BUILDING plans for the site of a doomed Suffolk middle school have been delayed after great crested newts were found.

BUILDING plans for the site of a doomed Suffolk middle school have been delayed after great crested newts were found.

Suffolk County Council said more surveys will have to be carried out at Pakefield Middle School before planning permission can be secured.

The school is one of those earmarked for closure - by September 2011 - as part of the council's bid to introduce a blanket two-tier school structure across the county.

A county council spokesman said: “As a result of great crested newts being found on the Pakefield Middle School site, further surveys will be required before planning permission can be secured to build on the site.

“This survey can only be completed at specific times of the year due to the presence of the newts.

“The next possible time the survey can begin is February next year.”

“Once the results of the environmental survey are known an updated planning application will be submitted, taking into account its findings.

“Parents, staff and young people can be reassured that the changes approved as part of the School Organisation Review are progressing and that the deadline of September 2011 will be met.