An investigation has been launched by Caradon District Council after residents' complaints about a field being stripped of its topsoil.

People have voiced their concerns after trucks removed tonnes of soil from a site on the outskirts of Liskeard next to the A38.

A local resident, who didn't want to be named, said: 'There has been a lot going on, initially they were digging from 6.30am, seven days a week. I have lived here for 30 years and it's dreadful to see them taking the soil. We used to have all types of wildlife here, but now we are blighted by light, noise and smell. I go out in the day just to get away from it.'

A spokeswoman for Caradon said that an open enforcement investigation is under way because the landowners, Brook Street Property Developers, don't have planning permission to remove soil from the site.

She said: 'We are aware of public concern about the activity on this site and the matter is under investigation.'

A spokesperson for the London-based company said: 'We are nearly finished with the work. We are removing large amounts of soil, landscaping the field and tidying up after the recent developments.'

The topsoil, in the field next to the Liskeard Inn and Tavern, has been removed in the last few weeks.

A resident added: 'They are devaluing our property with noise and dirt, it is driving the local residents barmy.'

There are fears from Island Shop residents they will be left overlooking an eyesore if the soil is not replaced and they are concerned there could be plans to build on the site.

The company hiring out trucks to the developer confirmed the soil is being taken to Plymouth's redundant Chelson Meadow landfill site.

A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said: 'Clean soil can be disposed of at CheIson Meadow where we are currently using it to level out the landfill site which closed in March this year. Individuals and commercial operators pay a fee to dispose of soil at the site, which will eventually be capped. We accept soil from a variety of sources, as long as it is not classed as contaminated under Environment Agency regulations.'

The district council's investigation is continuing as the work, due to be completed by the end of the week, comes to a close.