This helped form the conclusion by wildlife groups that planning delays were not because of bats and newts.

This is incorrect data to use for such a conclusion because appeals are not the proper measurement, and those using it are demonstrating a lack of understanding about the development and planning process, while ignoring the mechanisms that ensure wildlife is protected.

First and foremost, analysing appeals is a flawed justification for whether these and other species delay development because they ignore the most essential part of a planning application, which is due diligence.

Planning applications are submitted with the appropriate species surveys. For bats, preliminary surveys on habitats and evidence can be conducted all year round, but surveys for maternity roosts are typically permitted between May and August.

The typical survey timings are:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) : All year round
• Emergence (and Re-entry) Surveys: Typically May to August, with up to three surveys required.
• For exceptional years, Emergence (and Re-entry) Surveys can include April and October.
• Hibernation surveys: Between December and February
• Activity surveys : Conducted April and October at night

Rico Wojtulewicz, head of policy and market insight, NFB, said: “Bats, newts and other species can and do cause considerable planning delays, therefore rather than misinforming the debate, if we want to prioritise nature, time should be spent understanding how and whether the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) can reduce those impacts and better wildlife outcomes.”