Plans to strengthen protection of a valley that is home to thousands of migrating birds from the impact of development are being considered.

The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA) spans 1,358 hectares in Northamptonshire and is internationally recognised for its importance to wintering birds, in particular golden plover, lapwing and bittern.

A North Northamptonshire Council meeting discussed new evidence which identified that residential development within 5.9km of the SPA was likely to result in "adverse effects".