BATS have been blamed for the delay in developing a former Merstham care home which has fallen into disrepair.
Angry residents are calling for action to be taken over Shaftsbury House in School Hill, which has been derelict since 2004 and even been used as a criminals' hideaway.
In February this year, an application submitted by Sanctuary Group and approved by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, proposed building a 34-bed care home at the site.
But plans have stalled, apparently due to the presence of bats in the area.
Penny Halliday, head of development commercial for Sanctuary, said: "When planning permission was granted it came with a number of conditions, including an obligation to carry out surveys and necessary works to protect any bats that may be on the site, as well as obtain a European Protected Species Licence before any work can begin.
"As bats are a protected species, we must take great care and ensure strict legal compliance before we can commence work, as it could disturb a potential bat habitat.
"We take the conservation of protected species very seriously and have been working along with specialist consultants to ensure that we are doing everything necessary to minimise disruption. At the same time, we also understand that those living nearby would like to see work commence, and we are keen to progress with the project as soon as possible."
The approved plans included retaining the original building as well as demolishing extensions added in the 1970s, to be replaced with a new two-storey building.
Developers acknowledged the site's deteriorating state, saying: "The development of this site will substantially improve both the visual amenity and safety for the local residents."
Resident Robert Smith called for planning permission to "be solidly acted on" or rescinded.
