Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey on Friday ordered a halt to tree cutting on a Stonehenge Drive tract near the post office. A land clearing and logging operation had begun on the site on Thursday resulting in the removal of a number of large trees.

Autrey said that the City Code Office erred when it issued a permit for the work. The mayor cited subdivision regulations adopted in March which require a grading permit “for all land disturbing activity on lots … one acre in size or greater.”

The mayor said he issued a temporary administrative order forbidding the cutting of more trees until Monday when a further determination can be made.

The tract is owned by Bob Dunlap, said former Mayor Bobby Baker, whose real estate firm has offered the tract for sale. Baker said that no sale has taken place. The land is possibly under development for upscale apartments, Baker said.