I have been contacted by several residents with deep concerns about this application for consent for works to protected trees at 78 Welcomes Road.
I would like to highlight the concerns expressed to me about this application for works to the TPOs at number 78. I previously raised my worries about clearance on trees on the site about in August. The removal of so many trees on this site has already raised significant anxieties in the local community which are now exacerbated by the application to remove even the protected trees.
Whilst it is acknowledged that some care and attention is needed to return the tree to full health, the beech tree is a significant feature of Welcomes Road, providing environmental benefits for the local area, including the people who regularly walk up Welcomes Road to Kenley Common.
Being in such a visible location, as well as its maturity and its importance in this semi-rural part of Kenley, removal of the tree would have a detrimental impact on the local area. I note that the applicant states that the tree will be replaced, however, it will be many decades before a replacement tree will reach the maturity of this beech.
The loss of such a lot of natural habitat will have a huge impact on the local area area’s wildlife, particularly birds, insects, bats, and small mammals.
I believe this application has been submitted prior to a wider application to develop the site. I would like to note that the tree is also vulnerable to excavation work and during the construction phase there would need to be measures taken to protect its root system.
Due to these reasons, I have registered an objection to this application. If you would like to look at the application in more detail, please see https://publicaccess3.croydon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=S2NVJUJLMFZ00&activeTab=summary (23/03922/TRE).
