Tree-felling angers residents
Angry...Paul Claxton chairman, Jim Culkin, John Hunt, councillor Barbara Johnson, Rosemary Culkin, councillor Sarah Hill, councillor Phil Knowles, Virginia Weet and Jenny Driver beside the felled trees on Nether Green in Great Bowden. (Picture: Andrew Carpenter/001396-14)
VILLAGERS have spoken of their “disbelief” at what they claim is the illegal felling of nine lime trees in Great Bowden.
Harborough District Council is investigating the felling, which is believed to have taken place between January 11 and 18, on a housing development at the former Fernie Hunt stables, on Nether Green.
A number of complaints about the action, by developer Mulberry Property Developments, have been made to the Council’s enforcement team.
Great Bowden Parish Council chairman, Paul Claxton, described the felling as “vandalism.”
He said: “In a conservation area it’s absolutely appalling that this can happen.
“It’s decimated the site because we’re talking about big, mature trees which is just devastating, it’s ridiculous.”
Mulberry was given planning permission to conduct work on the trees, which were 90 years old, but not to fell them outright.
Michael Jack, of Nether Green, said: “I’m shocked and stunned, it’s indescribable really. You just can’t believe the destruction.
“The loss to the landscape, village character and habitat is immense.”
Andrew French, of Langton Road, Great Bowden, said: “They are not just beautiful, they are a necessity as the lungs of any town or city and of huge importance in preventing flooding.
“To do what Mulberry have done in a beautiful conservation area, knowingly without permission, is unforgivable and a slap in the face.
“It is going to take half a century to replace what they have taken from us.
A spokesman for Harborough District council said: “We are currently investigating the matter to determine the most appropriate course of action.”
Steve Mitchell, director of Mulberry Property Developments told the Mail he did not wish to comment while the issue was being investigated by the council.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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