Two ponds are to be created on a Rutland farm for the benefit of great crested newts.

The ponds will go on a 900m2 site to the north of College Farm Lane, Belton in Rutland.

They will each be approximately 150 m2 with a depth of 1.5 m and will form part of Natural England's district licensing scheme for great crested newts.

The application from Gregory Gilmore of Nottingham-based EMEC said the ponds would be created within a fenced off buffer strip of saplings between two parcels of grazing pasture.

"The ponds will comprise a variety of shallows suitable for a range of amphibians as well as other fauna and flora. Both ponds will include a 3m wide buffer of marginal vegetation to act as additional habitat for wildlife."

A report by Rutland Council planning staff said: "The proposed ponds are to be located on the northern grassland of the farmland where the surrounding area is predominantly arable.

"The ponds and are not excessive in size and will not be readily seen from public vantage points. The growth of natural planting will further integrate the development into the surrounding countryside."

Recommending approval, the report concluded: "The proposal will not impact adversely on residential amenity, highway safety of the general character of the area."