Bellway Homes development works 'destroy ancient hedgegrow'

A resident whose home backs onto the Weavers Meadow development of more than 150 new homes says workers have destroyed a second hedgerow.

Christine O’Doherty, of Wyke Road, Trowbridge, said: “They don’t give two hoots. They just don’t care.

“It’s done now so we can’t do anything about it. They just have a will unto themselves.

“I complained to the men operating the diggers but they said it’s just old brambles.”

Mrs O’Doherty claims the workers destroyed 100 feet of hedgerow that has been there for decades, and that offered a habitat for wildlife, including insects, bees and birds.

“There were blackberry bushes there and a hawthorn tree and now it’s all been destroyed.”

It is understood the nine-foot high hedgerow has been removed to make way for new fencing along Wyke Road to the rear of the development.

Mrs O’Doherty, whose home backs onto the development, also claims that work to build the new homes on the former greenfield site is driving out rats which are coming into residents’ gardens.

“We can’t feed the birds anymore because the rats are coming into people’s gardens,” she said.

“It’s sad because there was a lot of wildlife in that field and now it’s all gone. Soon there will be no wildlife left.”

Mrs O’Doherty complained to Bellway Homes in May last year when its contractors destroyed a hedgerow in the centre of the new development.

Flashback to May last year when contractors Cambium ripped out the hedgerows for the Weavers Meadows housing development next to Elizabeth Way, Hilperton. Photo: Trevor Porter 69834-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

She claims that tearing them apart will impact other wildlife, such as bats.

The area is frequented by Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats, which feed on midges and moths living in the hedgerows.

Bellway is building 151 new homes at Weavers Meadow on land to the south of Elizabeth Way between the Middle Lane bridleway and the A361 roundabout.

A spokesperson from Bellway said: “On Monday, 25 March 2024, Bellway carried out works to remove excess hedgerow at its Weavers Meadow development in Trowbridge.

"No further work on hedgerows has taken place since this date.

“This work was carried out under the supervision of a licenced ecologist and in accordance with the Landscape and Ecological Management Plan and Construction Management Plan, approved by Wiltshire Council.

“Bellway took additional precautions as it is currently nesting season and can confirm that no nests were disturbed on site.”