THE demolition and redevelopment of a former supermarket in Newport which was originally slated to begin at the start of this year could now not take place until October, the Argus has learned.

The former Sainsbury’s in Crindau has lain vacant for seven years, falling into disrepair and becoming an eyesore as passengers come into Newport by train.

In November 2015 developers the Fear Group, which bought the site in 2010, was granted outline planning permission for a 601-bedroom student housing complex, 142 flats and a hotel and previously said it planned to demolish the former supermarket at the start of this year.

But now Leon Fear, who runs the company alongside his father Stephen, has said the firm has been ordered to carry out a survey of bat activity at the site, which had delayed the scheme.

“A member of the public apparently saw a bat flying and in and out and photographed it and notified the council,” he said.

“They contacted us and told us we have to carry out a survey.

“We have got to follow procedure but unfortunately that results in a significant delay.”

Saying the survey was due to be carried out next week, Mr Fear said: “We are getting it done as early as we can.

“A specialist is going to see whether there is evidence of bat activity.

“If there is we have to follow their advice about what we can do.

“You cant remove bat roosts at certain times of year, I think it’s between May and October.

“So if it turns out there are bats the demolition will be delayed until October, which is hugely disappointing.”

Mr Fear said the company was ready to carry out the work and was hoping no evidence of bat activity would be found.

“If we get the result we want and no evidence of bats is there we could get demolition started in the next month or so,” he said.

“But we will have to remobilise demolition worker who were ready to go so may be issues with schedules there.

“If things need to be done such as removing bats at the right time and in the right way that will be a cost to us.

“It has been frustrating but there is nothing we can do but try and deal with it as quickly as we can.”

He added the delay would also have an impact on what would ultimately be developed on the 2.67 hectare site on the banks of the River Usk, saying if the demolition was able to go ahead soon the company would probably go ahead with its previous plans.

But Mr Fear said if it was delayed until later in the year the Bristol-based company would reconsider the plans.

“We are constantly considering it and we haven’t made a firm decision,” he said.

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said: “Outline planning permission for the demolition of the former Sainsbury’s building and redevelopment of the site was given in 2015.

“A bat survey was submitted with that application but due to the time that has elapsed, a new survey is now legally required.”

Last year Stephen Fear said the firm had very nearly pulled out of the project altogether following a spate of vandalism and graffiti at the site, as well as a fire and that both he and his son had been attacked while visiting the site.