The presence of bats in elm trees could put a brake on any immediate felling of trees in St Mark’s the House of Keys heard this morning.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot said he did not agree with the felling of 25 elm trees but admitted in the House of Keys that there was legally nothing to stop the controversial scheme, because all the processes had been followed before planning approval was granted and the ’window of opportunity’ for protestors to appeal had passed.

However, after being told there was footage that indicated the presence of bats in the trees the minister said he would investigate as that could mean no felling would be allowed until the bats’ safety was assured and potential alternative homes for them were discovered.

Mr Boot also said he was due to meet the landowner and architects on Friday to discuss the many concerns raised over the proposals - plus claims of inaccuracies in the planning application - and that he hoped there would be no move to fell the trees before then.

When it emerged that planning permission had been granted to fell 25 elm trees to improve access to Ballavarvane Farm, St Mark’s, off the Braaid Road, there was an outcry, leading to a public protest in St Mark’s on Sunday, and a further protest outside the House of Keys today.

Campaigners also packed the public gallery as MHKs discussed the issue - but were warned repeatedly by Speaker Juan Watterson that they would be ejected if they did not stop heckling politicians.

Mr Boot said Malew Commissioners had not objected to the plans when they went through the process, despite representations from MHKs. He said that was a ’sad indictment’ of how it was handled.

The only remaining option, if the developers wanted to press ahead, would be to seek a petition of doleance to challenge the process.

To read more coverage, don’t miss today’s Isle of Man Examiner, which is in shops now.