A RARE species of migratory bat could hamper a football club’s bid to move to a new ground.

Bloor Homes has submitted an application to Maldon District Council to build 104 homes, including 31 affordable properties, on Heybridge Swift Football Club’s site at Scraley Road.

If approved, the development would help fund a separate bid to build a new football ground and club facilities on fields off Goldhanger Road.

The new facilities would include two grass pitches, one artificial pitch, more changing facilities, a clubhouse, boardroom and car parking.

The Swifts’ current facilities are in dire need of modernisation and fail to meet the standards of the Football Association.

But the Essex Wildlife Trust has raised concerns that if the plans for the site off Goldhanger Road are approved it could lead to the destruction of a number of habitats.

Dr Annie Gordon, Conservation Officer, for the trust, said the application site and adjacent area supports protected species including several bat species, badgers, common lizards and grass snakes.

The trust says there are also records of Nathusius’ Pipistrelle – a rare migratory species of bat which is usually encountered in the autumn.

In her objection comment, Dr Gordon said: “The proposal will have adverse impacts on protected, rare and declining priority species and designated habitats.

“This will result in a reduction in biodiversity and habitat quality, and a loss of tranquillity in the area.

“Consequently, we are of the opinion that this is an unacceptable location for development and we urge the local planning authority to refuse permission for this application.”

Heybridge Parish Council has also objected to the plans, raising concerns about the potential noise and disturbance of the environment.

But Great Totham Parish Council has supported the scheme, saying the new facilities would have “real benefit” to the community.