Bat study done for house bid
Bats may have to be taken into account in plans to demolish a disused farmhouse in Lochearnhead.
Svend Moeller Handsen has submitted an application to Stirling Council planners seeking to knock down the two-storey house at Glenbeigh Farm.
Built in the 1800s and altered in the 1960s and 1980s, the property was tenanted until 2006 but was said to have realised a low rent because of its condition and low amenity.
In a submission to planners, agents for the applicants said:“The building fabric has no insulation and relies on a combination of stoves and electric storage heaters to heat the house. The electrics are in need of upgrading to meet current standards and the internal plumbing requires replacing due to repeated bursts resulting from corrosion and frost.
“A septic tank has not been located and it is thought that discharge was to the burn. The water supply comes from a burn and has inadequate filtration. Water services therefore require considerable upgrading.
“A tenanted property also conflicted with estate working practices and restrictions were necessary in the lease agreement.
“The property became unsuitable to rent and was vacated. Shortly after, the house was vandalised with the removal of wiring/piping.
“The substantial upgrade required to improve the property would realise only marginally more rent due to the limited accommodation and the location’s low amenity.”
The agents said the application was for the demolition of the house and not a nearby tool shed, which is not intended as a bat roost.
Bat surveys, most recently conducted last year, discovered evidence of a number of types of bats entering and exiting the farmhouse and a neighbouring barn, as well as roosting.
The agents added:“This application is for the demolition of the house and not the tool shed which is intended as a bat roost.
“The house will be demolished by disconnecting the services, stripping out the internal fittings, finishings and services. The windows will be removed, and the slates stripped from the roof. The building will then be demolished by pushing the structure in on itself using the outstretched arm of a track excavator. The timber will be removed for burning under license. The masonry will be used for fill elsewhere on site.”
In their report, bat roost consultants engaged by the applicants said:“Due to the presence of bat roosts, a European Protected Species licence will be required from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) prior to any works taking place to areas where bat roosting has been identified.
“Recommended mitigation and compensation measures are outlined, and following agreement of the compensation proposals a bat protection plan should be drawn up to accompany any licence application to SNH.”
Council planners will make a recommendation on the application in due course.