Bat droppings delay building

10:32am Tuesday 26th August 2008

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PLANS to demolish a large house to make way for affordable homes in Salis-bury Road, Andover, have been put on hold because there may be bats on site.

Testway Housing has permission to demolish a large detached house and garage and build nine flats but, although no bats have been seen, bat droppings have been spotted.

Bats are protected by law and an application to Natural England for a licence to demolish the derelict house and garage has been submitted.

The licence is expected to be granted by the end of August, allowing the demolition work to start to make room for the flats.

Work on four three-bedroom houses being built behind the flats is unaffected by the bats and is progressing well.

Cllr Sandra Hawke, portfolio holder for housing and community services, said: "Test Valley Borough Council is committed to working in partnership to provide such homes and we're pleased to support Testway's bid for funding from the Housing Corpor-ation as well as contributing £585,000 of grant funding.

"We are proud to be working with Testway, part of the Aster Group, on this valuable project to provide homes at an affordable rent, built to a very high standard."

The project value is nearly £2.3 million, with £645,000 grant funding from the Housing Corporation. The timber frame homes, which are being built by contractor Highwood Construction, will have an eco rating of very good'. All homes will be for affordable rent and will be ready for Testway residents to move in next summer.