The owner of a sprawling country house used as Wayne Manor in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins risks losing the home unless they begin conducting bat surveys.
The Grade I-listed Mentmore Towers, in Buckinghamshire, has been served a formal listed building repairs notice following a deterioration in the building's condition. The country house was built between 1852 and 1854 for the Rothschild family and is the only major surviving work of Sir Joseph Paxton, the architect behind Crystal Palace.
Compulsory Purchase Threat
The country manor could face a compulsory purchase order if a licensed bat ecologist is not appointed. Buckinghamshire Council said the work is "reasonably necessary for the proper preservation" of the building, which has faced accusations it has been left to fall into disrepair.
The building has deteriorating roofs, chimneys, rooflights, roof lanterns and leadwork, with Historic England describing the condition as "very bad." Site photographs on the notice show cracks in walls, broken windows and ivy-clad walls, and bat droppings were found when the property was visited.
Repair Requirements and Timeline
In the notice, Buckinghamshire Council said the owners must demonstrate that they are appointing a contractor with experience of repairing listed buildings. If no action is taken, the council could seek government approval to acquire the mansion and take further legal action.
Three bat-emergence surveys must be completed by August 2027, alongside any necessary Natural England licence and recommendations. Once work begins, council and Historic England officers must be allowed to inspect it weekly.
Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain's Heritage, says: "We welcome this action taken by Buckinghamshire Council requiring the current owner to carry out urgent and overdue repairs to this great house. We urge the owners, who have owned the building for over 25 years, to step up and undertake immediate repairs. This exceptional landmark has been neglected for too long."
