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Barn Owls

Although much of our wildlife is protected by law building development can often displace or destroy valuable habitat for wildlife. Part of MWT’s work is involved in development control. A list of planning applications arrive on a weekly basis and it is one of our roles to make sure any developments that may affect wildlife in Montgomeryshire are Investigated. These investigations are aided by our comprehensive computer mapping software (MapInfo) and by the Biological Information Service (BIS) which distribute records of particular habitats or species which may be affected by the proposed development.

These investigations may require action. This may take the form of a notification letter to the planning department at Powys County Council (PCC) pointing out developments which may affect a particular species or habitat.

Concerned letters are distributed to PCC illustrating the potential effects particular developments can have on species or habitats. In the last few months these have mainly been on species, such as bats and barn owls which are often affected by barn conversions.

A significant number of applications for barn conversions are proposed annually within Powys; for example six applications were made within two weeks in May just in Montgomeryshire!

There is good news on the horizon. The three Powys Wildlife Trusts have been working with Montgomeryshire Barn Owl Group (MBOG) and CCW on a plan that has been devised to inform and notify potential developers to be aware of barn owls and bats when surveying barn or traditional farm buildings for conversion. A 'trigger list' inserted in all barn applications will enable the planning department to determine whether an ecological survey should be carried out before work commences. If these protected species are found to occupy any barn conversion proposal, it does not mean the development will be refused. Mitigation measures can be established, such as the placing of barn owl or bat boxes or even occupation can be retained by the range of building gadgets available on the market now. Powys Planning Department have given this the green light which means that from June 2006 all development proposals on barns must have this ‘trigger list’ completed before the proposal is considered. This 'trigger list' will not only help barn owls and bats but also the developer, HOW, I hear you say? If the developer finds these protected species during the development then work legally has to stop, however, if the ‘trigger list’ warrants an ecological survey and these species are found then mitigating action can be taken before work commences and costs are kept down in the long run. Overall this is fantastic news for wildlife and a huge step in the right direction for planning policy in Wales.