The ex-Chelsea, Leicester and Manchester United midfielder, 33, wants to demolish an old cottage and build a new six-bedroom pile at a seven-acre farm in Cheshire.

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But a bat survey carried out ahead of the proposed development revealed that the existing pad was being used as a day roost by soprano pipistrelle bats – a protected species.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb or obstruct access to a bat roost.

It means Drinkwater will have to apply for a special licence from conservation body Natural England before building work starts.

And planners at the local council slammed the “inappropriate” and “disproportionate” development on green belt land.

But they said it was better than the “worst case scenario” of a previously allowed scheme which would result in a “sprawling jigsaw” of building across the site which includes a former munitions shed.

The luxury classical country house-style new build will boast a grand entrance lobby, breakfast area, library, office, snug and garden room.

It will also have no less than five dressing rooms, a staff living area and a roof terrace on the first floor.

There will also be a detached a garage with a special 19x13ft “bat loft” to allow access for the furry mammals.

The original plans included swimming pool, sauna, cinema, family room, morning and evening terrace and wine store.

Drinkwater, who came through the youth academy at Man Utd, was a key player in Leicester’s Premier League-winning side in the 2015/2016 season.

He moved to Chelsea in 2017 for £35million, signing a five-year contract, but made just 23 appearances for the Blues, scoring just a single goal, and was released by the club in 2022 before announcing his retirement this year.

Now a property developer, his new build was ruled “on-side” by officials at the local council after there were no objections from neighbours.