statement with a revised version.
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Replaced the 2 existing charge screening forms (for new applications and for modifications) with a single form that covers both requests.
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Added charge screening form for modifications to a licence. Updated licence modification request form.
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Added section on 'When you may need to pay', charge screening form and updated application and modification request forms.
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Method statement template for bats mitigation licence document replaced with updated version.
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Form A13-a and A13-b are now combined into one form: A13.
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Added licence application and modification checklists to Detail section.
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Replaced bat application forms A13-1a and A13-1b with revised versions.
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Added updated version of the application form.
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First published.