Local planners in Chiltern DC have rejected a proposal from legendary heavy metal frontman Ozzy Osbourne to convert a barn on his Buckinghamshire estate into a two-bedroom home - because of ‘considerable evidence’ that bats and owls live in the grounds.

A survey conducted by Chiltern DC found droppings and feeding remains of common and soprano pipistrelles and possibly brown long-eared bats.

All bat species and their dwelling places are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Protection Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

A Chiltern DC spokesman said: ‘Mr Osbourne cannot convert his listed building until satisfactory surveys and related mitigation, allowing the bats and owls to remain living on the site, is submitted.

‘We must be satisfied measures have been put in place before planning permission can be considered,’ the spokesman added.

This is not the Black Sabbath singer’s first run in with the protected species. In one infamous incident, the Birmingham-born vocalist bit the head off a bat thrown on stage at a concert in 1982 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Mr Osbourne defended his actions, saying he believed the bat was a rubber toy. He later said the bat managed to bite him before he succeeded in tearing its head off, which resulted in treatment for rabies.

The year before, Mr Osbourne was reported to have bitten off the head of a dove, while intoxicated, at the signing of his first solo recording deal with the CBS label.

He had planned to release the doves into the air as a sign of peace and freedom, but instead grabbed a dove, bit its head off and spat it out in front of shocked record industry executives.

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