All the legislation says there should be no development within 500 metres of a breeding pond

Joy Ryding campaigner

The amphibians - which are a protected species - have been seen in the area and locals are anxious their natural habitat is not disturbed.

The application for the Ffordd Pen y Maes building is being considered by the Welsh Assembly.

It was turned down by Denbighshire County Council in September 2001 and the applicant appealed.

After an informal meeting in St Asaph on Tuesday an inspector from the assembly announced a decision would be reached in three weeks.

Joy Ryding lives near the site of the proposed development - it was her family who alerted the authorities that great crested newts could be found in the area.

Protected amphibians

"I adjoin the site and when we had an extension built about two years ago we found great crested newts," she said.

Because of their declining population, the amphibians are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the European Habitats Directive (1994).

Adult great crested newts can reach 165mm in length and are distinguished by their dark colouring marked with small, white spots.

The underbelly is a fiery orange or paler yellow and the crest is a flap of skin sported by the males in the spring.

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said the public's views had been considered during the initial planning process.

Breeding pond

They said some objections had been raised over fears the development could have an affect on greater crested newts in a nearby pond.

Mrs Ryding added: "The breeding pond is 15 metres away from the development.

"All legislation says there should be no development within 500 metres of a breeding pond."

Developers who want to build on the site have argued that the area is not a resting place for great crested newts.