Playing the devil's advocate just how is the new development going to disturb the bats given that it is only said to be nearby rather than on the same site. Unlike creepy crawly things Bats have the ability to fly and if part of their hunting ground is built on they can go elsewhere. People often cite disturbing the Bats as a reason to delay a development and as a last ditch attempt to stop it. The trust overplayed their hand and the Judge saw through it.
I don't necessarily believe any of the above but people who don't care about animals will be saying exactly these things.