New plan to bulldoze former hotel after concern over bats

Bosses at the Trafford Centre have made a fresh planning application to bulldoze a former Premier Inn close to the retail complex after the demolition was held up by fear of harm to bats. The Coach House at Wilderspool has been empty for a year and has been the target of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Profectus Town Planning has tabled a second application for the operation after the initial application was withdrawn because of concerns over possible harm to bat habitats. But a covering letter submitted to the Trafford council planning portal says that no bats have been found in the 34,000sq ft building.

If the application, is approved the bulldozers of appointed contractor P McGuinness could move in soon with the work expected to take about two months.

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

“Demoliton will remove the risk of this continuing. It can be undertaken in an efficient and straightforward manner as there are no nearby sensitive structures or uses.”

Previous documents say that fencing with warning signs attached will be erected to prevent 'unauthorised access' during the demolition. The work will take place Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.