Property developer Banks plans newt underpass at Glenboig
A special underpass for newts is being planned as part of proposals for a major housing development in North Lanarkshire.
Banks Property said the underpass would run under a new proposed link road for a 1,040-home development in Glenboig.
The great crested newts would be relocated during the construction phase and then reintroduced to a nearby nature reserve.
Banks said its plans would help boost the protected species' numbers.
The Hamilton-based developer said it had been granted a Great Crested Newt Development Licence by Scottish Natural Heritage following a detailed application.
Banks Property director Colin Anderson said: "Being awarded this important licence is testament to our development with care approach at Banks Property.
"We are pleased to be doing our bit to safeguard such an important pocket of rare wildlife, including manual investigations of construction routes as well as developing long-term mitigation measures and habitat compensation.
"What is particularly pleasing is that rather than suffer a loss of habitat, the great crested newt population could continue to grow with the development of habitat and long term management."
The amphibian is protected under UK and European laws, having been subject to significant habitat loss since World War Two.
If approved, the Glenboig development would represent a £200m investment. According to Banks, it would help create an estimated 700 jobs.