MM,get the local media involved asap! Badger sets and bats ARE very much protected in N.I. like elsewhere, but,money involvement for councils etc are shocking!.Was involved with a fight to build a massive car park over a centuries old proper "park". Council loved the plans for the revenue, when the story made the papers the original applicants said they were unaware from the council that there was so much opposition and removed their application! I'm unaware of your whole situation, but, as far as you can make as much "noise" as possible , good luck x