An online petition opposing the removal of trees in South Stoneham Cemetery, prompted by an airport plan to fell 19 and carry out work on ten more, has so far attracted 360 signatures.
Photo: SCC
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The city council, which is due to hear the case on July 15, says the airport made the request following a Civil Aviation Authority audit.
The audit identified the trees - some thought to be around 85 years old - as “non-compliant with the regulations about managing potential obstacles in the vicinity of the airport”.
A Savill’s report in support of the airport’s licence has said that the tree work would “assist Southampton International Airport Limited in realising the full benefits associated with the approved, and now implemented runway extension” – reported the LDRS.
The report forecasts long-term benefits to the city and region of around an extra 1,000 local jobs and an economic boost of £75m a year.
However the petition describes South Stoneham Cemetery as a “cherished oasis”, “treasured by many who visit to pay respects to their loved ones or to simply find a peaceful moment amid nature”.
It suggests that the trees are more than “just part of the landscape” but “living memorials, silent witnesses to the lives commemorated here”.
It also cites “serious environmental concerns” as it says the cemetery is home to diverse wildlife, and suggests any new plantings “would take decades to mature”.
The airport has offered a four-to-one tree replacement ratio, totalling 76 new trees, as well as other ecological measures such as bat boxes.
If the airport’s request is refused by Southampton City Council’s cabinet, the secretary of state could still mandate the work on council land.
There’s more information about the application, including FAQs, on this council page
The airport previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “As an airport operator we must comply with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations which mandate the removal or management of any obstacles that present a hazard to aircraft.
“This includes trimming or removing trees that pose a risk, while also considering environmental and community impacts.
“Our application sets out our intention to continue to work positively with the council to agree an appropriate way forward which would include agreeing a range of measures to enhance the biodiversity of the local area.
“Not being able to provide a safe operating environment will have a direct impact on our ability to enhance our connectivity that plays such a vital role in driving the economic and social prosperity of the region.”