Doubts have been expressed over the clearance of the site behind the Shell garage in Monmouth, known as Portal Road.

The site, earmarked for a hotel premises for many years, was the subject of concern this week when contractors cleared most of the area and cut down the trees on the 1.5 acre site.

Beacon reader Steve Wadley has expressed his concern over the removal of woodland in Portal Road, which is owned by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) Estates Department.

In a letter to this paper, he said: "The trees were felled without a felling licence required by Forestry Commission Wales as the site was to be cleared as part of a planning application by a private developer.

"However, no planning application has been recieved by Monmouthshire County Council Planning from the preferred developer (Broadhall) or MCC estates."

He continues: "From my enquiries to MCC planning dept, Foresty Commission Wales and the various site contractors it would appear that either the assetts and sustainability manager at MCC or the preferred developer – Broadhall – authorised the clearance work prior to a planning application being recieved and without a felling license.

"This is not only unnacceptable but is also illegal under the Forestry Act as a felling license would be required if no planning application is in place.

"This is another example of the local authority making decisions about our countryside and green spaces with little regard for our natural environment and wildlife areas.

"We have a beautiful town with fantastic bio-diversity and our local authority are intent on ruining it for the sake of developments which we dont really need.

"The Wonastow Road site is next with more green space being turned into concrete, which does not absorb water.

"If I were to fell that amount of trees without a felling license I would be hauled before the magistrates and fined so why is it different for others."

Debra Hill-Howells, MCC's estates and sustainability manager, said: "The clearance of the trees has been undertaken by the preferred developer for the site in conjunction with the ecological works.

"We are aware that a resident has complained to the Forestry Commission and has also contacted Monmouthshire County Council.

"We are investigating the situation and the contractor has ceased work while this is undertaken. The contractor did engage in discussions with the Forestry Commission prior to starting the works."

Forestry Commission guidlines state: "You normally need to get permission from us to fell growing trees. We give this with a felling licence or with approval under a Dedication Scheme.

"Everyone involved in the felling of trees, whether doing the work or by engaging others, eg. the owner, agent, timber merchant or contractor, must ensure that a felling licence or approval under a Dedication Scheme has been issued before any felling is carried out or that one of the exemptions apply.

"They must also ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the terms of a Forestry Commission permission. If there is no licence or other valid permission, or if the wrong trees are felled, anyone involved can be prosecuted.

"Do not begin felling until we have issued a licence or other permission.

"Any felling carried out without either a licence or other permission is an offence, unless it is covered by an exemption.

"One of the exception to this rule includes felling trees immediately required for development authorised by planning permission."