Neighbours horrified at flattened woodland by Dartmouth developers

The Forestry Commission has told ITV News it's now investigating the possibility of illegal felling at the site. Credit: ITV West Country

Angry residents in Dartmouth have claimed a property developer has cut down a whole woodland without planning permission.

People living on Seymour Drive say they're devastated at the destruction of the trees and are worried about the effect on wildlife.

This is what the woodland site looked like before it was felled. Credit: Andrew Love

This pictures show what the area looked like before Christmas, but now the area has been flattened, trees felled and roots removed.

This is what the site looks like now all the trees have been cleared. Credit: ITV West Country

Developers have put in an application for nine new homes but planning permission has not yet been granted by South Hams District Council.

These people who live nearby are furious.

The residents also say the developer put in a survey to assess the species and the ecological impact after the trees had been cut down.

ITV News has contacted the land owner, Dave Holloway, to put these points to him and offer him a chance to respond – he declined to comment.

The Forestry Commission has told ITV News it's now investigating the possibility of illegal felling at the site.