Wordsley Manor development at risk due to wildlife

Bats and reptiles could put a stop to controversial plans to build homes within the grounds of a Black Country manor house, it emerged today.

Plans to build 14 houses in the shadow of the listed Georgian Wordsley Manor has been recommended for refusal by Dudley Council planning officers.

Developer Selbourne Homes had tried to appease planning officers by ensuring the animals would be protected.

But in a report to the council's development control committee meeting next month, planning officers said the strategy "would not ensure the provision of suitable measures to protect the species".

Committee members, who have the final say on the plans, had deferred their decision on granting permission in order to visit the site themselves to better understand the conservation issues.

In a report to the meeting, to be held next month, officers say: "In the absence of a suitable mitigation strategy that is able to preserve the conservation status of reptiles and bats the local planning authority retains its view, that the benefits of the proposed development do not outweigh the harm of the proposed development, with respect to protected species and the wider wildlife corridor."

Selbourne Homes managing director, Gavin Warr, in public correspondence to planning officers, said: "It would be a huge disappointment for everyone concerned if the application does not go to committee with a recommendation for approval."

He added: "Following literally years of negotiation we seem to have lost sight of the bigger picture here.

"This is maybe the opportunity to save one of the most unique and important buildings in the borough as a single private residence."

Mr Warr added: "I believe the need for a 'total redesign' and 'loss of units' is unnecessary and will inevitably render the whole scheme unviable with no money available for restoration of the Manor House which is, of course, the wider objective."

More than 100 people signed a petition against the proposals which have been submitted to Dudley Council by developer Selbourne Homes which is now waiting on its decision.

Natural England - aimed at conserving and enhancing the natural environment - opposed the plans, though it said it would "adversely affect the conservation status of widespread reptiles and bats".

A decision will be made by councillors on the scheme at the meeting which is to be held on January 10 at Dudley Council house, in Priory Road, Dudley, starting at 6pm.