RESIDENTS are expressing concern over the removal of key protections for endangered Greater Horseshoe Bats in the Wye Valley, as the consultation period for a possible 270-home development nears its end.

The potential scheme on agricultural land between Dixton Road and Hereford Road in Monmouth could risk key habitat loss for these rare bats, they claim.

The targeted housing site lies well within the 3km Core Sustenance Zone (CSZ) for the endangered Greater Horseshoe Bat, and comes within 300m of the River Wye.

It is less than 950m from Newton Court just inside the Welsh border, home to one of the last remaining breeding sites for these bats in Wales.

Newton Court’s stable block, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC), is a roost for the bats.

The proposed site provides essential feeding and commuting habitats.

Artificial lighting, habitat loss, and increased human activity resulting from the proposed development would threaten the bats’ survival, say campaigners.

The Greater Horseshoe Bat, a species at Red List status, depends on hedgerows, and unimproved pasture for foraging.

These habitats sustain insects—such as dung insects and moths—that are vital to the bats, particularly juveniles and breeding females.

Experts warn that removing these areas could lead to declines in bat populations.

Environmental consultants AECOM, tasked with the Habitats Regulations Assessment for Monmouthshire’s Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP), initially recommended stringent safeguards for developments in the bats’ CSZ.

Their guidance specified the need for “a suite of bat surveys (e.g., bat activity surveys, roost emergence surveys) between April and September” to assess and mitigate impacts on bat populations.

However, Monmouthshire Council then raised concerns that this wording was “too prescriptive” and opted to replace it with ‘vague requirements’ in Policy NR1 of the draft RLDP, say residents.

The revised policy removes specific details about survey types, timing, and potential mitigation measures.

Instead, it vaguely references the need for habitat assessments and highlights dark corridor policies without committing to the robust protections originally recommended.

Critics argue this weakens conservation measures and risks breaching legal obligations under the Habitats Directive.

The draft RLDP, which includes the Dixton Road Site as the preferred candidate site for Monmouth, is now open for public consultation until next Monday, December 16.

Residents are urged to participate and voice their concerns about the environmental and ecological risks posed by the development.

They are also being asked to write to National Resources Wales to ensure that the bats – one of the most endangered mammals in Wales – are protected from development.

The bats have already disappeared from much of Northern Europe, including the Netherlands and Germany.

Losing key foraging habitats in Monmouthshire could deal a devastating blow to the species, say campaigners.

The bats play an essential role in controlling night-flying insect populations, including agricultural pests and mosquitoes, they add.

And those concerned for the environment are calling on the council to reconsider its approach to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.

The future of the Greater Horseshoe Bat in the county—and its role in local biodiversity—now hinges on the outcomes of this public consultation.