A PROTECTED species of toad almost scuppered plans for five new wastewater pumping facilities in South Lakeland.

As part of the Duddon Estuary Wastewater Treatment Improvement project, United Utilities had summited planning applications for facilities at land near Kirkby-in-Furness Railway station, Long Row (Marshside), Head Crag (Kirkby-in-Furness), Cart House Farm (Soutergate), and Cross Beck Farm (Soutergate).The project is designed to improve the handling of urban wastewater and bathing water on the eastern edge of the Duddon Estuary which is currently served only by septic tanks and outdated sewage works.

However, members of Cumbria County Council's development control and regulation committee raised concerns as the plans fall within areas where there are known populations of the protected natterjack toad.

United Utilities agreed to fence the sites with a 'toad exclusion' fence and also to place 'catch-buckets' within the enclosure for three weeks to make sure any toads on the site were captured and removed to a safe place.

With these conditions, members agreed to support the applications.