ECOLOGY works that are being undertaken at a proposed site for housing are damaging the environment and putting wildlife at risk, residents claim.

Developers Radian and Hampshire Homes want to build 55 new homes in scrubland, owned by the Churchlands Trust and Danisco, off Seafield Road in Portchester.

The plans also include creating an open space with new habitats for rare wildlife species.

The developers fenced off the lower half of the site to undertake ecology reports but residents claim Radian have damaged the habitat by clearing undergrowth and chopping down trees, and have used the fence to shield their actions.

Resident Kirsten Wilshere, of Cardell Drive, said: “This development has been a nightmare.

“The trust has put up a six foot high fence just to do so-called ecology work when they have actually chopped down protected trees and put wildlife at risk.”

Christine Wilkinson, who also lives in Albion Close, added: “It’s been simply awful. I have sent several emails to the landowners and I am currently being ignored or having just rude responses blaming the residents and saying they are the problem.”

Pat Rook, of Albion Close, claimed the ecology work was threatening nesting birds and other wildlife on the site.

Another local resident, who didn’t wish to be named, added: “There is a large variety of protected species including slow worms and lizards. The site landowners have legal responsibilities towards protecting the wildlife which hasn’t been addressed which is a cause for concern.”

Shaun Cunningham, Portchester East councillor on Fareham Borough Council, added: “There has been a big controversy over this. The Churchlands Trust and Danisco have shown no consideration and are just blighting the landscape.”

The Daily Echo attempted to contact Churchlands Trust and Danisco but received no response.

However, site developers Radian and Hampshire Homes have defended their actions which they say are being undertaken ‘ethically’ and that they have responded to residents’ concerns.

Nicola Jane, senior project manager at Radian, said: “At the moment we are undertaking a series of ecology surveys. These surveys are vital to inform future development of the site and are being conducted by ecology specialists Ecosupport.

“With their advice and support, we can ensure that everything we do is carried out ethically and is sympathetic to the wildlife and its habitats and that our work on site is being carried to meet all legal requirements.”

Radian sat they have met with councillors and will share the latest details of their proposals with the public later in the summer.