A tree that has been the subject of a tree protection order since 1989 is set to disappear as a result of plans for affordable housing in Wokingham.
A concerned resident contacted Wokingham Today after reading about plans from Wokingham borough council to build the housingon land near the junction of Wellington Road, Station Road and Park Road, close to Wokingham station.
Documents submitted as part of the planning application confirm the tree is a hybrid version of black poplar tree (Populus x canadensis) , a species that the Forestry Commission say is the most endangered native timber tree in Britain.
The resident added: “Wokingham is building and building.
“Should we not be protecting this site as a conservation area, looking after these species for future generations?”
Alison Griffin, a spokesperson for the Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association told Wokingham Today: “WDVTA has surveyed trees with girths over three metres across the borough, and our map shows the locations and gives details of the 8,696 trees we have recorded.
“The tree at this site is much smaller than our limit, so has not been surveyed and recorded.
Whilst unable to confirm if the tree was the rare black poplar, she added that poplar trees in general are less common in this area than oaks, silver birch, ash and other tree species.
“Wokingham borough council does have a tree strategy, so every development will need to replace lost trees with new planting, and the plans do indicate this is included.
“I assume, if approved, the tree species planted would need to be agreed so that it is appropriate for the site.
“A maintenance plan for nurturing the saplings for the first five to 10 years should also be included, especially the plans for watering the trees in times of drought of course.
“We are very aware of many developments where the planted landscaping trees have failed through lack of basic maintenance.”
Documents in the application suggest that nine trees will be planted across the site, but that: “.. the trees are unlikely to reach maturity and develop ecological niches within the 30-year timeframe of target condition, and will require pruning to prevent encroachment.”
Wokingham Today approached Wokingham borough council for comment, but it declined citing that it does not comment on live planning applications.
The consultation for the planning application ends on August 29.
For more information you can search application 251621 on Wokingham borough council’s planning portal.
