A PROTECTED species of newt is thought to be living on the future site of a Darlington college development

A routine environmental survey of Darlington College of Technology's new Haughton Road site suggested that great crested newts could be living and breeding on the land.

A second survey is now underway to determine whether the animals are living there. It is expected to reach a conclusion in the next few weeks.

Rob George, countryside and rights of way officer for the borough council's countryside team, said it was unlikely that newts would hold up the development.

"We really do not know for sure at this stage whether the newts are there or not, but now is an ideal time to look for them because they will be breeding," said Mr George.

"If the newts are found, there are a number of options the developers can take, but they mustn't kill them.

"The developers must demonstrate that they are acting in a cautious way and taking care to protect the animals."

Options for developers include creating a newt habitat on the site, fencing off the area where the newts are living, or as a last resort, moving the newts to a different location. Mr George said: "Newts are quite a common Darlington issue, because there is a lot of surface water around, which they like.

"Most developments take things like this into account, so it shouldn't pose too many problems."