“My heart breaks to see this beautiful display of mature trees being torn up to make way for a concrete jungle.”

A group of Bolsover residents have spoken of their disappointment after seeing developers tear down trees and hedgerows to make way for a large housing scheme in the town.

The work was carried out on Oxcroft Lane after plans by Strata, Stancliffe Homes and Persimmon Homes for around 812 properties in the town were approved by Bolsover District Council.

The development, which will be built on land between Welbeck Road, Marlpit Lane and Oxcroft Lane, was given the go-ahead despite objections from residents who feared over-urbanisation as well as the loss of trees, hedgerows and wildlife.

Resident Marisa Cashill said: “My heart breaks to see this beautiful display of mature trees being torn up to make way for a concrete jungle.

“It was a boundary line for the new estate so needlessly removed. The original plans had kept the boundary intact but those promises are long forgotten.

“Goodbye old friends. I thank you for protecting our wildlife and for the air that we breathe. I hope the owls find a new home soon.”

Outline planning permission for the overall residential development was originally granted in October, 2017, for around 950 homes, an extra care facility and an infant school for the site.

The council’s planning committee also agreed in January to modify the developers’ Section 106 agreement to accept reduced community contributions towards infrastructure with reduced site plans for two associated projects including an extra care facility or affordable housing, and a park, instead of insisting on an original request of around £7,353,649.

One resident previously stated: “Wildlife loss due to the impact of losing so much green space and trees has always been my biggest objection to this site and any reduction of promised green spaces or hedgerow and tree removal is not acceptable.”

Another resident stated removing trees and hedgerows will not only spoil the area, but it is going to be detrimental to birds and wildlife who have already lost much of their habitat with building work that has already taken place.

However, a new 3.6 hectare town park with pond, amenity space, and walking routes will be delivered, according to developers, alongside land for an extra care facility or affordable housing to be pursued by the council.

A council spokesperson said: “The Bolsover North Housing Scheme permits the removal of areas of existing landscaping, including the hedgerows and trees along the Oxcroft Lane frontage, as well as in other parts of the wider site.

“While we appreciate residents’ concerns, these trees and landscaped areas were not protected, and their removal was necessary to facilitate the development.

“Additional tree planting and habitat creation will be provided to compensate for these losses, particularly through the creation of a new Town Park within the wider development scheme.”

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