Chelsea Stadium Plan Hits Snag Due to Cemetery, Bat Roost Issues

Chelsea's plan for a new stadium is reportedly being thwarted by bats in a nearby cemetery. The Blues are being asked to provide assurances their new stadium won't endanger species found at Brompton cemetery, according to trade magazine Building (h/t Joanna Bourke of the London Evening Standard).

Chelsea are planning a new facility to replace Stamford Bridge, one costing £500 million. They intend to build on the site of the current stadium, but only if planners receive assurances about the surrounding area and its bats, per Bourke:

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But local planners have ordered the Blues — recently joined by the aptly named striker Michy Batshuayi — to explain how the proposals will protect nearby Brompton cemetery before they give the go-ahead. As well as being Grade I listed, the cemetery is also home to a wide variety of bats.

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Hammersmith and Fulham council (h/t Building) have dubbed Chelsea's initial explanation as "inconclusive." The main issues focus on how building work and design features would impact the Western Catacombs at Brompton. They are a notable sight for bat enthusiasts to undertake tours.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

However, the report from the council also highlighted how artificial lighting is a danger to the bats, with Chelsea providing "little information." Meanwhile, there are additional concerns about how construction would impact any hibernation roost.

The council will have final say on approval for the new stadium. Now the governing body is pushing Chelsea's developers to offer more details: "[There is a] lack of detail and certainty over the phasing and demolition and construction programme.”

Chelsea need a new stadium to offer an increased seating capacity and boost matchday revenue. The need has grown greater since London rivals West Ham United moved into a new home. Tottenham Hotspur are set to follow suit, while Arsenal have been in the Emirates Stadium since 2006.

It's time for Chelsea to capitalise on the increased global pull and support that the club has gained following the sustained success of the Roman Abramovich era.