Trust concern for rare newts

Brecknock Wildlife Trust and Brecknock & Radnorshire Amphibian & Reptile Group have been made aware that Powys County Council is proposing a development on land at Cefn Cantref, near Brecon, which could endanger wildlife. The land in question is within 250 metres of a population of great crested newt, a European protected species.

Great crested newts are an endangered species and are highly protected under both UK & European legislation.

The council’s intention is to put a planning application into the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority prior to the development taking place. However, the Trust has also learned that the council proposes to start the development within the next few weeks.

If the council follows the proper process of applying for planning permission – and waits for the outcome of this decision before starting any works – great crested newts and any other constraints can be highlighted and taken into account as part of the process, providing protection for the council itself against potentially breaking the law.

"Undertaking development in such a sensitive location requires a well thought out approach," said Rachel Sharp, Chief Executive Officer of Brecknock Wildlife Trust.

"The ecology of great crested newts and the legal process of assessing the effect of development on this species is not something that can be rushed through. We are disappointed that the council does not recognise this and hope that it is not putting itself into a difficult legal position."

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For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Bev Lewis, Conservation Officer, Brecknock Wildlife Trust Tel: 01874 625708

Notes for editors

§ Allowing a development to cause damage to a protected species can lead to action under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations 1994 (also known as the Habitats Regulations) as amended by the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.

§ Brecknock Wildlife Trust is the largest membership-based wildlife organisation in the area, dedicated to acting as a wildlife champion, creating wildlife havens, inspiring people about wildlife and encouraging sustainable living.

It covers the county of Brecknock and works closely with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts in Wales and England. The Trust is supported by over 600 local members and manages 21 nature reserves.

It is a member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the British Isles, with over 720,000 members and more than 2,200 nature reserves covering 46,000 ha.