NETS have appeared on hedges adjacent to land destined for housing development on Wonastow Road.

The netting is designed to stop birds nesting in the hedges so that the hedges can be removed between March and October – the nesting season – when permission has been granted.

Monmouth Town Council's environmental affairs committee met on Monday night, (9th March) to agree and confirm any actions to be taken in regard to the work being carried out on the hedgerows.

Councillor Christopher, who chaired the meeting, pointed out that the work was done on the last day of February and the first day of March.

Cllr Dewhurst pointed out that this was "on the edge of illegal".

Stuart Wilson, who chairs planning meetings, clarified that outline planning had been given for the Local Development Site (LDP), but said he would be surprised if any work would be done until full planning had been given which was "at least a year off".

Cllr Jane Gunter felt that this action was to "pre-empt any environmental survey prior to planning so that it would not show any birds nesting".

"Whoever did this was out of order" said Cllr Christopher. He went on to say that councillors needed to find out who allowed this to happen.

It was decided to contact Natural Resources Wales, Monmouthshire County Council and the contractors to establish who gave permission, why they were doing it and request that the netting be made more secure so that birds were unable to get in.