Plans to create up to 30 jobs by transforming a historic building in Shrewsbury into shops, offices and restaurants were today dealt a blow after a council wildlife expert said they should be refused.

Kad Zaman, owner of the Station Hotel in Wellington, has applied for permission to transform the derelict Old Maltings building, near to Theatre Severn and the Guildhall in Frankwell, into a retail hub.

But an officer at Shropshire Council, which will decide the fate of the plans, today said the current proposals should be refused on ecological grounds.

He has highlighted the fact no surveys have been carried out to determine whether there are any rare species of bats on the site proposed for redevelopment.

It is a setback for the project which Mr Zaman said last week could create up to 30 jobs following space being made available for eight units in the complex.

Fran Lancaster, planning ecologist for the authority, said the application triggers the need for a survey because it involves the conversion of a pre-1960 detached building.

And she said that without the information, the applicants had failed to prove that an offence relating to the conservation of rare species of animals had not happened.

She said: “If any evidence of bats in the buildings is discovered then a detailed mitigation scheme for the site should be prepared.

“It is likely that provision of bat boxes or a bat loft will be necessary.

“In the absence of this additional information I recommend refusal since it is not possible to conclude that the proposal will not cause an offence under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010).”

An ecology report by the officer says an initial internal and external bat inspection study should be carried out and if evidence of bats is found, up to three further surveys could be required at the site.

If more detailed surveys are needed they would have to take place between May and September, meaning the plans could face major delays.

Bosses of the scheme want to ‘reinvigorate the local economy’ through the plans by providing a hub of activity in a bustling area of the town, close to the theatre and the River Severn.

Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision on the plans next month.

By David Seadon