The owner of Mentmore Towers, a Grade I listed mansion famously featured as Wayne Manor in the film Batman Begins, has refuted claims from Buckinghamshire Council regarding overdue bat surveys and repairs. The council issued a listed-building repairs notice in August, mandating a survey for flying mammals and masonry repairs.
A spokesperson for the property, owned by tycoon Simon Halabi, stated that their "own Batman team has already been on the case," conducting surveys and ecological investigations. Peter Strachan, deputy leader of Buckinghamshire Council, emphasized the authority's commitment to preserving the historic building. He also noted that the council is addressing unauthorized works on the property.
Save Britain's Heritage, a campaign group, confirmed that the notice specifically ordered Halabi to undertake urgent repairs to the mansion's deteriorating roof. Mentmore Towers, which was also once home to the Rothschild family, was used as the setting for Bruce Wayne's estate in the 2005 film directed by Sir Christopher Nolan.