By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter
Updated As previously reported, plans by Southampton Airport to fell 116 trees in ancient woodland at Marlhill Copse will be examined at a council meeting today (Tuesday 23).
The airport – which owns the site and has tabled the plans – said it wants to ensure that the land is “healthy, resilient and sustainable”.
The council says 32 residents commented in favour of the proposals, and there have been 72 objections from 35 individual residents. The also council notes “5 comments received in relation to the airport and its proposed expansion” and says “these have not been included in the support or objection numbers”.
Residents raised a number of concerns including the impact on the woodland, wildlife and noise from the airport.
Concerns have also been raised over alleged links between the plans and the proposed expansion of the airport’s runway.
The airport however says the work is about its “commitment as stewards of this local treasure”.
“We are committed to being good neighbours and enabling the Copse to be enjoyed and able to thrive. The latest report from Southampton City Council’s tree officer states that our plans are based on the practice of good forestry,” said the airport’s operations director Steve Szalay.
The Planning and Rights of Way (PROW) meeting takes place 'virtually' from 5.30pm: the [updated] link to the meeting using Microsoft Teams (viewable via the web or via Teams software) is here.
The meeting will also be discussing the airport's revised runway planning application - see previously.
Earlier this month the panel approved plans to fell almost 100 trees at the site as they were deemed unsafe.
This article is from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Some alterations and additions may have been made by our site - a partner in the BBC's Local News Partnerships scheme. BBC-funded LDRS journalists cover local authorities and public service organisations, with content shared by all partners.