SIR Gareth Southgate has won his fight to convert a dilapidated barn at his countryside mansion into a plush gym — provided he makes room for bats.
A survey carried out before the proposed works found that a huge natural stone barn at the former England manager’s £3.25million home is currently being used as a roost by the protected species.
The discovery delayed Sir Gareth’s home renovations, because he had to secure a special licence from Natural England before any construction can begin.
Southgate, 55, has won the bid for the big makeover, but is required to install a dedicated bat loft running the full length of the barn, complete with nine access points, as well as mount eight bat boxes in nearby trees.
He also wants to add a ground floor sauna and shower with a new first floor open plan office and meeting table in a Grand Designs-style makeover of his Yorkshire gaff.
More than 60 brown long-eared bats were seen emerging from the crumbling barn, alongside other species including two common pipistrelles and a single soprano pipistrelle.
Surveyors also came across more than 1,000 droppings inside the building.
Under protective wildlife laws, deliberately or recklessly disturbing a bat roost, or destroying it, is a criminal offence.
However, local council planners approved the renovations after no objections were raised by conservationists or neighbours, ruling the former England gaffer’s plans acceptable.
They said the project would safeguard the character and appearance of the Grade II-listed barn and its surrounding landscape, while not causing harm to nearby residents.
Officials also noted the proposals included suitable mitigation and protection measures for the species.
Under the latest proposals, the historic barn will be converted, with the existing orangery and garden room refurbished to create a seating area, small kitchen and bar.
Southgate and his wife Alison bought the six-bedroom countryside retreat near Harrogate in 2006 during his time as manager of Middlesbrough F.C.
They later secured permission for internal changes, including a trap door, a secret doorway and 12 CCTV cameras.
The main house is Grade I listed, the highest level of protection for historic buildings.
It features five reception rooms, a cinema, wine cellar and a separate two-bedroom cottage, all set within 4.5 acres of a former sandstone quarry.
In a statement, Sir Gareth’s agent said: “We believe the building is now in need of a substantial refurbishment before time and weather cause the structure to deteriorate any further.
“The scheme has no adverse impact on neighbours or its wider landscape setting.”
