A DEVELOPER has been accused of misleading residents into thinking a wildlife charity has backed a housing development on a meadow.

Bennett Homes wants to build about 45 new homes on land at the end of St Andrew’s Close, in Alresford.

The land, beside Crestland Wood, is a wildlife meadow.

As part of its charm offensive, Bennett Homes has joined forces with consultants Bidwells.

A flyer published by Bidwells and delivered to villagers stated: “Bennett Homes has been working with the Essex Wildlife Trust to design in permanent ecological enhancements.

“These will include a woodland buffer, additional hedgerow, new public open space and an agreed management regime to encourage birds, bats, door mice and other wildlife.”

But the suggestion the trust is backing the development has been contested by the charity’s bosses, who said they objected to the proposal.

In a letter to Alresford Parish Council, Dr Annie Gordon, a conservation officer at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: “I would like to reassure you that the trust has most definitely not given the okay for this proposal and remains fundamentally opposed to the destruction and development of a local wildlife site.

“I have been in communication with the consultant ecologist, who contacted me to discuss the proposed ecological mitigation prior to their submission of a fresh planning application.

“However, I made it clear that the trust’s objection still stands.”

Bennett Homes held an exhibition in Alresford on June 18 to consult with residents about the proposed development.

Spokesman Adam Bell said about 75 villagers had turned up and many had been positive about the proposals.

“Ahead of the exhibition, we distributed a flyer to notify residents living close to the site that it was taking place,” said Mr Bell.

“We are sorry if some have found the flyer misleading.

“It was not our intention to imply that Essex Wildlife Trust is supportive of the scheme and are surprised that it may have been interpreted that way."

Mr Bell said about a quarter of the 2.2-hectare site would be set aside as a buffer zone and open space.

A planning application is expected to be lodged within the next two months.