Plans to build Chelsea’s spectacular new 60,000 seat stadium is under threat by the local BAT population
Roman Abramovich's ambitious plans hit an unlikely problem as Hammersmith and Fulham council demand answers
CHELSEA'S proposal to build a new £500million stadium has encountered an unlikely problem - bats.
Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has ambitious plans to build a spectacularly modern 60,000 seat stadium on the site of its current Stamford Bridge ground.
However the club have come across a rather unusual problem.
The new stadium could encroach on the nearby Brompton cemetery which is the home to hundreds of bats.
According to the , local planners want the club to clearly explain how the proposals of their new ground will not affect the wildlife that lives in the cemetery.
Related articles
The Grade 1 listed plot runs regular bat walks and Hammersmith and Fulham council are concerned how the increased artificial lighting will affect the bat population.
The council said: "Little information is provided on the impacts of artificial lighting on bats and how this well be reduced by detailed lighting design."
If given the go-ahead, the stadium would become the fourth biggest in the capital behind Wembley, the Emirates and Tottenham's new ground.
A statement on Chelsea's website revealed the new stadium would see "facilities improved for every area" and offer an "outstanding view from every seat in an arena."
The Blues were hoping to play at their new stadium by 2020 but there is a strong possibility that it could take longer.