Peak volumes for bat and great crested newt applications fast approaching
Natural England has released a warning that we are fast approaching the peak season for bat and newt licence applications – typically the end of August, September and October. Normally Natural England aims to determine and issue licensing decisions within 30-working days of receipt of a submission, but imminent high workloads may push this back. It is therefore even more important to submit applications promptly to avoid delays to projects.
Looking ahead, Natural England is encouraging applications which may require capture/exclusion of European Protected Species later in the active season to be submitted as early as possible.
This will help prevent delays to proposed work schedules should an application not meet the three tests on the first submission, leading to a request for further information. Natural England is offering early review of applications, before all necessary consents are in place, as part of their Pre-submission ScreeningService.
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/wildlife/species/epsscreening.aspx).
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regulation/wildlife/default.aspx
