An investigation has been launched into the destruction of long stretch of hedgerow, as part of a housing and bypass scheme.

The hawthorn hedgerow has been removed as part of the Reayrt Mie housing scheme in Ballasalla.

It was done during the height of the bird nesting season.

But developer Dandara insists it has done nothing wrong.

The hedgerow was located where the junction for a new bypass is to be constructed.

Arbory, Malew and Castletown MHK Jason Moorhouse said he had been contacted by several constituents about the removal of the hedgerow.

’The timing of the work has caused considerable concern,’ he said.

Mr Moorhouse said he had contacted Dandara, Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot, the director of planning and DEFA’s ecosystem policy manager, and had been informed the situation is being assessed.

In a statement, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed: ’The department is aware of the issue and is now investigating.’

Mr Moorhouse said Dandara had responded almost instantly to the concerns raised.

In a statement to the MHK, it said: ’The approved scheme includes the retention of the majority of the hedge, with exceptions for pedestrian and highway access and visibility requirements.

’The approved scheme also included an environmental impact statement which considered nesting birds and we are aware of requirements in respect of such at the relevant time of the year.’

Meanwhile, construction work on the bypass is now well under way.

This includes building a new bridge over the Steam Railway line.