Unanimous decision
By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter
Controversial plans to axe trees in ancient woodland in Southampton were given the green light this afternoon (June 23).
After a two-hour long virtual meeting, councillors approved plans to fell four trees at Marlhill Copse at a planning and rights of way meeting.
The initial decision made by council officers in May was quashed following a row between city leaders and campaigners.
As reported, the plans were put forward by Southampton Airport, which owns the land.
During the meeting, the proposals were scrutinised by councillors and residents.
Some members of the public objected to the plans and asked for an independent report to be published and discussed before reaching a decision.
Campaigner Gareth Narbed told members there were suggestions that a decision on two of the four trees should be deferred due to “insufficient evidence to justify the felling for the reason of safety”.
But officers highlighted that the trees are believed to be more than 100 years old and an investigation found “several failures throughout the canopy of these trees”.
Meanwhile, local residents who live by Marlhill Copse spoke in favour of the plans as they raised concerns over their safety and the safety of their own properties.
Mike Weeks, project manager at Southampton Airport, stressed the proposals are not related to any other airport operations.
But he said the trees pose a risk to the health and safety of the public and nearby properties.
He added: “Whilst we appreciate the proposals will not please all members of the community we have a duty of care to the public and we must be allowed to act before a serious incident occurs. It is critical that this application is re-approved so that we can quickly act and make safe these dangerous trees.”
Officers said they were satisfied with the report that has been submitted.
Cllr Lisa Mitchell, chair of the planning panel, said: “It is a very difficult set of circumstances to weight up. We have seen the pictures, we have seen the limb failures and I don’t think that in good conscience I would be able to know that these trees were still there and posing a level of danger.”
The panel unanimously voted for the proposals to be approved.
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