Bats halt research plans at ‘nationally important' Neolithic mound
The Castle Mound, also known as Marlborough Mound, in Wiltshire, is the second largest Neolithic mound in Europe at 62ft high.
Marlborough College has applied for planning permission to try to 'enhance its setting' by demolishing school buildings that 'cut into' the west side of it.
The aim is to carry out further archaeological research when the buildings are gone – and eventually put a new curved stone-faced revetment in to support the mound.
But the presence of bats, which are protected, could halt the project.
History and artistic significance
In documents to support the application, the college said the mound was a 'nationally important scheduled monument' with significance including its prehistoric use, artistic interest and historic links to the Seymours, the family of Henry VIII's third wife Jane, the mother of Edward VI.
The mound has been carbon dated to 2,400BC, and features part of a medieval castle as well as some 17th and 18th-century garden features.
Wiltshire council has not yet made a decision on the application.
But the council's ecology team has raised concerns that the buildings being earmarked for removal could be a haven for bats.
It said in a report: 'The buildings on site appear to have some potential for roosting bats and there are records of bats, including roosting bats, in the local area.
'A preliminary roost assessment report has been submitted. The assessment found the buildings on site to be of moderate and high potential for roosting bats and recommended further surveys are carried out to determine the roosting status of each building and the requirement for mitigation (if any).
'The ecology team should be reconsulted once the results for all the surveys are available.
'Any compensation/mitigation measures required as a result of the surveys must be incorporated into the proposals.
'In carrying out its statutory function, the LPA must be reasonably sure that the proposal will not result in significant adverse effects on protected habitats or species.'
The works are intended to enhance the visitor experience of the new Mound Information Centre being completed in the college grounds.
The buildings imbedded into the mound include a decommissioned plant room, disused toilet block and a carpentry workshop which all have very little or no heritage value, according to the school.
'A great opportunity for surveys'
Its supporting statement to the council said: 'It is proposed to demolish these buildings which partially block the viewing of the Mound as they are either redundant or, in the case of the workshop, relocate the activities to elsewhere in the college.
'By razing these buildings the setting of the Mound will be enhanced with 360 [degree] visibility.'
The application stressed that special care will be taken not to dig into the Mound's bank or pull earth away, while green foliage between to Mound and the redundant buildings will be carefully removed.
The supporting statement added: 'The demolition work will provide a great opportunity for further archaeological surveys to be carried out and provide more insight into the Mound build-up and its history.'
The proposed works will be carried out on behalf of the Marlborough Mound Trust – set up in 2000 with a vision to restore, conserve, preserve and maintain the structure.
The Marlborough Mound has been celebrated throughout the history of the college, where former pupils include the Princess of Wales.
Wiltshire council is expected to decide on the application in August.
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