A wildlife haven was left in chaos after a bulldozer was used to rip up trees and shrubs.

Furious residents threatened a sit in protest after heavy machinery pulled onto the site in Mile Oak Road, Portslade.

They claim the work has destroyed the habitats of nesting birds and badgers which are frequently spotted at the site.

Work was only halted when a Brighton and Hove City Council ecology officer arrived on the scene.

The site was the subject of a planning application for two homes that was rejected in June 2008, partly because of the damage the development would cause to the local trees and wildlife.

Fiona Payne, 39, who lives next door to the half cleared site, said: “In a couple of hours they have destroyed a habitat that will take years to grow back.

“People actually come to this spot just to see all these animals but I don't know if they will return here now after this.”

Council officials are looking into the incident.