Chainsaw devastation at Hoe site prompts probe

AN investigation has started after vegetation was chopped down at Plymouth's former register office site without permission.

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

Residents on the Hoe protested when greenery, including “small trees” full of nesting birds, was chainsawed, calling it a scene of “devastation”.

Plymouth City Council said it made an urgent visit to the site on the Hoe after work was carried out last week in what is a conservation area. It has launched an inquiry.

The landowner, which bought the plot for £827,000 last year, denied trees had been cut down and said clearing overgrown vegetation was needed because the site was plagued by vermin, drug users and rough sleepers. It is planning to build a block of flats on the land and said it would assist with the council's inquiry.

Residents said they were horrified, however. Penny Tarrant, chair of the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum, said: “I got a call about what was happening, a neighbour had challenged them.