WHEN an ecological survey was carried out in an area of Wincham to be developed - a protected species of newt was discovered.

Now Vale Royal Borough Council will only approve the application if a legal agreement is signed to protect Great Crested Newts in a nearby pond.

The pond is 10 metres from the proposed development area, which is the Garden Land, in Wincham Lane.

Vale Royal Borough Council has received two applications from West Midlands Metropolitan Authorities Pension Fund seeking outline planning permission to use the site.

The first is for business, general industrial and storage distribution purposes, and the other is the development of a car showroom and workshop.

The survey discovered two Great Crested Newts and 11 other newts.

Although the pond is outside the area proposed for development, the long grass and old building and structures on the site could be ideal terrestrial habitats of the Great Crested Newts.

The legal agreement requires the developer to provide new habitats and carry out landscaping works.

In addition a scheme will have to be approved which identifies all the sources of water to the pond and ensures its long term viability as the newts breed in water.

Great Crested Newts are protected by both national and international law.

It is an offence to kill, injure or disturb them or to destroy or damage the areas where they live.

But with careful handling they can be removed from the site while development is taking place and then reintroduced.