A £1.5m housing development has been delayed...because of the sexual habits of badgers.

The proposal to convert Eastwood Lodge in Rayleigh Avenue, Eastwood, into five luxury homes was approved by Rochford district councillors by just one vote.

However, building will not be allowed to get under way until a special licence has been granted by English Nature in around six months, when the badger mating season is over.

English Nature conservation officer Antony Muller said: "The badger breeding season runs from December to June.

"Licences are not granted during this period as not to harm the pregnant mothers and their offspring."

Published Monday December 17, 2001