People have been saddened to see drastic tree felling has cleared river banks near the site of proposed housing on the edge of the city centre.

Neighbours in Trowse recall hearing chainsaws last week and Marion Catlin says she saw the final tree fall firsthand.  

South Norfolk Council is now investigating the felling, near land where outline planning permission is in place for up to 670 homes on the Deal Ground and May Gurney sites.

Norwich Evening News: The before and after shows just how dramatic this chop was The before and after shows just how dramatic this chop was (Image: Newsquest/Marion Catlin)

She said: “There was no warning at all. We have never had any interaction with or communication from the landowner at any point. 

“I heard chainsaws and went out just in time to see that last tree crash into the water.  

“I stood on the bridge and felt sick in my stomach.  

Norwich Evening News: Marion Catlin who lives in the area, cried when she saw what happened Marion Catlin who lives in the area, cried when she saw what happened (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: School makes changes following Police parking warning for parents 

“I felt the tears well up as I realised that what had been done was final and irreversible.” 

Most people are concerned about the wildlife that called the tree line home – as well as this time of year being nesting season.  

Norwich Evening News: The river was thick with treelines that were home to much wildlife The river was thick with treelines that were home to much wildlife (Image: Newsquest)

Marion said: “It is not just the ecological damage but also it has exposed the site taking away the rural feel of approaching Trowse and Whitlingham.  

“As neighbours, we are stunned and worried for the future.” 

District councillor John Overton said he is "on the case".

He said: "I had been working closely with the developer but what they have done, there is no excuse for it.  

READ MORE: Norwich Whitlingham Broad Campsite's woodland dens

Norwich Evening News: Small diggers and chainsaws are still on the site reportedly chopping away at greenery Small diggers and chainsaws are still on the site reportedly chopping away at greenery (Image: Marion Catlin)

“It is really such a shame, I had been working with them to do a public consultation about their plans, and then this happens – right during bird nesting season, it is not acceptable. 

“South Norfolk planning and environmental are all over it – the developers need to prove where they got the permission from.  

Norwich Evening News: Broadland District councillor John Overton says the felling is not acceptable Broadland District councillor John Overton says the felling is not acceptable (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Caravan dumped in South Hill Road, Thorpe St Andrew

“They have said Japanese knotweed on the site meant they had no choice, but that is a poor excuse as far as I’m concerned."

A South Norfolk Council spokesman said: "The council is aware that trees have been cut down and we are actively investigating the circumstances.”