Blanchett's Garden Plans Halted by Bats

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.

Despite the lack of direct roosting, bats are known to forage in the area, leading to recommendations for minimal lighting. Blanchett's application features pole lights, spike lights, step lights, and wall lights, some of which an ecologist believes are too bright.

These garden plans follow previous construction efforts on the property that drew criticism from locals. Residents had previously complained about noise and disruption, claiming their holidays were 'destroyed' and rental revenue lost due to ongoing building work.