A LONG-RUNNING row over the unauthorised removal of a section of hedgerow in Cwmbran could finally be resolved.

Developer Taylor Wimpey has pledged to reinstate a hedgerow and bank after it previously breached planning rules by removing a section of the hedge next to St Dials Road.

The breach came after the house builder had been given planning permission for the first phase of a 219 homes development at the former police training college site in December 2015.

It sparked fury amongst residents who launched a petition subsequently signed by 173 people and submitted to the council in June of last year.

The petition stated: "We the undersigned object to any proposals by the developers of the previous Police Training Centre, Greenmeadow, Cwmbran to remove the important hedgerow on the boundary of St Dials Road, opposite Uplands Terrace.

"This action would seriously affect the quality of the rural environment of this designated ‘Quiet Lane’ and would remove one of Cwmbran’s original historical features which has been left undisturbed for centuries."

After being contacted by Torfaen council, Taylor Wimpey stopped work removing the section of hedgerow.

They then responded by saying it was their intention to reinstate the hedgerow which had been removed in breach of planning permission.

Planning permission was later granted for a range of proposals to improve the current hedgerow.

Councillors will now be asked to agree to the measures proposed for the future of the hedgerow at a full council meeting next Tuesday.

A report prepared ahead of the meeting says the proposals will "not only mitigate for the loss of the section of hedgerow that was removed, but also provide wider improvements to the entire hedgerow."

It states: "The scheme that has been granted planning permission will significantly enhance the remaining hedge, and is believed to be the best possible outcome for the long term protection and management of the entire hedgerow."