Plans to demolish an empty farm and build a refugee centre on the site in Vlaardingen, near Rotterdam, have been delayed for at least six months because rare bats may be living there.

The possible presence of bats was identified in research carried out by the council as part of the licensing process, local broadcaster DitisTwee reported.

Further investigation is needed to determine which animals have made the abandoned farm their home, and the council will have to find an alternative location for the bats before demolition can begin.

As a result, the refugee centre cannot open before the summer of 2027 at the earliest, rather than at the end of next year.

Ironically, the far right PVV and JA21 – parties that want to close the Netherlands’ borders to refugees – have both pledged to scrap legal protection for bats and other wildlife if their presence delays new construction projects.