Mature trees mistakenly removed at Bridport's Foundry Lea

Developers have admitted an 'internal failure' at the site

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 1st Dec 2022
Last updated 1st Dec 2022

A group of mature trees and hedgerows have been removed by mistake, on the edge of the Foundry Lea development site at Bridport.

The vegetation doesn't even sit on land that's part of the approved area that's due to become 760 new homes.

It's understood the developers have apologised for the mistake and have promised to make good.

But it's unclear how exactly the situation will be sorted out.

Bridport Town Council have responded to the unwanted felling.

Leader, Cllr Dave Rickard, said:

“The Town Council is deeply disappointed to hear that hedgerow, trees and other foliage have been wrongly removed from land that is not part of the development site at Foundry Lea. The developers have accepted responsibility for what they advise was an 'internal failure'.

"They have committed to an investigation to find out exactly what happened and how to avoid a repeat, and we agree that this is an absolute minimum level of action. The developers have also advised they will be 'rectifying the issue', and whilst this is a positive statement we do need to understand what it means in practical terms.

"The loss of mature trees and hedgerow on this scale, irreparably damages wildlife habitats and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a long time, and it is unclear how this damage can be rectified. We will be meeting with the developers to obtain further clarity on this, along with absolute reassurances for the future that our environment and our community will be fully respected as the development progresses.”

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