A COLONY of tiny amphibians look set to stand in the way of a proposed housing development near Selby.

Villagers want to protect a "substantial number" of great crested newts living in Parson's Pond, off Church Street, in Church Fenton.

Almost 100 letters of objection to a four-building development on the site of their home, which is also known as Vicar's Pond, have been received by council officers.

Residents claim the development would change water levels in the pond, as well as the drainage of nearby land. Wildlife experts believe the development would "damage or destroy" the habitat of the protected species by reducing available food and shelter.

Selby district councillors were expected today to reject the plans to build the two homes, garages and a private drive.

Council officers put proposals to build on the site on hold when it was alerted to the presence of the newts last summer.

Further investigation and survey work was carried out on the site, which is the last remaining pond of five in the village, and is believed to date back to 1849.

Experts with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust objected to the plans on the grounds that it would have an adverse impact on the colony.

They said that the newts would be disturbed by building work, exposed to pollution and alien species and have their habitat reduced.

In letters to the council, village residents said they also believed bats and voles lived in the area of the pond.

They added that the site access was dangerous, the buildings would be visually unacceptable and that the proposal would result in the loss of an area of natural beauty.

Parish councillors objected to the application on the grounds that it was "backfill" and said nothing should be done to harm the ecology of the pond.

In their recommendation to councillors, council officers state that: "It is considered that the development proposals would have an unacceptably harmful impact on the protected species Tritutus Cristatus (great crested newt)".

Updated: 15:52 Wednesday, November 06, 2002