Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s plans to build a new seven-bedroom mansion have been thwarted by bats.
The 32-year-old Spanish defender wants to bulldoze an existing home and design a super-home with an indoor swimming pool, gym and cinema.
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But a bat survey revealed the £3.6 million property to be demolished is a haven for the soprano pipistrel and the brown long-eared bat – a protected species.
One ecologist said: “Removal of habitat to enable development would result in the destruction and loss of all bats and the opportunity for future bats to live and unless implemented under the auspices of the Bat License.” It would be illegal.”
The £25m footballer has applied for planning permission from the owners at Elmbridge Council, Surrey.
If approved, he will have to apply for a BAT license before construction can begin at the three-story mansion near the Blues Cobham training ground.
The Chelsea captain will have to plant at least three bat boxes in nearby trees and recommend three more to boost biodiversity.
Azpilicueta’s planning agent has called for a second bat survey to find out how many bats are roosting.
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He said: “Appropriate surveys were conducted and the findings concluded that the bat survey’s findings are strong and there is no reason to suspect that a more significant bat roost exists in the building, requiring further bat surveys or evaluations.” the wanted.”
The head of planning for Elmbridge Council, Surrey will decide whether Caesar can move forward with the house in the new year.
There has been no objection from the neighbors.
