Mellor replacement house refused over bat habitat concerns

Ribble Valley Borough Council said they could not be satisfied that proposed works at the site in Mellor would "not cause a disturbance to or loss of bats or their habitat."

The house, in Barker Lane and known as Glendene, is currently in poor condition, described as "small and impractical" by the owners who cited issues with damp and an unusable garage.

Plans to demolish this house and replace it with a larger family home have been refused (Image: Peter Hitchen Architects) The council also said the replacement house would be "materially larger than that of the existing", meaning it was considered an inappropriate development in the green belt and contrary to the Ribble Valley Core Strategy.

In a statement accompanying the application, the applicants said: “We wish to redevelop this property as it no longer meets the needs of our family.

"The current property is small and impractical. There is excessive damp throughout the property, and the double garage is damaged and unusable.

“The proposed property allows us to address the issues outlined, as well as make the property a true family home.

"The proposed changes have been considered with the aim of providing a comfortable home whilst also ensuring that we maintain harmony and minimise the impact upon the neighbouring area.”

Despite the size increase, the applicants said the impact on the surrounding area would be minimal due to the house's position and the site's natural topography.

In May 2024, a planning officer concluded the proposal could be acceptable in principle, subject to conditions and further detail on design and materials.

The applicants have six months to appeal the council's decision if they wish.

To view the plans in full, visit the council's planning website.