Concerns Raised Over £166,000 Cost for Bat Roosts Near M5 Junction 10
Concerns have been expressed regarding the expense of constructing two houses for bats adjacent to junction 10 of the M5 motorway.
The bat roosts are costing £166,000 and form part of the £372 million major road improvements planned for the Gloucestershire junction, which are scheduled for completion within the next three years.
Statutory Requirement and Funding
Lib Dem county councillor Julian Tooke explained the necessity of relocating bats, stating:
"Bats are protected and apparently we have 12 out of the 14 species that exist nationally so you have to find somewhere to move them".
Creating roosting areas for displaced bats is a statutory obligation, with the majority of costs covered by central government funding and contributions from developers.
Project Impact and Cost Concerns
The development is anticipated to displace 130 bat roosts. However, Reform UK county councillor Vernon Smith expressed surprise at the project's cost during a full council meeting on 25 March.
"Environmental issues are important", he said. "But surely we could have done something far more sensibly costed for bat shelter."
Tooke acknowledged the significant expense, adding:
"I would much prefer that money was spent on children's services, education, libraries, all sorts of things."
He also emphasized the council's statutory duty to undertake the project and noted that four quotes were obtained for the work.
Project Timeline
The new junction, designed to provide improved access to the M5 motorway, is expected to be completed by 2029.
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