Hedges breach by builders

Developers have chopped down nearly 150 metres of hedgerow on the possible site of 317 homes in Bridgnorth without planning permission.

Bridgnorth District Council has written to Persimmon Homes about the breach, because the proposals for the Wenlock Road site have not yet been given the go-ahead.

Jamieson Bridgwater, of the council planning department, said today: "They have removed 145 metres of hedge without consent and the council is pursuing the matter."

Consultants for Persimmon Homes said they hoped the scheme would go before councillors in the next two months.

Dominic Harman, managing director of Persimmon Homes, said: "We do understand this is an emotive issue for the local community. However, this clearance work is necessary to enable the construction of new access.

"Bridgnorth District Council were advised of our intention to carry out this work at this particular time."