'Batman mansion' owner hits back in bats row
The owner of Mentmore Towers, a historic mansion featured in the film Batman Begins, is disputing a council order regarding bat surveys and building repairs. The council maintains that enforcement action is necessary to preserve the Grade I listed property.
Why it matters
Highlights the ongoing tension between historic property preservation, environmental regulations, and private ownership rights.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Mentmore Towers appeared as Wayne Manor in the 2005 film Batman Begins
The owner of a vacant Grade I listed mansion that appeared in the film Batman Begins has hit back at a council in a row over completing bat surveys.
Mentmore Towers, in rural Buckinghamshire, was served a listed-building repairs notice in August, urging the owners to carry out a survey of the flying mammals and repair masonry.
However, a spokesman for the country house, owned by property tycoon Simon Halabi, said its "own Batman team has already been on the case" with surveys and ecological investigations.
Peter Strachan, deputy leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said the authority's priority was protecting and preserving the "well-loved" building.
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