Great crested newts are protected by two acts of parliament

The newts are a protected species and have been seen in Ffordd Pen y Maes in Trefnant near Denbigh.

Local people say they are anxious their natural habitat is not disturbed, and if building firm Anwyl is given planning permission they will ask the Welsh Assembly Government to intervene.

But developer Graham Anwyl said his company had taken a "very responsible position" when dealing with the amphibians.

Joy Ryding, who lives near the site, said nearly 200 people had signed a protest petition.

"I believe that these houses are not necessary here," she said.

We are creating six ponds as an improvement to the habitat for the great crested newts Graham Anwyl

"They're not aimed at local people so they can't regard this as essential housing - they will be classed as executive homes.

"If you start wiping out everything you'll have no wildlife around," she added.

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

But Mr Anwyl said his firm had commissioned a survey which proved great crested newts were present and it would act to protect them.

"It has been agreed with the CCW (Countryside Council for Wales) that we will protect the newts' environment," he said.

"We are creating six ponds as an improvement to the habitat for the great crested newts."

Decision

Mr Anwyl said that if planning permission was granted, the company would ask the assembly for a licence, to help protect the habitat.

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.

Denbighshire County Council had previously decided to grant planning permission if there were no further objections. But because there were protests councillors will meet again on 25 February.

"Planning officers have received further representations and have listened to the concerns of residents who have raised new issues," a council spokeswoman said.

"Further comments received up to the day before the planning committee will be taken into account," she added.