Noel Gallagher's property revamp is delayed after experts find bats roosting in roof of country mansion he fled to with family over fears for safety of his children after stabbing deaths in London

He recently moved his family to the countryside for a bit of peace, quiet and safety.

It seems, however, that there’s a minor obstacle in the way of Noel Gallagher living his dream rural life – a family of tiny bats.

Ecologists have discovered an active roost in the roof of his £8million seven-bedroom mansion in Hampshire.

It has forced the Oasis star, whose hits include Don’t Look Back In Anger and Wonderwall, to be particularly careful as he carries out plans to renovate the impressive property.

The family have even been told to switch off all lights on the first floor until they are replaced – because they are ‘emitting light and high frequency noise into the roof void’.

Planning documents show Gallagher wants to remove a wall on the first floor of the property and rearrange internal partitions to create an enlarged dressing room and en-suite bathrooms.

An ecologist was asked to report on whether any protected species – specifically bats – could be disturbed by the work.

Following several visits, which included analysing bat droppings and looking for evidence of food, the ecologist concluded: ‘The building was found to have been used by at least one species of bat (brown long-eared) and DNA testing has shown previous use by this species.

‘The building is characterised as a current and active bat roost. All species of bat in the UK are fully protected by both domestic and European legislation, and therefore safe working practices are required in order to ensure their needs are taken into account.’

The ecologist states that no work should be carried out between November and March ‘to avoid any disturbance to bats hibernating in the roof’.

In addition, no more than four hours of work should be carried out each day and no radios are to be played by workmen.

To resolve the issue of light and noise spilling into the roof, he writes: ‘Until such time as the issue of the noise and light spilling into the roof void from the first floor ceiling lights has been resolved they are to remain switched off at all times.’

Gallagher bought the mansion, which has a swimming pool, tennis court and library, in May this year.

With views across rolling countryside, the impressive property also features a croquet lawn and an adjoining cottage.

The 52-year-old, who was raised in an inner city area of Manchester, decided he needed to move his wife Sara MacDonald and three children to the countryside because of fears for their safety.

Ref:  Property Report