A DEVELOPER working on a former golf club site has a valid  licence to work around the habitat of a protected species, amid claims from environmental campaigners the correct processes had not been followed.

Natural England, the body responsible for issuing licences for developers to work on protected sites, finally confirmed this morning that Story Homes does have a great crested newt licence to allow it to work around the endangered amphibians' habitat at the former Blackwell Golf Club site on the edge of Darlington.

Environmental campaigners had reported the developer to Durham Police after being told the company had no licence to move the protected newts.

There are two ponds on the site which provide important habitat for the rare newt population.

Earlier yesterday Natural England said it had no record of a licence for Story Homes in Blackwell, and had also gave environmental group the CAmpaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) the same information.

But this morning, after Darlington Borough Council and Story Homes provided a reference number for the licence, Natural England finally confirmed the developer did have a valid licence.

Bob Barfoot, vice-chair of CPRE Darlington, said planning conditions state the work has to comply with an ecological assessment produced by the developer.

He added: “That compliance specifically states the ponds will be fenced off and protected during the construction period, and during occupation of the site.

“Photographs show the existing chestnut paling fencing around the ponds has been destroyed and that the ponds have apparently been dredged using heavy machinery.”

However, Story Homes said in a statement: "We have a great crested newt licence (issued by Natural England) and are working in accordance with this. We have ecologists advising us and overseeing the works relating to the licence. The initial works taking place are in preparation for newt trapping which will begin in due course."

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: “The council has been advised that works are being carried out around the ponds in accordance with a licence issued to the developer by Natural England.”

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: “We can confirm we received a report regarding the issue at 9.40am on March 15. The caller was advised to report the issue to the Environment Agency.”

Anyone found guilty of harming great crested newts without a licence can face an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.

The development has already been at the centre of a storm locally after hundreds of trees were cut down, with Darlington Borough Council's full permission.