I am intending to write to RBC to request that TPOs be placed on the remaining trees. Please read the letter below and let me know if you have any comments – I plan to send the letter at the end of the week.
Re. Request for Tree Preservation Order to be placed on trees near Holly Mount site
I am writing on behalf of Haslingden Old Road Residents Association to request Tree Preservation Orders be placed on a number of trees which lie between Haslingden Old Road and the Holly Mount Site. I have enclosed a large-scale map showing the approximate position and species of the trees. As you know, this area once contained over 100 trees providing a habitat for wildlife including bats, squirrels and a variety of birds, as well as a natural barrier between the new development on Lower Mills (Asda Superstore) and the housing stock to the North. Around 80 of these trees have now been felled by Hurstwoods and we feel strongly that this area should be protected from any further loss. All, or the majority, of the trees shown should be protected in the interest of amenity based on the following criteria:
1. Visibility and individual impact – The trees shown are clearly visible from the houses that line Haslingden Old Road, but even more so from St. Mary’s Way and the town centre. The trees partly screen the view of the houses from the town centre, providing a partial barrier and obscuring the houses from view. They also provide a natural backdrop to the current development on the Lower Mill site, breaking up the hard edges. They are therefore highly visible from an important public area and contribute significantly to the character and appearance of the adjacent Conservation area, which includes St. Mary’s Church and the Clock Tower.
2. Wider impact – The trees provide a significant contribution to the local surroundings. Not only do they provide a visual backdrop, but also a haven for wildlife. They are an important wildlife ‘corridor’, allowing the sustainability and viability of bird and small mammal populations in the area. They provide important protection against soil erosion on a steep incline and complement neighbouring trees in the vicinity.
3. Risk of Development – Given the proximity of the near-by development and the unnecessary clearing of 80 trees in this area, we feel that the remaining trees are under immediate threat from further development. Their removal would have a severe negative impact on the amenity of the area by removing a natural screen and backdrop from a very public place as well as endangering local wildlife.
Although several of the trees in this area are saplings, they should also be protected given their future potential as an amenity and the scarcity of trees left. Given the immediate threat to all these trees from the owner, we suggest an Area Order is placed on this whole area, immediately protecting all the trees in the boundary. Subsequently, as recommended by the Secretary of State, all the trees can then be assessed for their individual merit and classified as necessary.
