The felling of more than a dozen trees as part of work to create the Southern Distributor road in Wokingham has been described by one resident as “..utterly devastating and sickening.”
It has emerged that some of the trees were the subject of tree preservation orders (TPOs), although their loss has been deemed as “acceptable”.
Residents took to social media channels after the trees, alongside the entrance road to Ludgrove School off Easthampstead Road, were cut down last week.
A letter to a resident from Balfour Beatty, the contractor responsible for the work in connection with the project, and shared on social media, said: “All trees designated for removal were assessed and recorded in our arboricultural method statement, which we submitted to Wokingham Borough Council as part of the planning process.
“We did consider whether we could go ahead without removing protected trees, and where this was deemed unavoidable, mitigation measures have been carefully planned.
“This includes planting replacement trees, improving nearby green spaces to increase biodiversity, and preserving the natural landscape.”
Angry and upset netizens took to social media to share their anger at the work.
One resident suggested: “We could always go sit in front of the rest of the trees to ensure they don’t get felled.
“We need to stand up to all this nonsense.”
Another said: “It looks like all the trees on both sides of the lane have tree protection orders, so I’ve also asked where I can see documentation of the approval to cut them down.”
Another wrote: “It’s really sad to see the local nature being pushed out to make way for tarmac and bricks.”
A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council told Wokingham Today: “These trees have been felled as part of our South Wokingham Distributor road project, which is now under construction in partnership with Balfour Beatty.
“Some have been cleared to make way for the road itself, as well as less visible infrastructure like underground drainage channels, while others had to be removed to make space for construction works.
“Tree roots spread further underground than can be seen above ground, and they can adversely affect, or be affected adversely by, works like this.
“This can result in them becoming unstable or ultimately dying.
“For that reason, the impact assessment of the works and any subsequent removal is carried out by specialists. Any trees that aren’t removed but could be impacted by works will be protected to avoid damage.
“The loss of trees associated with the South Wokingham Distributor road was assessed and deemed acceptable as part of the planning consent process.
“Some were subject to tree preservation orders, and this is addressed through that process.
“Our landscaping strategy will ultimately provide more planting, and wildlife habitats, once the road is built.
“The road is integral to our wider vision for sustainable growth at South Wokingham, and further planting and landscaping will be provided as part of the housing development.
“We would stress that we remain committed to meeting our climate emergency commitments and, where tree loss for development is necessary, will seek to offset this through suitable replanting.
Last week, Wokingham Today revealed the “dismay” expressed by some residents following the start of connecting work at the Tesco roundabout on Finchampstead Road. The South Wokingham Distributor road, which has been planned for decades, will eventually link Finchampstead Road with London Road.
This latest news comes after Wokingham Borough Council was this week awarded “Tree Cities of the World” status for what the Trees for Cities organisation described as “.. its leading work in urban forestry”.
