Plans for a £15m leisure complex in Seaton, Devon, are finally set to commence after being stalled by local bats.

The hilltop scheme – which will include a boutique hotel, restaurant, spa and gym as well as 38 two- and three-bedroom luxury rental lodges – was initially rejected because of objections by Natural England, which was concerned about interference with bat movements in the area .

The plans have now been modified to include a “bat corridor” on the site, which meets the requirements of Natural England. The buildings, which cut into the hillside of a meadow, will all have ‘green roofs’, which is where the flat roofs will be covered in local soil and crushed brick, allowing wild flowers to grow.

The two-storey boutique hotel will be separate from the rental lodges, with a central amenities building housing a restaurant and leisure club. The new facilities will include a coffee shop, 15-station gym, swimming pool and spa.

The spa will have four treatment rooms, a sauna, tepidarium with thermal pool, steam room, six changing suites, a relaxation lounge and a finishing salon. The leisure club will also feature a physiotherapy room.

“I am very pleased that common sense has prevailed,” said Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton. “The development, along with the swimming pool, will be a great asset for the community of Seaton. This large investment in Seaton will be appreciated by residents and visitors alike.”