A proposed regeneration project is set to affect colonies of bats living around the Kingsland Basin, according to wildlife campaigners.
Several groups have raised objections, arguing that the plan to build houses in the Travis Perkins yard might interrupt the ecology of the basin.
The Wildlife Gardeners of Haggerston, set up to protect the ecology of Regent’s Canal, have warned Hackney Council that the plans are set to affect the Pipistrelle Bat, a species conventionally found in De Beauvoir.
“A significant number of pipistrelle feed over the water at the Kingsland Basin – the new building may obstruct their regular flight paths,” said Mike Priaulx from the Islington Swifts, a local bird conservation group.
There are also fears that the noise of construction work and artificial lighting will scare away bats, which live in quiet darkness.
Gideon Corby, from the Wildlife Gardeners, is concerned for the future of bats in the Kingsland Basin. “There is a risk that bats from some roosts may not adapt to this change,” he said.
