Controversial plans to build 42 homes on a site in south Shropshire could be scrapped after a colony of protected newts was discovered in the area.

The great crested newts have been found close to the Ashbrook Farm site near Church Stretton, for which homes are planned.

The discovery follows the district council’s grant of planning permission for 42 homes. Investigations are under way into how the newts, found in a pool near the site, will affect the plans.

Peter Scott, a partner specialising in environmental law at Worcestershire solicitors Parkinson Wright LLP, said: “The objectors have made a very clear case that this development by South Shropshire Housing Association contravenes national and local planning policy.

“Whether the development can go ahead now has to be judged by the much stricter criteria that apply to developments affecting Eur- opean protected species.”

Mr Scott said the housing association must demonstr- ate imperative reasons of overriding public interest why the site outside Church Str- etton’s development boundary should be developed, and that there were no satisfactory alternative sites in the district.

Maureen Williams, speaking for Churchill Road Residents Association, said: “The discovery of a protec- ted species on this land only serves to strengthen our ca- se against these fields being destroyed by developers.”

District council planning head Jake Berriman said: “People objecting to the plans found newts in a nearby pool, but they aren’t necessarily on the site.”

He said if newts were found the association would have to obtain a licence and the council would be asked if it supported it.