Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan locked in struggle over plans for mega mansion because of BATS


Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan new multi-million-pound mansion may have to boxes in it for bats.

Former TOWIE star Mark, 33, and ex-Corrie actress Michelle, 32, submitted plans to knock down an Essex farmhouse and replace it with a vast Georgian-style home.

The plans include a playroom, which fuelled rumours they were planning to start a family after buying the multi-million-pound site.

But a report says that the couple will have to put bat boxes in parts of the property because rare species of bats are present in a nearby woodland.

It also says that Wright and Keegan will have to consider the kind of lighting they use.

Mark Wright and 32-year-old Michelle Keegan snapped up this Essex farmhouse in October

Mark Wright and 32-year-old Michelle Keegan snapped up this Essex farmhouse in October

The TV pair bought the property which comprises of four bedrooms and three bathrooms for £1.3 million - but now want to knock it down and replace it with a Georgian-style mansion

The TV pair bought the property which comprises of four bedrooms and three bathrooms for £1.3 million - but now want to knock it down and replace it with a Georgian-style mansion

The TV pair bought the property which comprises of four bedrooms and three bathrooms for £1.3 million – but now want to knock it down and replace it with a Georgian-style mansion 

Mark and Michelle looked loved up as they enjoy a holiday in Jamaica to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Mark shared this photo with the caption: 'Happiness summed up in 1 pic'

Mark and Michelle looked loved up as they enjoy a holiday in Jamaica to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Mark shared this photo with the caption: 'Happiness summed up in 1 pic'

Mark and Michelle looked loved up as they enjoy a holiday in Jamaica to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Mark shared this photo with the caption: ‘Happiness summed up in 1 pic’

Under the plans, the mansion will include a ground floor bar, gym, TV room, study, and an outdoor swimming pool.

In planning documents, a bat survey undertaken for the couple said: ‘It is possible that bats may commute and forage along and within the woodland to the North West.

‘Therefore, it is advised that a bat considerate lighting scheme be employed during the demolition, construction and completed phase to prevent lighting of the woodland.

‘In addition, integral bat boxes should be installed in the new building.’

Bats and Great Crested Newts are protected by law, meaning it is offence to harm them, or to destroy or interfere with their roosts and habitats.

Legislation dictates that any structures or place which bats use for shelter or protection must be protected from damage or destruction, whether they are occupied or not.

An architect working on behalf of the TV duo have submitted plans to the council showing the design of the house they want to build which they say is a similar size to the existing one

An architect working on behalf of the TV duo have submitted plans to the council showing the design of the house they want to build which they say is a similar size to the existing one

An architect working on behalf of the TV duo have submitted plans to the council showing the design of the house they want to build which they say is a similar size to the existing one

Mark and Michelle say the existing property including the kitchen (pictured) isn't functional for their family needs and want to build something that they have designed themselves

Mark and Michelle say the existing property including the kitchen (pictured) isn't functional for their family needs and want to build something that they have designed themselves

Mark and Michelle say the existing property including the kitchen (pictured) isn’t functional for their family needs and want to build something that they have designed themselves 

The presenter and his wife, who are currently on holiday in Jamaica, want to replace the lounge and the rest of the house which is set in 0.75 acres of grounds on an exclusive road

The presenter and his wife, who are currently on holiday in Jamaica, want to replace the lounge and the rest of the house which is set in 0.75 acres of grounds on an exclusive road

The presenter and his wife, who are currently on holiday in Jamaica, want to replace the lounge and the rest of the house which is set in 0.75 acres of grounds on an exclusive road

Their new home came complete with a triple garage and backs on to wide, green fields (above)

Their new home came complete with a triple garage and backs on to wide, green fields (above)

Their new home came complete with a triple garage and backs on to wide, green fields (above)

It has been incorporated into planning policies meaning local authorities have a legal obligation to consider whether bats or newts are likely to be affected by a proposed development.

The couple purchased the new pad near Epping in Essex for £1.3 million in October last year but want to demolish it to create their perfect family home.

In planning documents submitted to the Apprentice star’s local council, Wright said of his new property: ‘The house has been designed to be a classical design dwelling, where the emphasis is on symmetry and traditional classical detailing.

‘The existing site is a residential site and the proposal is a replacement dwelling, which will also have a residential use.’

Epping Forest District Council will rule on the plans in due course.

The new property has a big garden (above) and would be perfect for raising a family if, as Mark suggested two years ago, the couple are soon going to be trying for a baby

The new property has a big garden (above) and would be perfect for raising a family if, as Mark suggested two years ago, the couple are soon going to be trying for a baby

The new property has a big garden (above) and would be perfect for raising a family if, as Mark suggested two years ago, the couple are soon going to be trying for a baby

If their plans are approved, this bedroom, which is one of four, will be demolished and replaced with a home comprising a ground floor bar, gym, TV room, study and an outdoor pool

If their plans are approved, this bedroom, which is one of four, will be demolished and replaced with a home comprising a ground floor bar, gym, TV room, study and an outdoor pool

If their plans are approved, this bedroom, which is one of four, will be demolished and replaced with a home comprising a ground floor bar, gym, TV room, study and an outdoor pool

Last year Mark left his dream job in the US to concentrate on his marriage to Michelle after two years of long distance romance.

But the Heart Radio host has revealed that he is thinking about starting a family and last year said 2020 could be the time.

He said in December: ‘We say we’re going to try [for a baby] every year but something comes up with work.

‘So it’ll be Michelle filming in South Africa and then I got the job in Los Angeles – so we think, right, we’ll try next year.

‘It’ll be around December or January, we’ll talk about it and we’ll go from there.

‘With kids, I used to want three or four. But now, I’m 31, we’re not having kids any time before 32. I think we could have two or three. Twins would be great because you’re getting two out of the way at once!

‘Triplets would be even better! And if we have quadruplets we’d be laughing because we’d have them all in one go!’