A HEDGEROW near a nature reserve, which thousands of people wanted to save from being destroyed by a developer, is now set to be replaced.

Last year Osbourne Developments caused outrage when the hedge was removed from private land neighbouring Salary Brook in Colchester.

A petition was signed by more than 3,500 residents calling for the developer to face punishment, however Osbourne said it had not breached any planning or environmental regulations.

It has now been revealed the hedge was removed as part of flood prevention work, which was required to be completed by the Environment Agency.

Work to stop flooding continues on site and will involve digging out a basin to collect water from Salary Brook.

Once complete, the area will be landscaped and replanted to provide a new habitat for wildlife.

The habitat replacement has been agreed in conjunction with advisers from Colchester Council and Essex Wildlife Trust.

Mark Cory, leader of Colchester Council, said: “After the problems we had last year, I am pleased that we have worked with the developers and Essex Wildlife Trust to repair and improve the biodiversity of the site close to the ecologically-important Salary Brook nature reserve.

“We are committed to improving and protecting the environment, and in this difficult case we will be able to now add to what was previously there.

“There was rightly a lot of concern and interest about this site and working with the developer and Essex Wildlife Trust we have a positive solution.

“We understand, now more than ever, healthy ecosystems promote a healthy life and are critical to our individual and collective well-being.

“This project, along with our wider commitment to tackle the climate emergency, is yet another positive step.”