NEIGHBOURS of the Peel Hall site have reacted with anger to claims that the land has little ecological value.

The presence of rare species such as short-eared owls and greater crested newts were refuted by developers Satnam in the GUARDIAN Midweek.

Protesters have produced an in-depth environmental study, conducted by independent experts, to support their case for the Houghton Green land to be protected.

Campaigner Elida McDonald, of Greenwood Crescent, said it was possible to see birds and other wildlife fleeing the land as diggers moved in at the weekend.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, added: "It is a scene of devastation. But the fight is not over."

Peel Hall was investigated by consultants Gillespie as part of a Nature Conservation Audit on Radley Common, organised by Warrington Borough Council.

The study stated the 45 hectares of fields were "a potential site of importance for nature conservation." Hundreds of wild plants, butterflies, birds, animals and amphibians were identified in the research.

The report concluded: "The site is valuable for its high species diversity and colonisation. It is highly used and valued by the local community and has great educational, recreational and ecological value."

Nature lovers report Peel Hall is one of only two wintering sites for short-eared owls.

Threatened species such as reed bunting were believed to be common. Willow warblers, skylarks and bullfinches have also been regularly spotted.

More than 12,000 people have signed a petition opposing proposals to build hundreds of homes there.

But developers Satnam say they commissioned their own independent study which revealed the area cleared was simply "scrubland" with no ecological merit. The firm also said the scrubland represented a fire hazard.

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