Trees have been cut ahead of nesting season as part of controversial plans to build 55 new homes on the site of a Suffolk school playing field.

The work is part of a development on the St Felix School site in Southwold, which has attracted concerns from campaign group Reydon Action Group for the Environment (RAGE).

Last year, the EADT reported how RAGE feared the development would lead to more four and five-bedrooom properties, as well as damaging the environment.

READ MORE: https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/housing/21264897.plans-controversial-homes-site-suffolk-school/

RAGE chair Stephen Chessher believed the tree felling was being done ahead of bird nesting season, from March to August, when organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommend that hedge cutting should be avoided.

Another issue was traffic safety close to the site as the housing was on a semi-blind bend with limited visibility and above a hidden dip which restricts visibility, while motorists did not always observe the 30mph speed limit.

A spokesperson for developers The Hill Group said: “Trees have been felled on site following the approved arboricultural impact assessment and importantly, ahead of the bird nesting season.

READ MORE: https://www.eadt.co.uk/local-news/southwold-news/

"Additional dead trees have been felled from the woods along Halesworth Road to ensure the area remains safe for the public, as approved by the council.

"We are committed to working with residents throughout development, and plans for future site-enabling works will be communicated to residents prior to any works commencing.”

Original plans had outlined 69 homes, but this number was reduced to 55, sparking concerns about a loss of affordable homes as guidelines required 35% of the homes to be affordable.

READ MORE: https://www.eadt.co.uk/local-news/suffolk-news/