Residents say they were left shocked after large sections of green-belt land off Whielden Street in Amersham were cleared by developers.
Machinery was seen moving onto the field last week, with trees and shrubs razed to the ground.
One eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous said locals only became aware of the clearance when they heard noise from heavy equipment on Wednesday morning.
Workers clearing the site told residents they were removing the greenery to allow for a survey to be undertaken.
“There is no habitat left,” she said. “An EIR is now a moot argument, further supporting the developer’s position ahead of the decision next month.”
Locals claim the site is frequented by families of deer, pheasants, Red Kites, owls and other wildlife.
They claim the work has turned a site once teeming with wildlife into a “barren waste ground”, calling the work a disgrace.
The clearance has taken place while outline plans for 45 or more homes on the site are being considered by Buckinghamshire Council.
Some residents fear the clearance could impact environmental objections ahead of a decision expected next month.
The plans have been put forward by developers Hawridge Strategic Land’s which have sparked opposition from residents. Amersham Town Council has objected to the proposals for up to 45 homes.
Amersham Cllr Kelly Thornton has also objected to the plans, she said: “The site is a known hotspot for wildlife such as bats and deer.
“[It] also contains rare orchids such as bee orchids. Residents have noted how frequently rare plants and an array of wildlife are spotted on the site and this development threatens their natural habitat and the surrounding ecosystems.
“This development will cause significant and irreversible harm to the biodiversity of the area.”
Peter Strachan is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, he said the authority is aware of reports of vegetation clearance on the land.
He said: “The site is not subject to a Tree Preservation Order, nor is it located within a designated conservation area. As such, the recent vegetation clearance does not in itself constitute a breach of planning control.
“If damage has occurred to protected features or habitats – this should be reported to the Police Wildlife Crime Officer on 101.
“The planning application referenced is still under consideration, and any works undertaken by the landowner prior to a decision are entirely at their own risk and do not influence the outcome of the planning process.”
Developers Hawridge Strategic Land have been contacted for a comment however failed to provied one.
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