Copthorne Barracks: Bat’s no problem survey finds

Despite the findings, experts chosen to carry out the survey of Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury say that because it could be several years before detailed plans for the site are agreed, another survey could be required in the future.

Developers want to build more than 220 homes and apartments on the military base.

During a survey period earlier this summer, two bats were sighted and the report states: “The buildings currently in use by bats are likely to be lost during the development although this will be determined at reserved matters stage.

“The loss of such low conservation status roosts is not anticipated to impact on the favourable conservation status of the local bat population.”

The conservation report was undertaken by members of the RPS Group and a single pipistrelle bat was seen exiting a building which is set to be demolished under the scheme. The report added: “In the 2017 surveys a single common pipistrelle was seen emerging from building 15 on one occasion and another single common pipistrelle was seen returning to building seven on one occasion; bat activity was still considered very low.

“Therefore, the site now periodically supports a low number of male or non-breeding female common pipistrelle bats on an opportunistic basis.

“Such roosts are considered to be of lower conservation status and their loss through the development of the site is highly unlikely to have any significant effect on the species in the long term. Notwithstanding this, recommendations have been made to ensure that no bats are harmed within the development of the site.”

The report adds: “Due to the disuse of the site, the buildings are expected to deteriorate over the coming years, and may become more suitable for use by roosting bats. It may be several years before applications for reserved matters are made for the site and works commence.

“It is therefore recommended that prior the submission of applications for reserved matters, an updated external inspection of the buildings is carried out to assess whether any of the buildings on site have significantly deteriorated since the current surveys. Further emergence / re-entry surveys may be necessary depending on the extent of any deterioration.”

The barracks, which were built in 1877, were home to the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry.

Campaigners have been fighting to save them from development since the plans were first announced.