Bats block new housing development in Muurame, municipality to appeal

The Regional State Administrative Agency (LVV) has rejected Muurame’s application to demolish two buildings on the Hautalahti farm, citing protected bat roosts inside the structures. The decision threatens to halt plans for a new detached housing area intended for 100–150 residents.

Muurame had sought an exception permit to remove the buildings, which are part of a larger demolition plan covering seven structures on the farm. Under Finnish nature conservation law, disturbing or destroying the breeding and resting sites of bats—a strictly protected species—is prohibited.

The agency ruled that the municipality failed to demonstrate the absence of alternative solutions or sufficient justification for the demolition. Muurame argues the buildings pose safety risks, including potential vandalism and structural collapse, and that leaving them standing amid new homes would be impractical.

Jukka Kaistinen, Muurame’s financial director, told Yle the municipality plans to file an appeal with the Hämeenlinna Administrative Court next week. He added that the town has proposed measures to relocate the bats, such as installing bat boxes or larger alternative structures, and noted that suitable habitat exists in the surrounding area.