Fifty trees have been cut down in an Elstree cul-de-sac, despite the owner not having permission to build on the site.

A once leafy verge in Boreham Holt is now lined with stumps after Cosway Homes chopped down the trees to make way for a new house.

Neighbouring resident Brian Mayhew, 74, is upset at the number of trees that have been felled.

He said: "It seems terrible when we are raising the issue of the environment that all these trees are being cut down. Green issues are so high on the agenda and yet here we are getting rid of what little greenery we have left.

"No planning permission has been given, which makes me worry it will go up anyway."

Cosway Homes' spokesman Ian Berritt said the firm had contacted a residents' association in Boreham Holt about the matter and added that a full survey of the area had been undertaken to ensure no tree preservation order (TPO) were in place.

He added: "We are only proposing one home on the site, which will mirror the lodge on the other side of the road. We will take on board any of the recommendations of the planning officers and undertake any replanting and landscaping that needs to be done.

"Part of the development is additional parking for the residents in Boreham Holt because there is a real issue with parking in that road. We have consulted with a residents' association, who were happy for the trees to be cut down."

However, a Hertsmere Borough Council spokeswoman said the whole area is subject to TPOs, although it is unclear whether the trees that have been removed were individually protected.

Hertsmere planning officer Chris Lewcock said: "It does look as if some trees under a TPO may have been removed. We have always taken a very firm line on this. We have not yet completed our investigations so cannot be certain this is the case.

"We have some concerns with the application itself, and will be recommending it for refusal. The proposed development is far too tight for the site."