SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Protecting bats at former Dairy Crest site

PLANS have been unveiled to build a Bat House at the now closed Dairy Crest facilities on the outskirts of Chard which are to be demolished.

Planning permission has been granted by South Somerset District Council for the buildings at Chard Junction to be knocked down.

It is understood that once the site is cleared of buildings there will be a floodplain created to the north and a small housing development to the south.

But demolition work will have detrimental impact on some habitats and protected wildlife species within the site such as pipistrelle bats which have been found roosting within the Old Creamery.

“The provision of new bat roosts and the restoration of habitats are likely to provide many permanent and positive benefits in the long-term and for species currently absent from the site,” said a spokesman for The Bat Consultancy which has carried out an ecological survey of the area.

“A number of buildings within the development site support some features suitable for roosting bats. These include gaps in soffit boxes, behind fascia boards and beneath roof tiles.

“As it is an offence to disturb roosting bats and to destroy their roosts, it has been recommended that further bat surveys be undertaken prior to any site clearance or development activities begin. These bat surveys are currently being carried out.”

PHOTO - RIGHT: Pipistrelle bats, like those pictured, have been fond roosting at Dairy Crest.

Dairy Crest Ltd has instructed the consultants to conduct further surveys and help with finding replacement homes for the creatures.

The council gave planning permission on December 8, 2015, for the Dairy Crest buildings to be demolished.

The creamery at Chard Junction closed its doors on November 1, 2015, after 137 years in operation.

It had been established on the site in 1878 and in 1920 a butter facility was created. But the company took the decision that it was no longer viable and closed.

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