Fury erupted as developers demolished Warwick woodland to create an access road for a condominium complex.

Angry residents claimed up to 50 trees had been sacrificed for a needless scheme.

One protester, William Kempe, questioned how Lemarc Development Company Ltd. had won planning approval to clear reserve land.

He claimed the company's planning submission had only mentioned the removal of three or four cherry trees.

But his lawyer's attempt to get Environment Minister Dennis Lister to halt the project proved fruitless.

The controversy centres on land bordering Tribe Road Number Seven on Spice Hill Road.

On Tuesday, about 400 square feet of woodland was excavated to widen the eight foot tribe access to 14 feet, creating a road to a private condominium community.

Mr. Kempe, whose driveway connects to the tribe road, told The Royal Gazette that excavation work began at around 8 a.m.

By noon more than 20 Allspice trees had been removed. At 3 p.m. excavation was complete.

"They smashed the whole thing down," said Mr. Kempe. "He cut all the trees down."

Mr. Kempe directed his comments at planning inspector Craig Smith, representative of Lemarc Development Company.

"Legally he does have the right, he does have permission. I just question how that permission was gained."

Mr. Kempe wondered why the project had started three months ahead of schedule.

He also attacked the "garish, tasteless" design for the road's entrance. And he voiced concern for the safety of joggers, walkers and equestrians from Spicelands Riding Centre who often used the tribe road.

Mr. Kempe feared he could be at risk, too.

He said a vehicle exiting the new entrance could "hit me broadside and never see me coming because of the way the road is angled".

Mr. Smith, who was at the site, declined to comment to The Royal Gazette.

The Department of Planning defended its decision.

Asked about the consequences of an applicant providing false information - such as the wrong number of trees to be cut down - planning director Rudolph Hollis said: "It would depend on the extent of the misguided information submitted".

He pointed out the planner had discretion to decide on the appropriateness of an application.

In the board's report on Lemarc's proposal, planner Anna Eatherley found the woodland was of very little consequence.

The report, dated February 5, reads: "It is not possible to access the development area without going through the protected area.

"A site visit has revealed that the proposed alignment will not require the removal of any significant vegetation."

Mr. Hollis added the road was approved by the Department of Works and Engineering to ensure safety for local residents and motorists.

Of the new entrance, he said: "I have to assume it has to be considered a more appropriate location."