THE development of the former gas works site on Gould Road in Salcombe appears to have begun, with neighbouring properties accusing the developers of disturbing wildlife.

Freemantle Developments have received permission for an application submitted in July 2015 to build 300 square metres of ‘commercial space’ with five residential units above.

But in February of this year, they submitted a new application, which has yet to be decided, to build a 400 square metre retail convenience store and six residential dwellings above.

Salcombe Town Council objected to the plans in April, on the grounds that ‘the plans appeared the same as previous applications.’

Sophie Pridham, whose parents are neighbours of the site said: ‘At the end of July, contractors turned up and cleared the site of a majority of the bushes and undergrowth.

‘This in itself concerns me, as we are in a conservation area and the site is home to an array of wildlife. We have owls, bats, many species of birds, butterflies, moths and even a fox who has been seen there regularly.’

Rob Sekula, countryside officer at South Hams Council offered his stated conditions prior to commencement of the work: ‘Ideally, all vegetation removal should be timed outside of bird nesting season - generally considered to be March until August.

‘If works are scheduled to commence within bird nesting season, then prior to commencement, the vegetation to removed should first be thoroughly checked to confirm no nesting birds are present.

‘Removal of vegetation must be delayed until young birds have fledged.’

Ms Pridham said: ‘I feel that this was not the case, as we stood on the balcony above and watched a team of four men with a chainsaw tearing down all the vegetation with no care what-so-ever.’

However, a spokesperson for South Hams Council said: ‘There is an approved planning permission on the site and a live application for a different scheme on the same site.

‘The works which have taken place so far, do not breach any of the conditions on the approved application.

‘If someone suspected that a wildlife crime had taken place, they could contact Devon and Cornwall Police who have a Wildlife Crime Group.’

The current application has received 21 objections. And has been a controversial in the town, since Freemantle Developments bought the land and first applied for permission to develop the site in 2013.

Martin Pridham, who lives close to the development said: ‘The proposed development would totally overshadow our property, blocking out our daylight and making the interior of our property darker.

‘The proposed development is not in keeping with the surrounding area - it is just too high and will be nothing more than an eyesore in the face of Shadycombe.

‘And where is the consideration for the wildlife? The trees and shrubs in the gas works are home to a vast number of different species of wildlife.

‘There is a need for commercial development in the town and I strongly agree with the town councils’ points that this should remain the focus of the gas works site.’

Emily Putt from Salcombe said: ‘I really feel that this is a completely unnecessary project. Salcombe has become far too over-developed, with more homes being built ruining the beautiful landscape and spoiling the views of people who have done lived the really for many years.

‘Please use this project to help support local businesses rather than more second homes. Perhaps a low-level building would be more appropriate and just as successful.’

Emma Cater from Malborough wrote: ‘This is not what was proposed for this site. We were assured there would be low-level retail units for local businesses to benefit. Yet another application to make money and not one consideration for the local economy or future plans.’

And Matthew Davies from Salcombe wrote: ‘I object to this application as I feel the area should only be for business use and not residential.

‘Boat yards are required and not expensive houses which none of the local community can afford. We do not need more holiday homes or even people from outside of Salcombe to come in and fill social housing.’

Freemantle bought the site for £250,000 in 2013, and conducted a viability assessment, concluding that the employment-only development was not financially viable.

The land has long been allocated for commercial use, with a view to providing commercial units for the marine industry, as stated in various local authority development plans.

Freemantle Developments have been approached for a comment.