SPECIAL attention will be paid to the future health of frogs and toads as well as tadpoles and newts before a new house is built near an ancient wood in Appleton.

Borough council ecologist Dr David Bell has asked for an amphibian survey before plans to erect a home close to a site of Biological Interest, in Lyons Lane, Appleton.

It was agreed by Town Hall nature conservation experts that the works, near to the historical Long Wood, would not substantially harm the aging green oasis.

The Forestry Commission - backed by English Nature and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust - also called for a woodland management plan to foster the treatment, renewal and control of sycamores and rhododendrons in the area.

Council bosses, approving the package, cited the scheme as a good example on what advantages can be achieved through a planning application.

Development control committee chairman Clr Terry O'Neill said: "This is one way that the planning system can be used to be of benefit to an area.

"This site would benefit greatly from a woodland plan. Our ecologist has asked for an amphibian survey and that any action needed from that be taken."

Yet these views were not shared by Appleton parish council. Its members argued that the proposals would be detrimental to a long-established woodland.

Neighbours also objected to the plans, fearing vital trees would be felled to construct a driveway and damage would be caused to shrubs and plants close to a public footpath.

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