Richard Hammond's renovation plans for his Welsh mansion have been delayed due to the discovery of protected bat species on the property. The television presenter had proposed to convert a barn into a padel court and construct a luxury car garage, but these projects are now on hold pending further assessments and licensing.
A bat survey commissioned ahead of the proposed building work identified moderate bat activity in the immediate vicinity of the building complex. The survey found that the surrounding habitats support foraging and dispersal by a diverse assemblage of bat species, including brown long-eared, noctule, Leisler's, and occasionally serotine bats.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) requires a protected species development license for any renovation work that could impact the bats. The survey report emphasized the need for "appropriate measures" to prevent harm to these protected species, without which Hammond cannot proceed with his renovation plans. The report also noted that the habitats on site provide essential foraging and commuting resources for local bat populations and connectivity with the wider environment.
The law in Britain strictly protects all bat species and their roosts. It is an offense to kill, injure, take, or disturb a bat, or to destroy, damage, or obstruct a bat roost, breeding site, or resting place. The survey indicated that the loss of or disturbance to roosts, including external trees on the grounds that provide shelter, would have adverse effects on local populations of two common and widespread bat species.
NRW has stated that no application for a protected species development license has been received yet, but Hammond has confirmed his intention to go through the necessary process to address the situation and find a way to coexist with the bat population.