Bat blocks stadium demolition

Cannock Chase Council made a decision to demolish all the stadium buildings in December after a rise in vandalism at the site following its closure in the summer of 2008.

The demolition plans were halted after claims of bats using the buildings.

Because bats are a protected species the council was forced to carry out an expert bat survey to identify whether any of the creatures were roosting at the site.

Following the study by council ecologist Steve Barnes, ruling councillors will be told at a meeting of the cabinet tomorrow that a single pipistrelle bat has been found roosting infrequently in the old clubhouse.

The clubhouse has been in a state of disrepair since 2005 when it was handed back to the council by Cannock and Stafford Athletics Club who had held it on a lease.

The building is approximately 70 metres from the main stadium and due to the discovery of a bat it cannot now be demolished.

Although the council could apply for a licence to demolish the building and move the bat, the authority is expected to leave it standing because the plans to sell the land for housing have been lost and the recession has meant a buyer is unlikely to be found anyway.

Councillors are expected to approve the spending of an extra £5,000 to brick up the windows and doors of the building and to provide new fencing.

Report author Steve Barnes said: "We wouldn't be successful in obtaining a licence as there are a number of strict tests that you have to meet and I don't think at this stage we would meet those tests.

"The three main tests are public health and safety or reasons of public interest, if there is no alternative and if the action would not be detrimental to the maintenance of the species."

Mr Barnes said the planned works and demolition would not disturb the bat.

It is possible at some point in the future when plans for the site re-emerge that the council could be granted a licence to remove the bat and flatten the building.