Comedy titan Ricky Gervais finds himself in a real-life planning sitcom, as his ambitious vision for a £6 million countryside retreat has been grounded by an unexpected co-star: a colony of protected bats.
The award-winning creator of The Office and After Life has been locked in a lengthy and frustrating battle with South Oxfordshire District Council over his plans to extensively renovate a lavish 18th-century property. The proposed works include a significant overhaul of the main house and outbuildings.
A Winged Hurdle: The Bat Loof Controversy
Central to the planning dispute is Gervais's proposal to convert a loft space. Council ecologists identified this area as a potential roosting site for Brown Long-Eared bats and Soprano Pipistrelle bats, both of which are species protected by UK law.
As a condition for approval, the council demanded the creation of a dedicated "bat loft"—a specially designed refuge to ensure the creatures' habitat remains undisturbed by the construction work. This requirement has become a major sticking point in finalising the plans, adding significant delays and complexity to the project.
Neighbourhood Tensions and Objections
Adding to the planning woes, the project has faced resistance from local residents. Concerns were formally raised about the scale of the proposed renovations, potential increases in traffic, and the overall impact on the tranquillity of the rural area. One neighbour directly objected to the installation of new gates, citing the historical character of the region.
Despite these objections, council officers ultimately recommended the plans for approval, acknowledging that the benefits of refurbishing the historic estate outweighed the concerns, provided strict conditions were met.
A Dream Home on Hold
For now, Gervais's dream of a fully modernised country escape remains on hold. The ongoing stalemate with local authorities highlights the challenges even A-list celebrities face when navigating the UK's strict planning laws, especially when protected wildlife is involved.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that when it comes to Britain's planning system, not even a global comedy superstar is immune to bureaucratic hurdles and the supreme protection granted to the nation's wildlife.
