Richard Hammond has stated his intention to "find a way to share" his £2 million Welsh manor with eight species of bats after their discovery halted extensive renovation plans for the property. The former Top Gear host, 56, had planned significant additions to the six-bedroom Georgian manor, including a heritage-style showroom for his car collection, a library, and a memorabilia gallery. The existing tennis court was also slated to be replaced with a padel court and pavilion.
Bat Survey Results
These ambitious refurbishment plans were cast into doubt following a bat survey that identified eight species residing on the 21-acre estate. In the UK, it is illegal to harm, injure, disturb bats, or damage their roosts, as all species are protected under domestic and European legislation. Consequently, renovation work, such as roof repairs or adding a second story, is subject to strict regulation by local and conservation authorities.
Hammond, who purchased the home in March for £1.99 million, expressed his commitment to proceeding with the renovations. "If I have to share it with the bats, I'll find a way of sharing it with the bats," he told the BBC. He added, "You don't move somewhere as beautiful as this and expect to stamp out everything that already lives there... I'm sure there's room for the bats and me in Abergavenny."
Three dusk surveys detected species including the brown long-eared bat, common pipistrelle, and soprano pipistrelle. A report accompanying the survey findings warned that renovation work could lead to the loss or disturbance of bat roosts unless preventative measures were implemented. The report also noted that Hammond must obtain a protected species development license before any work can commence.
Planning and Regulations
Photos shared on Monmouthshire council's website, taken by the bat surveyor, show bat activity in and around a stone barn that Hammond intends to convert into a bar. Access and exit points were observed among the barn's roof tiles. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) regulations stipulate that development, infrastructure, or maintenance work impacting bats or their roosts cannot legally proceed without a species mitigation license. Furthermore, work must be halted immediately if bats or evidence of them are discovered mid-renovation.
Hammond submitted his planning proposals to Monmouthshire council last month, with public consultation and consideration by planners scheduled to conclude on September 16.
The presenter has also recently commented on his personal life, confirming a new relationship with therapist Kiki Glen. This follows his divorce from ex-wife Mindy, announced in January 2025 after 28 years of marriage. Hammond purchased the estate in Llanwenarth, Abergavenny, just over a year prior to announcing his divorce.
Hammond has spoken about a challenging period in recent years, including his father's final weeks in 2024 and the "devastating" collapse of his marriage. This followed injuries sustained in two significant car crashes in 2006 and 2017.