The trees on site were protected by a Tree Preservation Order but, during construction, four trees had branches cut back leaving large wounds.

Persimmon was fined £1,000 for damage to the trees while groundworks company Galamast was fined £300 for damaging the roots by excavating 30cm of soil as they built a footpath around the homes.

Stewart Garside, East Hampshire District C ouncil Arboricultural Officer, said: “East Hampshire District Council believes that protecting the local environment and landscape is very important.

“Anyone, even the largest developers, will be pursued and prosecuted if they do not comply with the law and live up to the high standards expected by the council.”

During the case, Aldershot Magistrates heard that Persimmon were at first unsure if a TPO had been in place on the trees. They needed to lop the trees in order to erect scaffolding around the homes.