For the past 10+ years, a privately-owned piece of land at Trevenen Road, Helston TR13 8AH has been permitted to wild. A planning application was submitted in 2009 for a residential property and this application was extended in 2012. Planning applications are extant for 3 years. Yesterday, on 19 May 25, the developer who owns it arrived with a contracted digger/excavator to clear the greenery which provided natural habitat for hedgehogs, nesting birds and bats as well as flowers for bees and other insects. When challenged by the Police, who attended to investigate a potential wildlife crime taking place, the developer was unable to provide any evidence that the appropriate wildlife survey had taken place and that permission had been granted to carry out the dessimation of the wilded land. Although work has temporarily ceased, while evidence is provided, a large chunk of habitat has been destroyed. This has potentially resulted in the needless death of animals and birds. 

When a developer updates an existing planning application, one of the surveys requested would be in relation to wildlife. If the developer clears the land before the planning application then the wildlife would cease to exist and therefore not need to be considered. 

I would like to petition that the appropriate authorities take the necessary action if a crime is proven to have taken place and to impose an immediate ban on further destruction of this wilded area until at least September. There are a number of established, endangered trees on a shared boundary to the land and Tree Protection Orders have been applied for. Bats, and their habitats, are protected and hedgehogs are endangered. We need to act now before the developer attempts to clear the land.

I would also like to petition that the authorities engage with the appropriate wildlife authorities to consider the detrimental impact to a natural wildlife space and consider the rejection of any planning proposals thereby jeopardising an established green space.

UPDATE Thu 22 May 25

I have been informed today by Councillor Mike Thomas that the developer has had approval to continue to destroy the greenery in the plot as long as the trees and hedgerow are not damaged. The developer is to ensure that full consideration is given to wildlife contained therein but that, presently, it is unsure how that might be monitored/ensured. This is a HUGE blow and I intend to appeal this when informed of the point of contact. 💔