Bat colony threatens Miller housing development

A colony of bats is threatening the start of a multi-million pound luxury housing development in Cheshire.

The area on a former landfill site in Port Sunlight, Wirral, was just weeks away from being re-developed into a nursing home, 16 townhouses and 42 apartments by Warrington-based Miller Homes.

But, following a number of sightings of the creatures flitting between trees which are due for felling at the site, Wirral Council has now ordered an investigation.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, special protection is given to bats because of their roosting requirements and English Nature must be notified of any proposed action which is likely to disturb bats or their roosts.

A spokesman for Miller Homes said: "We have not received any request for a bat investigation to be carried out but if this was required then we would certainly oblige with the request."

A spokesman for Wirral's planning department added: "It's been brought to our attention there may be bats present in the area. Once a bat survey is carried out we will take the results into account when it comes to making a final decision on allowing the development to continue."

Until the bat study is complete, the species of the mammal remains unidentified. However, the most likely to set up home in Port Sunlight are pipistrelles which are found throughout Wirral.