Calls for protection of 100 year old trees in Medway

There are calls to guard against any potential felling of five oak trees in Christmas Lane, outside of High Halstow on the Hoo Peninsula.

It’s feared they could be earmarked for the chop if road widening works for a nearby housing development forges ahead.

Independent Group councillor Michael Pearce is leading the charge against any potential felling and is calling on Medway Council to give the trees, which are more than 100 years old, a tree protection order (TPO) and to refuse permission for any works which would see the trees felled.

The petition is in response to new documents for a Redrow Homes Ltd planning application submitted in April 2023 for 760 homes which outlines road widening in areas which Cllr Pearce believes would see the oaks cut down.

It was launched on May 13 and has already garnered more than 2,700 signatures from those who want the trees given added protection.

The petition also wants developer Redrow to adapt its designs of putting in a cyclepath and footpath on Christmas Lane instead of the current proposals.

Four of the five trees which Cllr Pearce wants a TPO for are not within the boundaries of the planning application area, but Redrow’s proposals for road improvements to cope with new residents do include changes to Christmas Lane which, he argues, could threaten the trees.

Cllr Pearce says, without a TPO, if Redrow is given permission for its current plans Medway Council can compulsory purchase the land with the trees to make the road improvements.

He has has called on the authority to prevent what her termed “environmental vandalism”.

“Five majestic and magnificent oak trees in High Halstow are under threat from being felled,” he added.

“It’s within Medway Council’s power to stop this environmental vandalism and to protect wildlife and our local landscape.

“A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) will give greater protection of the trees and will mean the developer and the council will have to justify their removal, taking into account their amenity and environmental value.

“Thousands of people pass and admire these oak trees on Christmas Lane and they add to the quality of the rural landscape.

“Their removal would be significant and detrimental to the community and the sense of place.”

Of the more than 2,700 current signatories, many have left messages voicing support for the trees’ protection.

One respondent, Gary, said: “Trees are not just aesthetically pleasing they have value to wildlife and an ability to capture carbon. It’s time learned to put a higher value on trees rather monetary concerns.”

Karen added: “Don’t these developers realise that money won’t matter when the planets destroyed. Why do they feel the need to destroy everything that’s beautiful.

“Those trees are beautiful and don’t deserve to be cut down, find a way to work round them and keep them. They are home to so much of our wildlife. Work with the environment not against it.”

According to another resident, David, oak trees are some of the most important in the UK.

“They support many hundreds of species and as they mature this number only increases,” he said.

“Unlike many trees mature oaks are often split and hollow. This is perfectly normal and the trees are still healthy and strong. Oaks take hundreds of years to mature.

“Once old oaks are gone so is the important habitat they provide.”

A Redrow spokesperson said: “The information in the petition is largely misleading. We would not remove any trees without the approval of Medway Council, who would also be responsible for any TPOs.

 “We will continue to work with Medway Council on our planning application, reviewing all comments and making any updates, following the consultation period.” 

Medway Council confirmed it had received a planning application for a housing development, including a new primary school, as well as plans for public open space and car and cycle facilities for land to the east of High Halstow.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently carefully assessing all of the information provided, before making a recommendation to the planning committee, which will meet to discuss the proposals and make a formal decision – a meeting date is yet to be set.

“The proposals are currently in the consultation phase, with nearby residents able to provide feedback on the plans.”

A neighbourhood consultation began on May 16 and is due to run until June 7.