Understanding who is responsible for protecting our bats, our countryside and our AONB
Natural England have now responded to the concerns raised about the Golden Hay development. Their reply provides crucial clarity: it confirms exactly who holds legal responsibility for ensuring that Dumbleton’s protected bat species and sensitive habitats are properly assessed and safeguarded.
This page explains, in clear terms, what Natural England’s position means for our community and our campaign.
What Natural England’s Reply Means for Our Campaign
Natural England has now confirmed something extremely important: the responsibility for protecting bats and other wildlife in Dumbleton lies entirely with Tewkesbury Borough Council. This includes making sure that the ecological evidence behind the approved housing development is accurate, complete and lawful before permission is granted.
Natural England has made it clear that:
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They do not assess every planning application for species impacts.
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Instead, the Local Planning Authority must ensure that all surveys, assessments and mitigation meet national standards.
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Protected species such as bats are a material consideration, meaning they cannot be ignored or dismissed.
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Even with planning permission, the developer must still obtain a bat licence, which will not be granted unless the ecological evidence is robust.
In simple terms, if the surveys are incomplete, out of season, missing dawn or dusk counts, or fail to meet Bat Conservation Trust standards, then the planning decision is not legally secure, and the Council must revisit its conclusions.
This reinforces what our community has said from the beginning: the ecological assessment used in this case does not meet the standard required to protect one of the most important bat networks in the county. Natural England’s reply does not close the matter, it strengthens it. It confirms that the burden of ensuring legal protection for these species lies squarely with the Council, and that they must demonstrate that their decision meets the law.
Our campaign continues because this is bigger than a single field. It is about preserving the ecological integrity of Dumbleton, protecting our AONB, and ensuring future decisions respect wildlife, residents and the law. With your support, we will keep pressing for transparency, accountability and genuine protection for the creatures who cannot speak for themselves, but whose survival depends on what we do next.