What is threatening Cate Blanchett's garden plans in Cornwall?

Potential impacts on local bat populations due to proposed garden lighting are threatening Cate Blanchett's garden plans for her Cornish eco-home.

Have bats been found roosting at Cate Blanchett's property?

While a 2020 appraisal noted suitability for roosting, subsequent surveys in 2021 did not find any active bat roosts within the building.

What kind of lighting is proposed for Cate Blanchett's garden?

The proposed garden includes pole lights, spike lights, step lights, and wall lights, with concerns raised that some do not comply with low-lighting recommendations for bats.

Home / Lifestyle / Blanchett's Garden Plans Halted by Bats

Blanchett's Garden Plans Halted by Bats

17 Feb

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Summary

New garden lights may harm bats, experts warn.
Previous surveys found no bats roosting on property.
Locals previously complained about construction noise.

Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett's aspirations for a new garden at her £1.6 million eco-home in Cornwall are currently on hold due to potential impacts on local bat populations. Plans submitted in January for the property in Mawgan Porth include several new lighting features.

While an ecologist has raised concerns that three of the four proposed lighting types do not adhere to the council's low-lighting recommendations, previous surveys have indicated no bats are roosting on the property. A 2020 appraisal noted suitability for crevice-roosting bats, but a 2021 survey found no evidence of active bat roosts within the building.