A property developer being investigated for drastic tree felling on a city site proposed for hundreds of homes has insisted it did follow correct procedures.
Folk in Trowse were shocked to see trees along the river on the former May Gurney and Deal Ground industrial sites had been felled in April.
The site is currently undergoing works to have 670 homes built on the site through Serryus Property Company.
South Norfolk Council had previously confirmed an investigation was under way and now the Forestry Commission, which has been given greater enforcement powers by the government in recent years, is also involved.
A Forestry Commission spokesman said: “We have carried out site inspections to undertake measurements, take photographs and make an assessment if any breaches of the Forestry Act have taken place.”
Felling trees without the authority of a felling license, where one was required, currently carries an unlimited penalty upon conviction in a Magistrates Court.
Provisions within the Environment Act can increase this penalty to an unlimited fine, set at the discretion of the court.
A Serryus Property Company spokesman said: "We are continuing to engage with both South Norfolk Council and Norwich City Council about the land management works and we maintain that we have followed all the correct procedures and guidance.
"The project team are currently considering community feedback, following public consultation events that took place last month.
"This feedback is being used to inform the final design of the proposal to ensure the best scheme possible for Norwich and Trowse."
READ MORE: 670 homes plan for Deal Ground and May Gurney sites
Marion Catlin, who lives in the area, recalls running out to see the last tree fall.
She said: “I felt the tears well up as I realised that what had been done was final and irreversible.”
Many people, including district councillor John Overton, were concerned about it being bird nesting season.
Cllr Overton said: “I had been working closely with the developer but what they have done, there is no excuse for it.”
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