Angry Eltham residents have called for “urgent attention” after developers cut back mature trees claimed to be home to wildlife.

New Eltham Residents said the Gaelic Athletic Association has been “devastated” by developers hacking down trees in part of controversial plans for homes.

This is the latest twist in the Bardhill Sports Ground saga, which has had neighbours campaigning against developments for several decades.

Linden Homes’ plan to redevelop the disused open land was originally rejected by the council, but eventually granted after an appeal two years ago.

It sparked fury from campaigners who opposed losing the open land, which had been idle since 1992.

Now, concerned residents are petitioning the council after trees were cut down at the site.

According to their petition: “In their application the developer claimed the area to be ‘brambles’ and ‘impenetrable’, where in fact it was mature trees.

“The birds were still nesting in the trees, which are now lying on the ground.

“In only two days we and Greenwich Council has lost a precious source of oxygen and habitat for birds and other wildlife.

“This site requires urgent attention. Please come and see the facts on the ground – and what the site looks like today.”

The petition has been backed by more than 300 people, and now Greenwich Council has issued a response to residents’ concerns claiming the area was checked beforehand.

The petition can be viewed here.

A council spokesperson said: “As part of the terms of the planning permission on the Bardhill site, a private sports ground that has been shut for many years,  Greenwich Council requested that the property developer clear overgrown vegetation, including trees, to bring the sports fields back into community use.

“We are aware of the sensitive nature of ensuring we protect the wildlife which reside within the borough and the trees were checked for nesting birds before works started.”