CONTRACTORS have come under fire after appearing to flout strict ecological guidelines by disrupting habitats as they continue to build 175 new houses in Salisbury Road.
Neighbours appealed to Marlborough town councillors who have ordered developer Redrow to explain why birds were being scared away and trees felled outside of the low season, which ended in February.
Redrow told councillors they had a special certificate which allowed them to continue cutting down and moving wildlife away from the area but the town council has demanded to see proof. It has also urged Wiltshire Council to make sure developers are not breaching conditions.
Site manager Alan Jacobson told Marlborough town council: “A special licence was granted by Natural England with advice issued from an expert.”
Councillor Lisa Farrell said: “I have had a lot of complaints from residents nearby about how disruptive Redrow have been to the environment. My other concern is how they are behaving.”
Councillor Don Heath said: “Quite a lot of neighbours in the vicinity are unhappy that the contractors employed by Redrow are showing little regard for anybody.” 
Contractors at the site, opposite the Tesco supermarket off Salisbury Road, were described as behaving in a “disruptive and destructive” manner by Councillor Bryan Castle.
Cllr Harry Forbes said: “I would propose we chase up with Wiltshire Council and Redrow about their actions and we express our concern that Wiltshire Council ensures that compliance of conditions.
Lee Hawker, managing director of Redrow Homes South West, said: “We have a very strong track record of building responsibly and working with partners to protect and enhance the environment.  
“We are implementing the planning permission in accordance with all necessary permissions and licences