Improving our regulation: new annexed bat licence launched
26 Mar 2014 03:58 PM
A
new simpler licensing process for bats, which comes into force on 31 March
2014, will save developers and consultants time and
money.
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.
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(media only) contact:
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005
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