WIREDGOV

The new annexed licence will reduce the number of licence re-submissions and will help Natural England meet its target to reduce the costs for those it regulates.

It follows the establishment of a similar system for great crested newts, which was launched last year and has so far reduced the number of newt licence resubmissions by up to 25 per cent and produced savings of £85,000.

The annexed licence process enables minor issues to be resolved between the applicant and Natural England without the need to re-submit the entire method statement and supporting documents. As well as reducing paperwork and process costs, this approach also helps developers avoid delays to projects, which can be critical when dealing with species that hibernate.

Janette Ward, Natural England Director of Regulation, said the annexed licence system was a great example of how Natural England was delivering better customer service for consultants and developers.

“This licence provides more flexibility for our customers who can make minor amendments on good applications without having to go through a formal further information request. It will reduce costs and delays while still providing the necessary level of protection for bats”, she added.

From 1 May 2014, Natural England will be expecting all new bat applications to be submitted using the new system. Any new applications submitted using the old format will be returned.

The roll out of annexed licences to European Protected Species will continue and we hope to introduce the approach for dormice applications in mid-May.

Notes to editors

For more information on the new bat method template, work schedule and updated frequently asked questions, see the latest news section of our Wildlife Management and Licensing web page.

About Natural England

Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.

• We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved. All of England’s NNRs form part of a UK wide network of nature reserves covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 
• We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and advising widely on their conservation.
• We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
• We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
• We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.

For further information (media only) contact:
Tony McDougal, National Account Manager Land Use and Growth, 0300 060 2449,tony.mcdougal@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098 005

Web: www.naturalengland.org.uk   
Twitter: @NaturalEngland