PLANS for more than 300 new homes, parking, bike routes and more have had to be altered – because of this creature.

Bloor Homes has submitted a bid to amend planning permission for the development on land west of Cranborne Road, Wimborne.

A tree due to feature at a “focal square” of the development can no longer be delivered – due to “Oak Processionary Moth”.

Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars cause heavy damage to oak trees, as they eat the leaves.

Their name comes from the fact they march between trees in search of food.

In order to control spread of the moth, management zones are installed in parts of the country the creature is found – and trees prevented from being transported to clear areas.

This is the case with the tree planned for the development in Wimborne, according to the application.

A Quercus palustris ‘Green Pillar’ tree planned for the spot will be replaced with a Facus Sylvatica (common beech), if approved.

“Tree cannot be delivered due to Oak Processionary Moth, and the site is within the buffer zone,” it said.

The 319-homes plan was approved in April 2021.

For more details log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for application reference P/NMA/2024/00342.