Housing development opposition ‘bats’ back survey

New Road housing development site

Littleborough residents opposing the proposed New Road housing development have been vocal in highlighting their concerns about potential damage to, and loss of, bat roosts should the development be approved. In particular New Street residents have highlighted that bats have been seen emerging from a “derelict building” (which is actually an Artesian well) that is due to be demolished as part of the development plans.

New Street resident Mike Skelcher said: “My back garden is only 15m from the Artesian well and during the late spring and early summer I have regularly observed bats flying from the well to my garden, and back, during the evening. I am convinced that bats are roosting in the well and have highlighted this to Rochdale Council.”

The developer responded to those concerns by commissioning a bat survey which was carried out in early September, to determine whether bats were roosting in the derelict building. The survey concluded that this was not the case and stated that minimal bat activity was observed.

However, after completing a full review of the Bat Survey Report, StopRussellHomes campaigners have questioned and challenged the methodology by which the survey was completed.

Local resident Rosie Eastwood said: “All species of bats and their resting places are strictly protected under both European and domestic legislation. The company employed by the developer to carry out the bats surveys stated that they used methodology recommended by Hundt L (2012) 'Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines', which is published by the Bat Conservation Trust.

"We have concerns with regard to the number of surveys undertaken, the survey timing, and survey duration, and these concerns are supported by the Bat Conservation Trust guidance.

"We also believe that insufficient surveyors were deployed during the survey to ensure that all aspects of the derelict building could be properly observed.

"In our view, as a result of insufficient survey effort, Rochdale Council is not in a position to be confident that should the development proceed it would not be in breach of both domestic and European legislation. These concerns have been highlighted to planning officers.”