RESIDENTS and a council chairman have expressed disappointment after unscheduled tree felling resulted in an area looking like “a tornado has passed through”.

The major development on green land near the crossroads in West Parley has seen several mature trees felled and then left without warning.

Resident Ronald White said: “The bushes and trees along Christchurch Road and New Road at Parley Cross have suddenly been chopped down.

“I am aware there is to be building on the site adjacent to the road, but it is not necessary for all of these bushes and trees to be felled.

“Parley Cross is the most polluted crossroads in the Bournemouth area. Now the pollution can only get worse. The place now looks like a tornado has passed through.”

In August, plans for 386 homes to be developed on the land were approved.

West Parley Parish Council chairman Cllr Andrew Parry said: “We are aware of our residents’ concerns following the extensive removal of boundary hedging and tree works, ahead of building commencing on a major new development.

“We will be pressing for the landowner to ensure that all debris is removed and disposed of responsibly.

“It is disappointing that such an extensive area of natural habitat has been removed and we hope we see greater protection for our wildlife without further loss of trees on this site.”

Another resident, Sue Adams, said that she had heard deers crying out in pain after getting caught in exposed fencing caused by the tree felling.

She added: “The deforestation has been done before the houses have been erected which seems a shame as that was a wildlife haven. I am not sure why they had to remove trees that had been in place for over 40 years to my knowledge.

“For new houses I would have thought it would have made a natural barrier from the road.”

The Daily Echo has approached Dorset County Council for a comment.