By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Council leaders have backed a plan allowing Southampton Airport to fell 19 trees in South Stoneham Cemetery.
Previously: Campaigners challenge airport plan to cut cemetery trees
In the news: Dismay after Southampton airport gets permission to cut down cemetery trees - The Guardian

 

Southampton City Council cabinet members said they did not take cutting down trees “lightly”, while airport bosses said the scheme would have “undoubted benefits” to the region.

Officers will now issue a licence for the works at South Stoneham Cemetery alongside agreeing an extended tree management plan.

 Protesters ahead of the cabinet meeting to decide the issue

The proposal attracted opposition from environmental groups and residents who live near the cemetery at the meeting on Tuesday, July 15, with councillors also approving a change to the tree policy.

This alteration related to clarifying the tree matters that would go to the planning and rights of way panel, an executive decision by cabinet or officers.

Angela Cotton, of Transition Southampton, said it appeared economic development was taking precedence over other considerations, including impact on humans and the environment, and the felling of “healthy mature trees in a sacred space”.

“We have many concerns about these two decisions and we request that both issues are defered so that all parties can make a proper appraisal and identify whether there is another solution that would satisfy the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) without destroying our precious green spaces,” Ms Cotton said.

Southampton Airport managing director Gavin Williams said the sensitivity of the surrounding area and proposed work was fully recognised, adding that the airport was eager to fully engage with all affected families.

Cabinet was told an audit from the CAA recommended the airport find a resolution to manage the obstacles that were currently in place.

Mr Williams said the CAA made it “very clear” they needed to actively work with the council to resolve the issue.

The trees at the cemetery currently meant weight restrictions were placed on aircraft, which was not making the airport “competitive or viable” to operate.

The plans would see 19 trees felled and a further 10 cut back.

“This is about unlocking substantial economic benefits and employment for the region, paving the way for new routes and opportunities for the central south, enhancing the Navigator Quarter proposition and having a strategic connectivity for the Solent,” Mr Williams said.

He said the project did not mean bigger aircraft, but more passengers which allowed planes to take more fuel and visit further destinations.

A report prepared on behalf of Southampton Airport said the scheme could lead to a potential forecast local benefit of 1,050 extra jobs and £75million gross value added a year over the long term.

Any move to increase passenger numbers beyond the current cap of three million a year would require a planning approval from Eastleigh Borough Council.

Proposed mitigations included four-to-one tree replacement, an urban wildflower meadow, a refurbishment of the cemetery chapel and the introduction of weather proofed memorial seating.

Cabinet member for economic development Cllr Sarah Bogle said: “I don’t take cutting down trees lightly.

“Trees are very important to the city. We are proud of our green city policies.”

Cllr Bogle said it had not been an “easy decision”, which involved considering balancing economic, environment, ecological, social and wellbeing factors.

She added: “This is about balancing these arguments and on balance we think having a viable regional airport is actually something in our economic interest as a city and a region and is a positive in terms of investment and might reduce traffic to say Gatwick and Heathrow for visits and might help our broader economy.”

Addressing the airport bosses, Cllr John Savage, cabinet member for green city and net zero, said: “I hope that you can work with us and the community to deliver the kind of mitigations that will be acceptable to them and to us as you go forward.”

In a statement after the meeting a spokesperson for Southampton Airport said: “We are legally obliged to maintain a clear and safe airspace for the aircraft that fly to and from our airport

“Our application related to 29 trees that were identified by the CAA as presenting a hazard and we are therefore required to have a management plan in place

“We presented a range of measures for officials to consider that would allow us to remove the risk presented by the trees while also enhancing the biodiversity of the local area

“This included a comprehensive replanting scheme both within South Stoneham cemetery and across Southampton, as well as the creation of new hedgerows and a meadow

“It is important we work in partnership with the council and we look forward to working with officials to agree the final details of the tree management plan.”

This piece was updated with the post-meeting airport statement

Previously: Campaigners challenge airport plan to cut cemetery trees

In the news: Dismay after Southampton airport gets permission to cut down cemetery trees - The Guardian