Matchbox-size bat in church holds up flats plan

An application for six flats in an old church has been approved by a council

A matchbox-size bat living in a 200-year-old church is holding up plans to turn the property into six flats.

The lone, common pipistrelle weighs just 5g (0.17oz) - the same as a 20p coin.

But the tiny creature, who only comes out after sunset, is protected by law and an application made to convert Pisgah Baptist Church, in Talywain, Torfaen, has stalled.

The plan was initially refused in 2024 because a bat survey had not been submitted.

But when Beth Jones, who is behind the project, applied again with the survey, the tiny bat - also known as pipistrellus pipistrellus - was spotted emerging from an extension.

Torfaen council planning officer Tom Braithwaite said "dusk emergence surveys" made the discovery.

He added: "This proposal impacts upon a building where bats are present and therefore, as bats are protected under domestic and European legislation, a licence to move the bats would be required."

It has also been claimed one of the church's early ministers, and others, may be buried under the church.

Ms Jones, of Pontypool, must also conduct "relevant investigative work" to resolve these claims, Mr Braithwaite said.

Pisgah Baptist Church held its first baptism in 1827.

But now the applicant must apply for a permit to have a bat living in it removed

What is a pipistrelle bat?

The common pipistrelle is one of the most common British bats.

They are the species people are most likely to spot in their gardens, with each one eating thousands of insects a night.

The common and soprano pipistrelle, also found in the UK, were only identified as separate species in the 1990s, according to the Bat Conservation Trust.

They look similar and the easiest way to tell them apart is from the frequency of their echolocation calls.

Common pipistrelles feed in habitats including woods, hedges, grassland, farms, suburban and urban areas.

They usually come out about 20 minutes after sunset and fly 2m to 10m (6.5ft to 33ft) above ground searching for food, which they eat on the wing.

Summer roosts of common pipistrelles are often found in crevices around the outside of newer buildings.

They can be found behind hanging tiles, between roofing felt and roof tiles or in cavity walls.