Environment Minister Tim Halman has tossed out an appeal on a residential project being built near a wetland in Dartmouth.

The appeal was filed by two groups including the Ecology Action Centre who are concerned about the Eisnor Cove area.

They argued the area is home to sensitive wood turtles.

However, Halman says an independent ecologist determined it was “not a suitable habitat” for the turtles.

Protestors have been fighting to have the project moved, four people were arrested in a clash with police earlier this month.