Demolition plan for Mill rejected to protect bats

Plans to demolish nine buildings at a Keynsham paper mill have been refused due to the potential impact on protected species. Applicant IJ Mcgill Transport Limited said the structures are past their practical use or present difficult and expensive maintenance issues in future. The site off Avon Mill Lane is surrounded by habitats and dense vegetation with high suitability for a range of wildlife, and is also next to the River Avon Site of Nature Conservation Interest. Bath and North East Somerset Council officers said there was not enough information about how the demolition would affect protected species, such as bats, nesting birds and reptiles. They said comprehensive ecological and protected species were needed, adding: “Without this survey information, it is not possible to determine whether protected species would be adversely affected and therefore to allow the demolition to go ahead without it would be contrary to Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.” The applicants said in their application: “After careful consideration of various options for the redevelopment/refurbishment of the site, a number of buildings and structures have been scheduled for demolition as they are now past practical use and/or present difficult and expensive future maintenance problems.” The site been used as a paper recycling plant for the last 25 years. The plans said on completion of the works the ground would be regraded and left in a clean and tidy manner.