By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Southampton Airport has agreed to plant four times the number of trees it plans to remove from South Stoneham Cemetery.

 

An agreement has been reached with the city council on the mitigation measures for the contentious project after talks with residents.

As reported, cabinet members approved a request for a licence to carry out the work at South Stoneham Cemetery, which involves chopping down 19 mature trees and cutting back a further 10, at a meeting in July.

The airport made the application after an audit from the Civil Aviation Authority said action was needed to manage the obstacle environment around the airfield.

Following meetings with residents and discussions with the council, the airport has committed to:

• Fund the planting of 31 new trees of appropriate species within South Stoneham Cemetery and 45 trees in the area around Bassett Green Road and Leaside Way.
• Provide habitat enhancements at South Stoneham Cemetery, with a new wildlife corridor with native hedgerow planting along the northeast boundary of the cemetery, and native hedgerow, holly planting and installation of bat boxes along the eastern edge.
• Refurbish the cemetery chapel, Book of Remembrance room, Garden of Remembrance and pond, and cemetery toilet block.
• Deliver improvements to the nearby allotment car park area, new taps and a new toilet.

 The chapel at South Stoneham Cemetery. Photo: SCC

The council will now move forward with formally approving the licence, which will allow the airport to start the tree management and mitigation works in the coming weeks.

Gavin Williams, Southampton Airport managing director, said: “We’re grateful to the local community for taking the time to engage with us and share their views on the proposals.

“Working closely with the council, we’ve agreed a comprehensive package of mitigation measures that not only address the safety requirements identified by the Civil Aviation Authority but also enhance the biodiversity and facilities in and around South Stoneham Cemetery.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the council as we deliver these improvements.”

At the cabinet meeting in July, environmental groups and residents who live near the cemetery voiced their opposition to the proposal.

Meanwhile, the airport has previously said the scheme would unlock “substantial economic benefits and employment” for the region.

Cllr Sarah Bogle, cabinet member for economic development, said she was very appreciative of the willingness of local residents to engage with the airport and the mitigation works that have been agreed.

Cllr Bogle said: “Southampton Airport is a key local employer and service provider and the tree management plan together with the replacement planting, habitat enhancements and improvements to the cemetery and allotments offers a balanced resolution which supports local businesses, communities and our green spaces.”