Bats are protected from disturbance, injury, destruction, or sale

The house, near Pwllheli, north Wales, needs to be knocked down so improvement works on the A497 - the main road through the area - can go ahead.

But proposals for a new farm-style home for the lesser horseshoe bats - complete with rendered walls and stone and pitched slate roof - have been put on hold.

Gwynedd councillors have said they are worried about paying for a bat home when young people in the area cannot afford housing.

We will be seen as providing a home for bats at the expense of homes for local young people Councillor Richard Parry Hughes

The plan was deferred so officials can look at converting an existing building instead.

As an endangered species, bats are protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They are protected from disturbance, injury, destruction, or sale

Their roosting sites must either be safeguarded or alternative provisions made.

Planning manager for Gwynedd council, Gruff Morris said: "Cemlyn has to be demolished as part of the road scheme, and the aim is to build a top-class alternative building, which will have everything except air conditioning!"

The proposed new home measured 6.2m metres high, 10.6m length and 5.2m in width.

It would be purpose built for bats and have openings at the base of the walls to allow water to flow under the building during times of flood.

Disused building

Councillors were told that it would be of high quality finish, and would resemble an old farm building.

However some councillors voiced their objections to the scheme and claimed there was no need for a new building.

"There are plenty of other disused farm buildings close by that could be adapted for the purpose," said councillor Richard Parry Hughes.

"I am concerned that we will be seen as providing a brand new home for bats, yet when we come to consider new homes for local families, we often refuse permission.

"We will be seen as providing a home for bats at the expense of homes for local young people. "

The application has now been deferred to enable the officers to discuss an alternative building.