Banff architecture firm Mantell Ritchie submitted plans to convert the former Rose Innes Home in South Street, Aberchirder, into 13 flats last year, but have withdrawn their planning application on advice from the local authority.

Aberdeenshire Council, which previously operated the home until its closure in 2006, believe that bats – which are a protected species – may have taken up residence in the onetime hospital.

The firm’s Michael Ritchie said his client had been left with no other option but to delay the scheme.

He explained: “We have to get a bat survey done, and we can only do that in the summer.

“When the council had a planning application in previously, they noticed there were one or two bats about, and for that reason they have asked for a survey to be done. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the reason.

“It’s not because we’ve changed our mind, we just have to be wary of the bats.”

A new planning application is expected to be made later in the year, following the survey.

The scheme to convert the care home into flats would create 25 parking spaces for residents and visitors. Rose Innes Home was closed following fears that it would not meet the exacting standards set by the Care Commission.