A DEVELOPER has defended a decision to cut down a hedge during bird nesting season.

Linden Homes, who are building 85 houses at Heneage Farm, Falfield, are cutting the hedge down in order to widen Moorslade Lane.

The hedge will then be replanted further back from the road.

Residents have questioned the timing of the works but the developer and South Gloucestershire Council say the work has been carried out early to avoid attracting doormice.

A spokesperson from Linden Homes said: “We can confirm that we have started initial works on site in Falfield and we have been coppicing the hedge by Moorslade Lane, in accordance with the planning approval and associated conditions.

“The hedge has been trimmed back to a height of 500mm in advance of the dormouse nesting season and prior to its translocation. However a few sections have not been touched as active bird nests were present and the necessary 5m exclusion zone has been created for them.

“We have been in discussion with South Gloucestershire Council throughout and work will recommence on these parts of the hedge at a later date.”

A Council Spokesperson said: “We have and will continue to monitor the work as part of this development.

“The section of hedge that was trimmed will be relocated later in the year, but was cut back now so that it doesn’t attract hibernating dormice in the autumn. The work was supervised by an ecologist working for the developer, who liaised with our own ecologist to ensure that no harm was caused to nesting birds and we are satisfied that this was achieved.”

The controversial development also includes a 25-car Park and Share facility, as well as a community hub.