Anger After Hedgerow Removed

A developer is defending removing around 30 metres of hedgerow, following outcry by people in Fleckney.

Persimmon Homes say they received all the necessary permissions – including approval from an ecologist – who confirmed there were no breeding birds in the section of Saddington Road, where 290 homes are to be built.

Villagers say the work should not have been carried out during nesting season and have reported the matter to the Council, alleging the Wildlife and Countryside Act has been breached.

Harborough Council is looking into the matter.

A spokesman from Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We have removed sections of the hedges at our upcoming development in Fleckney in accordance with an approved highway improvement strategy, which contains a requirement for clearance of physical obstructions prior to the widening of the existing highway.

“We apologise if this has caused distress for residents but would like to reassure them that all clearance works on-site are being undertaken in accordance with an ecologist’s guidance and approval, which confirmed that there were no breeding birds within the hedgerow prior to its removal.  We confirm that the works were fully in accordance with the legislation contained in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.”