MORE than 750 protected newts have been moved to make way for new houses.

The great crested newts, which are legally protected in Britain, were moved from the former Durham County Council depot site in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, to allow for Miller Homes’ The Meadows development.

They were shifted to a specially-created habitat nearby.

More than 2,300 smooth newts, 100 frogs, several toads and two hedgehogs were also relocated.

The scheme, which also included erecting a perimeter fence to prevent the newts returning and installing a new drainage system, cost Miller Homes more than £300,000.

Alex Turner, of Ajt Environmental Consultants, said: "This is one of the largest populations of great crested newts we have come across.

"Ten large hibernation sites have been built and these along with the new ponds have helped to ensure the survival of these animals.

"We have already recorded great crested newts using the new ponds and we would hope for numbers to increase further in 2011."

Patrick Arkle, technical manager at Miller Homes, said: "We always take great care to ensure that any construction work we do has minimal damage to nature and the environment and we work very closely with ecological experts to put strict measures in place that will benefit the whole community."