Plans by a developer to fell trees, including a mature Eucalyptus, in the Twickenham Green Conservation Area have alarmed residents.

They complain this 'wildlife corridor' behind the Prince Albert pub, Hampton Road, is being cleared by stealth ahead of a planning application.

Residents and the Friends of Twickenham Green (FoTG) group have raised objections to the felling of the trees and are urging others to make their views known.

The developer has applied to fell two Ash trees, a Cyprus group, a Sycamore and a large Eucalyptus. It is also seeking permission to dramatically cut back a second Eucalyptus and reduce a Sycamore and Walnut.

The FoTG complained: "The land behind 24 Hampton Road, formerly owned by Fullers Brewery, was cleared by its new owner, of all shrubbery and ground cover some months ago. This effectively destroyed what had been an important local wildlife habitat, and an important part of the back land wild life corridor between First and Second Cross Road.

"This site had been left relatively undisturbed for over 20 years, and was home to mammals (including bats and hedgehogs), amphibians and invertebrates (including stag beetles).

"The developer has now filed a planning application with the council, to remove five mature trees, including a magnificent mature and established eucalyptus.

"Worryingly, in addition, the developer wants to reduce the crown of a second eucalyptus which has a Tree Protection Order placed upon, by 3 to 4 metres."

The group said: "By destroying the habitat and removing the trees, the developer seems to be trying to ensure that the site has no ecological value. Why compromise the site in this way before a planning application for its use has been made?

"Whilst the site is within the Twickenham Green Conservation Area, that does not protect habitat nor wildlife, only property.

"Loss of trees, especially in the light of the recent Cop26 conference is not to be taken lightly."

A number of residents have already raised objections, which have been published on Richmond Borough Council's planning website.

One said: "This works looks to destroy trees in a Conservation Area causing massive detriment to the local area.

"The definition of a Conservation Area is with regard to historic and architectural interest in which there are legal restrictions on what changes can be made to buildings, greenery and street furniture in order to preserve the unique character of the place.

"Cutting down … beautiful and well developed trees including a rare and protected Eucalyptus is purely about being able to develop the site for profit at the detriment to the local community.

"All these trees are visible from the protected Twickenham Green and surrounding area. The council needs to decide if having a conservation area means anything or if any trees can simply be removed."

Residents can view the application and comment here.