Controversy over Vicarage trees

Apparently several local residents and the developer have agreed that the two Beech trees will be felled, and replaced with two large container grown Birch trees at the Old Vicarage site, the Chase, Cashes Green. Cainscross Parish disagrees.

The developers may have gained the consent of the immediate neighbours who may also be affected by these mature trees, but the Parish Council rightly see these trees as bringing far more to the wider community. Indeed they were cited by the original applicant, the diocese, as the major reason for demolition of the vicarage.

One commented: "The fact that TPOs exist on these trees is not a happenstance or an inconvenience. In these very particular circumstances the development had every opportunity to be managed and planned around the trees. In this instance the trees were most certainly there throughout. If a development is granted permission taking into account the positioning of the houses in relation to the existing trees, how can a new application to fell some of those trees be approved immediately afterwards when the development is still under construction?

"Any compromising of these trees now would indicate inconsistency from the planning authority. We would have to question whether there was an error in the planning and approval of the scheme as it stands, or whether the system is open to manipulation by developers. This is not the first time we have questioned the construction of new houses in close proximity to existing mature trees and would cite the recent example of an application for tree surgery to the large deciduous oak tree on the Ebley Wharf phase 2 development, which has ruined the setting of this wonderful unique tree in full view of Ebley Mill."

This latest move does seem strange especially when the diocese had sited these trees previously - indeed the trees were considered to be of higher valuable than the historically interesting vicarage building. To now apply for permission to fell and reduce trees because ‘they dominate the garden’ and are ‘unsuitable for retention so close to the house’ is unacceptable.

I understand that the Parish have not withdrawn their objection so it may have to go to the Development Control Committee. I have written seeking more information. See also previous blogs re this development.