Hotel set for demolition after bat fears allayed

The hotel has been empty for more than a year

An empty hotel building is to be bulldozed following delays caused by fears over the impact on bat habitats

Bosses at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester had withdrawn a planning application to demolish the former Premier Inn close to the retail complex amid concerns of possible harm to the mammals.

The Coach House in Wilderspool, which has lain empty for over a year, had been targeted by vandalism and anti-social behaviour during that time, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A fresh planning application, however, stated that no evidence of the presence of bats had been found and, if approved, work could begin soon.

In a letter submitted to Trafford Council, Profectus Town Planning said that no bats had been found.

If the application is given the green light then the work would be expected to last for about two months.

“The demolition of the building is required as it is no longer occupied and has been the subject of vandalism and anti-social behaviour,” the letter said.

It said demolition would "remove the risk of this continuing", adding that there were "no nearby sensitive structures or uses".

Previous documents submitted to the council said that fencing with warning signs attached would be erected to prevent "unauthorised access" during the demolition.