Developer responds to concerns over proposed tree felling in Landkey

A developer aiming to acquire land in Landkey has addressed concerns raised by a local resident regarding the planned removal of trees for a new housing development on Birch Road.

The Gazette previously reported that a concerned resident had raised alarm over the potential felling of trees to make way for the development. 

However, it has now been clarified that Allison Homes, the developer in question, has not yet acquired the site and therefore had no influence over the planning permission granted in April. 

Furthermore, the permission allows for the removal of only one tree, not three as initially feared.

Allison Homes South West issued a statement to the Gazette, clarifying their position and future plans: “Outline planning permission was granted to LVA in April 2023 and Allison Homes is working on the acquisition of the site. The current section 73 application is to amend access to the development; the location of which is dictated through the approved highways scheme contained within that permission.

“As with any new Allison Homes development, we’re all about doing things the right way, and subject to us completing our acquisition we will be engaging with key parties and community members at this time.

“We are committed to building high quality homes for local people while protecting and preserving the habitats we work in. It is often the case that our developments improve the overall ecological value of the area; with new hedgerows and trees being planted for wildlife to enjoy.

“Our High Moor View development in Winkleigh features a beautiful orchard for the whole community to enjoy. It also features a variety of trees relocated from another Allison Homes development.”

Paul Betty, a local resident living opposite the proposed development site, had earlier reached out to the Gazette to express his concerns about the threat to these significant trees, which he believes to be over a century old and historically used as boundary markers for large estates in the area.

Mr Betty informed the Gazette that the background to this issue lies in a new development that has been granted planning permission for 150 houses, with initial access planned through the existing Harford View estate. 

He explained: “Originally, I sought a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for these trees, believed to be over 100 years old, which are purported to be the old boundary markers of the large estates in the area. These are significant, non-indigenous trees and an integral part of the Landkey skyline.”

He further told the Gazette: “These trees have not been felled yet but are under threat as the promised TPO in 2021 was not applied. The issue here is that the trees are significant. The planners have given permission to fell. These are the only trees in the 800 metres of the frontage, so my contention is that the planners should have protected these trees and suggested either the original access or access in another location.”

In response to these concerns, the Gazette had contacted North Devon Council for clarification. Tracey Blackmore, the Development Manager, said: “The site off Birch Road has outline planning permission for up to 150 dwellings and access following its approval at a committee meeting in April 2022. The three Corsican Pine trees along Birch Road are not subject to a Tree Protection Order. That said, it is recognised they are distinctive in their appearance and character and are valued by the local community.

“The council has been in consultation with the developer, and following on from this it is the intention for two of the three trees to remain in situ, with one tree to be felled to allow the construction of the site’s access in accordance with its planning permission.

“The felled tree will be replaced by six semi-mature root-balled trees which will mitigate the impact and enhance the tree cover across the site.”