Source:REUTERS/Chris Radburn
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Gareth Southgate has been given approval to convert a dilapidated barn on his country mansion into a luxury gym, on condition that roosting space is provided for bats. Surveys carried out before the project revealed that a large natural stone barn at the former England manager’s £3.25 million home is currently a habitat for protected bats. This discovery delayed Southgate’s home renovation plans, and he had to obtain a special licence from Natural England before work could begin. Southgate was eventually given the green light for the extensive conversion, but has been required to install a dedicated bat loft running the full length of the barn, fitted with nine access points, as well as eight bat boxes on nearby trees. Following no objections from environmentalists or neighbours, the local council’s planning department approved the scheme, ruling that the former England boss’s proposal was acceptable.
The editor believes that the project will preserve the character and appearance of the Grade II listed barn and its surrounding landscape, without causing an impact on nearby residents. The planning proposal also includes appropriate mitigation and conservation measures for the species.