A developer who horrified neighbours when he cleared a Dartmouth woodland stretching 6,000 square feet has applied for a lawful development certificate despite claims he felled the trees illegally.

Dave Holloway’s application is awaiting determination from SHDC over the land north of Seymour Drive.

The developer hit the headlines last year when he tried to get planning permission to build properties and a play park.

Neighbours and wider South Hams residents were in uproar.

Allegations over illegal tree felling are currently being investigated by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The application for the certificate is built on two conditions not met on a previous planning application to build 28 properties on the land 19 years ago.

Critics say the woodland was home to an abundance of tree varieties, hedgehogs, slowworms, and rare cirl buntings before Mr Holloway cleared it over a weekend in December in 2018.

Neighbours remain outraged at the latest application, including Andrew Love who owns the end house which looks directly on to the demolished woodland.

In a town council meeting in Dartmouth, on Monday, February 2, he called for the trees to be replanted.

He added: "Hopefully the CPS will get to that decision but we’re concerned as to the implications."

Environmental group, South Hams Society have stood by the concerned neighbour.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We urge anyone who has any historic evidence if that particular site to tell SHDC."

The application will be discussed at an upcoming planning committee meeting of Dartmouth Town Council on Tuesday, February 25.

The application can be viewed on the planning portal at: 0319/20/CLE.

Read the full story in today’s paper.