Harry Potter and the delayed development! Ron Weasley star Rupert Grint's plans ... trends now
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint is facing a dilemma over plans to build a Hogsmede-style new village at his Hertfordshire estate.
The star, known for his role as Ron Weasley in JK Rowling's hit series, has put forward plans to build 15 new houses on his £5.4million plot near Hitchin in Hertfordshire, called Kimpton Grange.
Under the plans, six apartments - five of which will be two-bed with a larger three-bed - would be converted from the 34-year-old's existing manor house.
Meanwhile, four homes, styled as 'Lake Houses' will be built nearby while a 'Garden House' and Greenhouse will be converted into two dwellings alongside a group of four two-bed cottages.
However, ecologists at Hertfordshire County Council, who were acting as a consultee in the application, said bats were present in the main manor house on the estate.
It means the plans could be delayed until appropriate mitigation measures are addressed by Grint and his planning agents.
Rupert Grint, 34, lodged plans to redevelop his Hertfordshire estate in 2022
Rupert Grint bought Kimpton Grange in 2009 for £5.4million
The estate is located near Hitchin in Hertfordshire (Pictured: Artist impression of redevelopment plan)
The interior of the manor (pictured above) would be transformed into modern apartments
Ecologists have said that a bat licence should be applied for so the development 'can lawfully go ahead' if planning permission is granted.
In a letter submitted to North Hertfordshire District Council seen by MailOnline, they wrote: 'Bat surveys were carried out for the buildings to be affected by the proposed development.
'These surveys were carried out in appropriate timings (for that year) and conditions and Kimpton Grange Manor House was confirmed as a common pipistrelle day roost.
'However, it should be noted that the bat surveys were carried out in 2022 and would be considered out of date by Natural England if a European Protected Species Licence was to be applied for.
'In this case, additional information in the form of further survey effort may be required.
'However, given that the roost found in the manor house was for a widespread species and would be considered to be of low conservation value, the impact on this roost may be able to be mitigated using a low impact Bat Mitigation Class Licence.
'This type of licence would waive the need for an application to Natural England and instead be carried out through an appropriately registered consultant.'
A proposed masterplan of Rupert Grint's renovation plans for his Hertfordshire estate
Part of the plans will see the main manor house at Kimpton Grange (pictured) turned into six apartments
They continued: 'Given that the lawful commencement of the proposed development does need to be licenced,
'I advise that the following Informative should be attached to any permission to the effect that: 'A bat licence is required to deliver this development. It will be a criminal offence if works proceed without a bat licence.'
'It
