Bats delay work on day centre

But the developers must provide nesting boxes at the site.

The project to create the facility in the grounds of Lapal House old people's home has been held up since August last year because planning bosses needed to carry out a bat survey.

Inspectors visited the Lapal Lane South site, in Halesowen, three times in seven months to check there was not a colony of the mammals in an old Dutch barn earmarked for demolition as part of the development.

No bats were discovered during the survey so planners were able to give the scheme the green light last week.

But bosses at the home have been told they must provide nesting boxes for bats in the grounds as part of the planning approval.

The development is set to provide a day centre building with a kitchen area and garages.

The facility is an addition to a £500,000 scheme to create a sheltered housing complex in the five acres of gardens surrounding the 41-bed residential care home.

Tony Billingham, owner of Lapal House, said the development would bring the site up to date and align it more with Government policy on care.

"The national agenda for care is all about client choices and allowing independent living with support for as long as possible.

"The building will be part of a bigger development which I have already got planning permission for which will give sheltered accommodation in the form of 12 bungalows and a courtyard area," he said.

Residents will be able to use the centre for playing bingo, ballroom dancing and other social events.