The council has granted the airport conditional approval to fell three Monterey pines, an ash and a beech tree at Marlhill Copse, despite 50 online objections, and, as reported, calls for any decision to be made at a public meeting when possible.

While the decision notice (PDF download from this council page) makes undertaking the work within 12 months a condition, it’s thought work could start as soon as Monday (May 11).

Most of Marlhill Copse was reopened to the public on April 2, with the application lodged on March 29.

The local authority stressed that an "emergency decision" arose after “grave concerns” that residents could be seriously injured if immediate action was not taken, reported the LDRS (Local Democracy Reporting Service).

Campaigners have said that the decision should have been made at a public meeting when a planning panel was able to convene.

The council has now said a public consultation on the future of the copse will be held in the summer.

By bitternepark.info.
Additional material: Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter

Credit clarified 10/5/20