Britain's Prince Charles has had to halt the renovation work on his recently purchased Welsh farmhouse after bats were found roosting in an outbuilding. The prince is converting his remote $2.4 million Llwynynwormwood estate in Myddfai, Carmarthenshire, into a holiday complex and an initially report into bat and owl activity concluded building work would have minimal impact on the wildlife.

But common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats have now been found roosting in a building on the estate which Charles has applied to transform into nearly $4 million luxury 11-bed resort.

He now has a month to call in a bat expert to decide what must be done.

One of the prince's aides told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper: "These are lucky, lucky, bats.

"They will be the best cared for, most comfortably accommodated bats in the whole of Britain."The prince is a huge fan of bats. I shouldn't be surprised if they are treated to a princely organic diet as well."

Depending on where the roosts are, the prince may have to drastically change his plans. In some cases, where the demolition of a building is requested, owners are permitted to provide an alternative roost nearby.

Bats and their roosts are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is an offense to kill or injure a bat or to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place a bat uses for shelter or protection. Fines can reach up to $9,965 per bat affected, or six months in jail.