To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and what percentage of planning applications have been made in respect of sites where a population of (a) great crested newts and (b) bats has been found. (279221)

The total number of sites subject to planning applications at which great crested newts or bats have been found is not collected. Great crested newts and bats are protected species under the European Habitats Directive and any development proposal that would exceptionally have an adverse effect on them would require a licence from Natural England.