Wildlife sinks East Garston cottage re-tiling bid

A BID to re-tile an historic village cottage roof has been scuppered...by bats.

Planners rejected an application for permission to restore the roof at Mask Cottage in Front Street, East Garston.

A planning officer's report acknowledged that a comprehensive approach is needed in order to maintain a weathertight roof and prevent deterioration

of the historic roof structure" at the Grade II listed, 14th century structure.

Nevertheless, the report added, "it is still incumbent on the local planning authority to establish if the works being applied for could potentially affect protected species including bats, their breeding sites or resting places, which are fully protected by law.

"No ecology surveys have been submitted in support of the application; it is not therefore possible for (West Berkshire Council) to determine whether protected species would be harmed as a result of the proposals."

The application was duly refused.