Great Crested Newts stopping housing developments

Local residents concerned about the plethora of proposed housing estates locally will have been surprised to read the news from the House of Lords that great crested newts have been used around the country by so-called Nimbys to prevent planning applications being approved.

In a debate about the lack of affordable housing, the Conservative peer Lord Borwick, a property developer, claimed that the newts were being planted on building sites to derail potential developments because the amphibians enjoy protected status across Europe.

Under current law it is illegal to catch, possess or handle great crested newts without a great crested newt handling licence or to cause them harm or disturb their habitat in any way, making them a thorn in the side of builders.

We are sure that no-one in Audlem would sink to such deplorable behaviour. In any case, surely our surrounding fields are full of the poor little creatures without any questionable interference by humans, nimby or otherwise.

Naturally, if you see one nearby, do let AudlemOnline know and, remembering the law, on no account attempt to move it! After all, any field free from newts is likely to be subject to a planning application soon after.

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