I’ve just stumbled across this problem and found out I need a PRA — and it’s already November.
From what I understand, even if there are no bats present, the slightest possibility that one might turn up over winter is enough to trigger at least a “moderate” rating. That would mean a delay for an emergence survey, which can’t take place until next May.
In the meantime, there are some jobs I can still do before planning, and I’m hoping to get started on the internal strip-out and take down a couple of chimney breasts under Permitted Development.
Does anyone have any experience with this or any thoughts on the best way forward?