Residents from Meadow View, Radstock, have expressed their concern at the removal of trees on Area Three of the Norton Radstock Regeneration land, which is being developed by Linden Homes.

The trees were reportedly removed in the lead-up to and also between Christmas and New Year and those concerned have asked B&NES Council to make sure the developer is working under the strict conditions imposed on this ecologically sensitive site.

Those against the removal of the trees argue that it was unnecessary for them to be taken down, with Westfield Parish Councillor and Radstock resident, Eleanor Jackson, labelling it “environmental vandalism of the worst possible kind.” She adds: “The history of flooding shows how mistaken it is to cut down trees along a river bank, even if it weren’t for the conditions of development.”

Radstock Town Councillor and Meadow View resident, Gary Dando, said this week: “I don’t understand why trees are being cleared in this area, it was certainly not contaminated land on this part. I know that four houses were built there in the late 1890s and this land was all gardens.

“I am also concerned about how all of the groundworks will affect the mine workings in the area.”

Speaking this week, Cate Le Grice-Mack, Chair of the Norton Radstock Regeneration Company, said: “The NRR board appreciates that the change in the landscape takes people by surprise. However, the conditions of the planning permission are very tight: there are strict conditions on the width of vegetative cover along the stream and the retention of healthy mature trees, for example. We cannot afford to put a foot wrong, nor would we want to.

“Removal is being carefully monitored by the conservation authorities.

“For our own part, the importance of this development is not only in the fact that it provides new, town based homes, largely on a brownfield site, but also that it is in a beautiful setting. We are as keen as anyone to protect that setting, but at the same time, make the development appropriate for the needs of local people.”

B&NES Council has had officers on site to inspect the work and has said that it will be looking to establish if any unauthorised work has taken place.