Gary Barlow's plan to demolish part of his £6million Cotswolds mansion to create a garage for his luxury cars has hit a snag, as experts warn rare bats and newts could be at risk. The Take That star has lodged plans in his wife Dawn's name to demolish part of their five-bedroom home in Oxfordshire.
Council conservationists have told the former X Factor judge that his property could be home to several rare bat species as well as Great Crested Newts, putting his renovation plans at risk. In planning documents, Miranda Clark, West Oxfordshire District Council conservationist, said: 'The photograph of the existing Property A building appears to show timber bargeboards, dormer windows and cladding that is in poor condition, including loose timber edging, which highlights that there might be roosting potential for bats.'
She added: 'I can confirm that the above planning application site is located within the red impact zone associated with the new district licensing scheme. This means that there is a high probability of great crested newts being present and the general advice would be for the applicant to consider entering the scheme, which has a flat rate for householder applications.'
Bats and Great Crested Newts are protected by law, meaning it is illegal to harm them, or to destroy or interfere with their roosts and habitats. This legislation has been incorporated into planning policies, meaning local authorities have a legal obligation to consider whether bats or newts are likely to be affected by a proposed development. Mr Barlow has reportedly been told he should now have a preliminary bat survey carried out at his property.
The singer bought the Grade-II listed, 18th century home in a Cotswolds village for £2.3million in 2007. According to documents submitted by his agent, the property is described as an extremely 'poor quality' build. The former X Factor judge hopes to bulldoze part of it and create a garage for his extensive motors as well as a shed for his gardening equipment. He is also planning an extensive landscaping programme with feature flower beds, ornamental trees and lavender and shrub borders with brick paving.
