Letter: Support Needed To Save The 18m Alder Tree In The Town Centre

Published on: 29 Jul, 2020
Updated on: 30 Jul, 2020

The 18m high Italian alder tree is to be cut down in plans by Guildford Council.

From: Jonathan Mitchell

In response to: Mature 18m Tree To Be Cut Down For Rubbish Bin Store

Only 15 objections have so far been registered against the removal of this beautiful and valuable 18m Italian alder in the town centre.

We have until Friday to reach the 20 needed to allow the public to speak at the Planning Committee. I ask Dragon readers to please consider registering objections as soon as possible, preferably via the website by clicking on this link.

Alternatively, they can email their views or objections to the tree being cut down to planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk quoting the reference 20/P/00535 and (importantly) giving your address.

Neither the independent Arboricultural Report nor the police crime review recommended the tree be felled. It appears that the removal of the tree makes the design of the bin store easier, whilst retaining existing parking spaces. The bin store design follows the police review recommendation for a roof “to prevent unauthorised persons using the bins as a climbing aid to gain entry to the car park area”.

Since the plan ignores the police recommendation to securely fence the adjoining car park, roofing the bin store would seem unnecessary. Prompted by objections, GBC asked the police to comment again. They replied in support of the removal, saying the tree allows “permeability to the area” and removal would “allow the bin store area to be fully controllable”.

This letter does not explain how a fenced tree would allow permeability, nor is reference made to the ignored recommendation to securely fence the adjoining car park.

Please object to save this wonderful tree and preserve all the benefits it brings.

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