Plans for the renovation and conversion of a barn into a games room and guest accommodation at the Suffolk home of Game of Thrones stars Kit Harrington and Rose Leslie are being held up by bats.

The couple, who met on the set of the popular television series, are seeking planning permission for the conversion of a barn from Babergh District Council at their home in Brettenham. 

The couple lodged plans in November last year to refurbish the barn on their 8.2 acre estate, but 12 months later it is still being held up due to concerns over bats.

Ecologists Place Services objected to the plans on Tuesday due to insufficient information being provided about the protected species. 

Bat concerns are holding up works at the house in BrettenhamBat concerns are holding up works at the house in Brettenham (Image: James Linsell-Clark/SWNS) Pipistrelle bats were found in the barnPipistrelle bats were found in the barn (Image: PA) "We are still not satisfied that sufficient ecological information is currently available for determination of this application," the firm said.

Bat species and their roosts are protected in Britain under Regulation 43 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. It is considered a criminal offence if you deliberately disturb a bat or damage or destroy a breeding site.

A survey submitted as part of the application found a number of bat roosts, including Pipistrelle, were found in the barn. 

A Pipistrelle Bat flyingA Pipistrelle Bat flying (Image: PA) "In absence of mitigation measures, the proposed refurbishment and conversion of the barn will result in the loss and damage to a number of bat roosts and bats may be harmed during the works," the survey report read.

Thirty-nine pipistrelle bats were found emerging from the barn across three different surveys.

The couple met on Game of ThronesThe couple met on Game of Thrones (Image: PA) Kit Harrington played Jon Snow in Game of ThronesKit Harrington played Jon Snow in Game of Thrones (Image: HBO/IMDB) Measures to mitigate the impact of work on the bats include ensuring there is no increased light spillage on to suitable habitats, restricting light to a low level and restrictions to protect roost areas.

In September, it was recommended that the building at the centre of the application was subject to a nocturnal emergence survey and an automated bat detector installed. 

This would take place over 10 nights and should be completed between May and August, according to the report.

The latest work on the barn is part of a programme of repairs which are being carried out by the couple. 

It is believed the house dates back to around the 15th century and is Grade II listed. The couple's home also boasts a swimming pool and tennis court.