news
Cutting bat survey and removal delays T
he presence of a single bat will require a self-build renovation project to engage in a lengthy bat licence application process. This will delay works for extended periods to allow for bat sur-
veys to take place and Natural England to determine if the pro- posed mitigation or removal methods are suitable. SLR Consulting is helping homebuilders save time and money on self-build/renovation sites with a new licence, which allows for the easy removal of small colonies of bats. The Low Impact Bat Class Licence, accredited by Natural England, permits approved ecolo- gists to move low numbers of common bats off development sites without the need for consultation with the regulator. SLR Senior Field Ecologist, Dale Broadbent, who is one of a
handful of ecologists issued with the new licence, has been trialling the new approach on projects in the South East and explained: “We recently implemented the new licence on two sites where a small number of bats were discovered in buildings that were sched- uled for demolition. “After undertaking a bat activity survey, we registered the sites
with Natural England and demolition began within 15 days. This saved around eight weeks on the construction programme and allowed the contractor to set a specific date for demolition. We also estimate that this approach could save around £4,000 when com- pared to a standard licence application. “Using the new licence will allow projects to move ahead
much quicker than the standard development licence method, poten- tially saving months of costly delays. Going forward we will be
news
Kingspan Low Energy Homes Hub launched at Potton Show Centre
T
he UK’s leading self-build specialist Potton, in collaboration with Kingspan, the global leader in high performance
insulation, building fabric solutions, renew- able energy and water solutions, has opened a brand new low energy home information hub at Potton’s Self-Build Show Centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. The Kingspan Low Energy Homes Hub has
been designed by Potton to provide self- builders with a comprehensive range of information on insulation products, provide guidance with specification and procurement and critically, point them in the right direction to ensure their new home will be as energy efficient as possible – right from the outset of their project. With interactive technology installed, the
Hub allows prospective self-builders to access Kingspan Insulation’s on-line U-value calculator which instantly provides a recommended insu- lation solution and the resulting U Value for planned projects. In addition, visitors will have access
to Kingspan Environmental’s extensive range of sustainable solutions such as renewable heating, off-mains drainage and rainwater
harvesting. This insight will help visitors under- stand how the renewable heat incentive (RHI) can reduce both energy bills and carbon footprint by using solar heating. The hub will also provide details of what options are avail- able when properties are not connected to mains sewage. All visitors will also receive a half price SAP assessment voucher which can be redeemed if they become a Potton customer. Accessible to all Show Centre visitors,
regardless of whether they intend to build with Potton or not, The Hub also provides free information about U-Value calculation; con- densation risk analysis and product solutions for wall, floor and roof insulation. Paul Newman, Self Build Director at Potton
said: “Specification and procurement of build- ing fabric solutions and energy efficiency ele- ments is a critical part of a self-build project. Crucial decisions have to be made early on in the process that will determine the long-term out- come of the efficiency of a new home - it can be a risky exercise with lots of room for error. “As part of the Kingspan Group of compa-
nies, Potton is ideally placed to understand sustainable construction methods, environmen-
tal sustainability and cost-effective, risk free procurement for self-builders and it is hoped that The Kingspan Low Energy Homes Hub will soon become an invaluable resource to anyone embarking on a self-build project. Potton’s unique Self Build Show Centre has
over 6,000 visitors each year and is essential viewing for any would-be self-builder. With four show homes and an information centre providing invaluable advice and design ideas on self-build, the Kingspan Low Energy Homes Hub is a perfect complement to it. Kingspan Potton’s Self Build Academy will
be holding a special one day self-build event on 17 October at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The session will run from 9.30am to 3pm and cost £40 per person. The price includes entry to the Eden Project after the session, complimentary refreshments and lunch and a self-build course information pack. The event will cover three main topics: finding land and gaining planning permis- sion, creating a design brief for your home and introduction to energy efficiency. Find out more and book tickets by visiting the Self Build Academeny website:
www.selfbuildacademy.co.uk
recommending this approach where low numbers of bats are pres- ent in buildings.” By the end of the year SLR expects to have two consultants regis-
tered to use the new Low Impact Bat Class Licence to complement its 15 ecologists who already hold Natural England survey licences. Its nationwide team of ecologists is able to support clients on projects of all sizes with bat surveys and developing cost-effective bat mitigation.
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
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