Bats could hold up estate restoration

THE discovery of bats on an estate near Henley could threaten development plans.

Multiple bat roosts were found at Fawley Court, off Marlow Road, which has submitted a planning application to restore several buildings.

The proposed repairs include the restoration of the Grade II-listed riding school, which is now divided into smaller spaces for workshops and staff accommodation. The old stable block building would provide visitor toilets, a laundry, kitchens and a staff dining room.

The plans also include restoration of the clock and water tower and demolition of a greenhouse.

The chapel, dairy and service courtyards would be renovated and joined together, while a new estate office and staff and guest accommodation would also be created, as well as a pool and gym.

John Simpson Architects says the riding school has “very little flexibility” for future use and is in poor condition. It says: “The proposals will retain and restore the listed buildings along with existing building fabric of significant historical interest.”

Surveys undertaken for the application say that while the site is considered as a whole to be of low local importance for foraging by bats, the creatures may occupy roost sites on a seasonal or temporary basis and work should be done in a sensitive manner.

All UK bat species are classified as “European Protected Species” and protected under the 2017 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation, making it an offence to deliberately capture, injure, disturb or kill any animal or destroy their habitat.

A brown long-eared bat was recorded temporarily roosting during survey work undertaken in 2009.

A preliminary ecological appraisal was conducted in January 2022, in which two bat roosts and droppings were found. Five structures also offered “roosting potential” for bats. As a result, subsequent surveys were taken to determine the presence of bats and potential roosts that could be affected by the proposed work.

Surveyors with electronic bat detectors were positioned around the site to record bats emerging from or entering any potential roosting features. At least five different bat species were recorded, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelles, noctule, brown long-eared bat and myotis.

The survey said the redevelopment plans were likely to damage or lose the existing bat roosts.

It proposed new roosting opportunities be created, such as trees and bat boxes, and that the work be undertaken at times of year when bats are least vulnerable to disturbance or even present.

A decision is due to be made by Buckinghamshire Council, the planning authority.

Fawley Court owner Aida Dellal spent more than eight years and millions of pounds restoring the 75-acre riverside estate and stately home, which was dilapidated when she bought it in 2008.