Council has ‘no immediate plans’ to fell Tadley trees as residents stage opposition

A group of residents in Tadley have been campaigning to ‘save the natural environment’ near their homes, after a number of trees in Guttridge Lane were destroyed.

They set up a petition, which has so far gained more than 600 signatures, calling on the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to rethink their ‘imminent threat’ of historic trees.

One resident, Carol Monaghan, said: “"At this time of environmental and climate emergency, we need to do all we can to protect the trees we have, and to work for the benefit of all our residents, protecting the natural environment for all in the future.”

However, speaking to the Gazette, executive director of residents’ services, Rebecca Emmett said that while the team must consider the ‘detrimental impact’ of allowing trees to remain, there are no ‘immediate plans’ to fell further trees on the site in question.

She said: “Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council oversees the management of over 80,000 trees and woodlands on borough council land and our primary objective is to protect, maintain and enable the trees on our land to flourish. We must also consider additional factors including any detrimental impacts on others while carrying out our role.

“Due to subsidence, three trees in Guttridge Lane have recently been felled. There are no immediate plans to remove additional trees in this area but we are continuing to work closely with our insurers to consider any further impact.”

Acknowledging the concerns of residents, who say they want to ‘protect the natural environment from destruction’, Ms Emmett added: “We have heard from a number of residents in relation to the remaining trees at this site and will be considering their comments alongside our ongoing discussions with our own insurers before making a decision on any further action that may be needed.

“We will keep residents updated as the situation progresses.”