What a Shame

So the destruction begins, even before the planning application has been published (although it is now confirmed at 22 houses). The week before a TPO came into force to protect the trees bordering the conservation area the owner has sent in the contractors to do some light pruning.

The TPO came into force on the 2nd March (ref SC/00081/12) but whilst it was still coming off the printer at Shirehall the contractors were at work. This tree was designated as T2 at grid reference SJ 4033, 3523, it was an Oak and has been estimated by a local tree enthusiast as having stood for approximately 220 years given its 4.32m girth. This was not the work of a well meaning tree surgeon.

There has also been a significant amount of work done to a magnificent Cedar which has been designated T4 grid reference SJ 4037, 3530. There was no need for any of this work except to clear the way for development and I presume as a preemptive strike given that a TPO was due to come into force.

What I would dearly love to find out is whether the owner had an inkling a TPO was in the wind or not.... I feel an FOI request coming on.