Developer given BCP Council consent to axe 47 trees at Highcliffe’s Jesmond Wood

A DEVELOPER looking to build homes on woodland in Highcliffe has been given consent to fell 47 more trees at the site despite hundreds of local residents opposing the move.

Chris Bulstrode, of Brentland Ltd, is appealing BCP Council’s refusal to allow him to build 16 four-bedroom homes on land south of Jesmond Avenue.

He won permission from BCP Council last Friday to chop down the trees – which, according to the authority, are “in decline” – and work began this week. The decision document stipulates that “47 new trees should be planted”.

As reported in the A&T, 46 trees had already been axed, which again were said by the council to be diseased and dying.

More than 200 locals had written to oppose the latest tree application, and Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council said “no reason had been given” for the felling, given there was “no development to support”.

Cllr Andy Martin, who represents Highcliffe and Walkford on BCP Council, said he was “bitterly disappointed” with the decision.

“It is quite obvious the only reason for doing this is to change the appearance of the area so it looks more like a development site and less like the woodland that it is.

“And in terms of the replanting conditions, I would expect BCP Council to robustly ensure these are met; if not, it will have to answer to the local community.”

Mr Bulstrode has hit back at his opponents, labelling them “eco zealots”, and has stressed the site has been earmarked as sustainable building land.

“It is quite appalling that eco zealots won’t accept the status quo and recognise the great benefit of the removal of dead trees and replanting of healthy ones,” he said.

“The protest is in my opinion losing momentum, however, and being recognised for what it is.”

There have also been claims by vice chair of the parish council, Cllr Adam Sofianos, that otters and badgers use the woodland, which Mr Bulstrode dismissed last week as “utter fantasy”.

“There is a small trickle of water forming a small stream, which is not enough to support either creature,” he told the A&T.

The application for 16 new homes was unanimously refused by BCP Council in December last year after a flood of objections totalling 230 came in.

It was believed the scheme was out of keeping, lacked affordable housing, and would cause traffic congestion. Villagers also highlighted the impact of the loss of woodland.