Persimmon Homes had agreed to put in a 130ft 'green' buffer between its 215-home development in Whiteley and an existing road.

But more than two years on, residents and ward councillors are still waiting for the firm to keep its promise. Now Fareham Borough Council is demanding the developer acts, and says it will consider legal action if the company fails to do so.

Peter Johnson lives in Caigers Green – the road which backs on to the development. The 75-year-old said: 'We moved into our home after the development had begun.

'Had we known the company wasn't going to actually build this barrier, we probably would have moved elsewhere. We were hoping for some lovely trees to look out on, and for it to create a bit of privacy, but instead it looks an eyesore. It's an absolute mess.'

Gordon Davies, 63, also of Caigers Green, said: 'If the developer had done what it promised, the trees would be flourishing by now.'

Fareham Borough Council has written to Persimmon demanding action.

Sarisbury councillor David Swanbrow said: 'I've been on at the developers for two years now. It planted some shrubs last year but didn't fence them off and so deer got in and ate them.

'The plants were not maintained and most died.

'Now it's just been left, with weeds all over it. The developer is breaking a legal agreement here as well as letting down residents.'

The Persimmon Homes development in Whiteley was given the go-ahead in January 2005. The tree buffer was part of the planning agreement.

After being contacted by The News, the developer said it would look to sort the problem out once and for all.

Stephen Bennett, construction director for Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: 'We have been liaising with a landscaping contractor and will ensure that the additional planting will take place within the next week.

'Along with the planting work, we will also be carrying out a thorough clean up of the site, removing any debris and rubbish that has collected.'