LODGERS in a disused factory could delay a multi-million pound housing development by several months.

Surveys have been carried out at the site of the former Hadley's ironworks, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, to find out whether bats are roosting in one of the remaining buildings.

George Wimpey North East is building 102 homes at the site, which will cost from £130,000 to £230,000.

If the surveys find the derelict Victorian building contains bats, it may not be allowed to be demolished until the spring.

An independent environment consultant has carried out four surveys at the site and her report is expected in a fortnight.

Site manager Paul McLachlan said: "We cannot touch the building now until the surveyor's report is presented to us.

"If we find they are using it as a roosting place, we have to wait until they are gone in February and March.

"We did not plan to be waiting until next March, but we will do what we have to do and will conform to any recommendations."

Bats are a protected species in Europe and, along with creatures such as otters, red squirrels and newts, are among the most protected species in the country.

English Nature conservation officer Dave Mitchell said: "There is a possibility that if the building is cold enough, then they could use it to hibernate.

"Bats tend to live in houses during the summer and raise their young, then they go to caves and cold places in the winter as they need somewhere cold to hibernate.

"The consultant will be looking at things like temperature when the surveys are carried out."

Middleton St George ward councillor Doris Jones said: "It is quite funny because this huge, ugly building is just wavering on its own in the middle of the development. It looks hideous, but they can't knock it down. It's the bats' pad.

Wimpey is donating money to the village as one of the planning conditions for the development. Coun Jones said some of the money would be spent on bat boxes.

"We are hoping the bats will use the boxes, but you cannot tell them where to go. At the moment they obviously like it where they are."