THE ‘devastating’ development work that saw a wildlife pond emptied was signed off by the Isle of Wight Council.

Last week, residents, councillors and wildlife protectors slammed the work at Pan Country Park, that saw the pond — once full of toads, frogs and newts — emptied, and reduced to a puddle sized muddy mess.

The park has been closed for two months.

Last Monday a council spokesperson said the work was not part of the agreed schedule with Barratts.

However, a council spokesperson said today (Tuesday) that works had in fact been signed off by the planning authority and Environment Agency.

He said: “The works have been signed off by the planning authority and the Environment Agency and are required to deal with surface water drainage on the development.

“However, the council remains in discussions with Barratts around the standard of the work being carried out at the site.”

Barratt Homes said the work was to facilitate water drainage and the Pan Meadows development will ultimately extend nearly as far as the pond.

Newport councillor Geoff Brodie was bombarded with complaints about the draining of the pond.

Cllr Brodie said: “It seems to to me the only consideration Barratts give is to their shareholders, as they have repeatedly over the last eight years done everything in their power to annoy local people.

“In this instance it seems a bit like a marauding army devastating the countryside.”