A BUILDING firm has reassured Pershore residents work to cut back hedgerow had permission before it was carried out.

Residents raised concerns over the work as planning permission for 196 homes had not been finalised.

They highlighted that long row of hedges had been removed during nesting season at the site in Station Road, Pershore, one resident describing it as "sickening", while another questioned if planning permission allowed it.

But a Persimmon Homes spokesman said: “We want to reassure Persimmon Homes has undertaken all necessary precautions and liaised fully with the planning authority prior to work commencing.

"The hedgerow has been removed under license of the landowner and work was carried out under scrutiny of an ecologist who confirmed there were no nesting birds present.”

Charles Church Developments Ltd, part of the Persimmon Group, revealed plans to build a mix of one-to-four bed homes and apartments on land off Station Road in Pershore in September last year, after permission for a nearly five-year-old plan expired.

Wychavon District Council said it has resolved to grant planning permission for 196 dwellings subject to a legal agreement which has yet to be signed, adding this was "imminent".

In a statement Holly Jones, director of planning and infrastructure at Wychavon District Council, said: “We can confirm that planning permission was not needed to remove the trees and hedgerow as they were not protected. This has been carried out to enable the section 278 access works into the scheme prior to the nesting season. Wychavon District Council has resolved to grant planning permission for 196 dwellings subject to a legal agreement which has yet to be signed, albeit it is imminent. The council is in discussions with Charles Church Homes to ensure they are aware of certain conditions that will need to be discharged before work commences on the site.”