AN MP is calling for tree protection after a woodland was torn down by a team of developers in less than 24 hours.
Residents were left “heartbroken” after woodland and wildlife were destroyed on Wimborne Road in Corfe Mullen in 2023.
It was said that workers put up flood lights and worked from 7am to 9pm to tear down the site.
The incident sparked a police investigation and public outrage but, but officers found insufficient evidence of a wildlife crime and no further action was taken.
MP Vikki Slade met with residents including town councillor, Jackie Bonham, who is trying to force the new owners to compensate neighbours and be held accountable.
Since the incident Mrs Slade has been in contact the council to understand how she can support stronger measures to improve biodiversity and prevent developers repeating this.
She recently said in Parliament: “The neighbours raised the alarm that the trees were going to be taken down, they flagged it with the council, but they didn't see a problem.
“Just a week later, developers brought chainsaws and destroyed every bit of nature on the site.”
Mrs Slade added: “Will the Minister commit to bringing forward legislation to auto protect trees above a particular size or age in their planning reforms, so developers do not get away with environmental vandalism.”
The Minister said they would look into the case once they had more detail.
Following the debate, Mrs Slade said: “We must not sit idle and allow this vandalism of our landscape to continue.
“We have to press the government to bring forward reforms that protect not only our woodlands, but our wildlife as well.”
Former soldier and neighbour to the woodland site, Gerrard Hayes, previously said he felt “abandoned” when the police left them “high and dry”.
Ms Bonham previously called for automatic planning refusal and fines for developers who destroy habitat.
Dorset Police said a multi-agency investigation was carried out including the force, Natural England, the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Dorset Council and Forestry Commission.
A spokesperson previously said: “Extensive enquiries were carried out, which found insufficient evidence a wildlife crime had been committed.”
