A steel firm seeking to expand at its Dudley site is taking measures to protect the future of the great crusted newt population living nearby.
Servosteel wants to extend its storage facilities in Pensnett Road.
But the company has carried out an ecological survey at the grounds and bosses have been told they will only be allowed to develop if the newts are protected.
A barrier providing access to the breeding ponds at nearby Fens Pool would be built under plans which will go before the council’s development control committee on Monday. The application is recommended for approval but officers recommend more conditions will have to be included to protect the area’s wildlife.
Servosteel will have to conduct regular assessments of the water used by the newts, an ecological expert must be available throughout the development and any vegetation found used by protected species will have to be removed by hand.
If any protected species are found then workers will have to down tools immediately and would not be permitted to return to work without consent from Natural England and the council.
Sue Greenaway, ward member for Brockmoor and Pensnett, said she was pleased with the firm’s approach. She said: “I think it is wonderful and anything they can do to help is great. If they are going the extra mile as well, then it’s good news.”
Dean Gallen, spokesman for Natural England, said: “The great crested newt is a properly protected amphibian and like most amphibians they are dependent on water sources but spend most of their lives on land.
“Their population is currently very vulnerable and Natural England is responsible for the licensing system that ensure the protection of this species.”
The firm’s new extension would measure 213ft metres by 95ft metres and would be used to store untreated steel coil. A further 103 parking spaces will also be provided.
Only one letter of objection has been received, citing the proposal’s potential impact on the area’s wildlife.
Servosteel employs 96 people and processes thousands of tons of steel each year.
In the summer workers were told they would have their overtime ours slashed as a result of the declining economy.
Great crested newts are Britain’s largest newt species but populations have declined over recent years as a result of the destruction and fragmentation of their natural habitat.
They can live until the age of 27 and grow as long as 6.6 inches.
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