Dudley housing scheme dropped following concerns about bats in derelict buildings
Plans to demolish a row of derelict buildings to make way for new homes have been withdrawn after concerns were raised about the possibility of bats roosting at the site.
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BNB Enterprises had lodged plans with Dudley Council to demolish a derelict house in Vicarage Road West, Woodsetton, and the change of use of neighbouring office buildings, to make way for a row of three terraced houses.
But the plans were withdrawn after concerns were expressed that the derelict buildings could provide a habitat for roosting bats.
The development comes three months after Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said she wanted business to: “Focus on getting things built, and stop worrying about the bats and the newts”.
But neighbour S Crowe objected to the plans, saying: "I understand that bats, a protected species, are currently residing in the house set for renovation.
"Any construction work could disturb their habitat, potentially breaching wildlife protection laws. A thorough ecological survey should be conducted, and appropriate measures taken to safeguard these animals."
Dudley Council's ecological team also recommended that further surveys would need to be carried out before the plans could be approved.
A report said: "The buildings on the site do provide opportunities for protected species, notably roosting bats.
"Due to this roosting suitability for bats, further surveys must be carried out to check for the presence of protected species and ensure that any works would not result in a breach of any wildlife legislation.
"These surveys should be completed inline with national guidelines and a report detailing the results will need to be provided to the LPA before any decision on the suitability of the scheme can be provided."
