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Rare Bat Sparks Housing Development Row
31 Oct
Summary
- A Barbastelle bat was found dead near a proposed housing site.
- Campaigners fear development will destroy endangered bat habitat.
- Council claims assessments show no bats are present at the site.
A potential housing development site, identified as Exmo_20, is facing opposition due to concerns about the presence of rare Barbastelle bats. Matthew Hart reported finding a dead Barbastelle bat in his garden near the proposed site, urging East Devon District Council to reconsider its inclusion in the local plan. He highlighted the species' susceptibility to habitat loss and disturbance, accusing the council of ignoring evidence.
The council countered these claims, stating that none of its assessments have indicated Barbastelle bats within or near Exmo_20. Officials clarified that a neighbourhood plan reference to the bat concerned a different plot of land, located approximately 1.5km away from the Exmo_20 proposal. The council is currently working to finalize its draft local plan, aiming to send it for government inspection by the end of the year.
Devon Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) also expressed environmental and biodiversity concerns regarding the development. A council spokesperson noted that the Habitat Regulations Assessment for the new local plan determined a 400m buffer zone provides suitable mitigation against potential impacts on nearby protected habitats.
