Mature trees are key to fighting the cruel effects of climate change. Not only do they capture carbon, they also help to prevent flooding, reduce city temperatures, reduce pollution (which already exceeds WHO levels across the Rochford District) and keep the soil healthy. 

 

The Holt Farm Oak Tree has been cleaning our air, providing us with shade and shelter and supporting wildlife for many, many years. 

 

The Holt Farm Oak Tree is subject to a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) proving that it is an important asset to the area.

 

After the recent Bloor Homes appeal hearing, the inspector stated in his report ‘The only matter which I consider could be regarded as a disbenefit of the appeal proposal is the loss of the protected oak tree outside the Holt Farm Schools, which has a clear visual and amenity value’. He also acknowledged that new trees would take many years to mature. 

 

Whilst we need more new trees, it is imperative that we do all we can to protect our existing, mature ones. Therefore we request that Rochford District Council do not destroy our beautiful tree and instead use some of the S106 money received from the Bloor Homes development, to relocate the tree to a suitable site within the local proximity.  

 

According to the Rochford District Council Development Committee Report 24th June 2021:

“a further financial contribution of £75,000 would also be paid to Rochford District Council to be used for additional off-site tree planting by way of further mitigation relating to the loss of the tree on Ashingdon Road which is subject to Tree Preservation Order”…….We believe this amount should be ample to relocate the tree and still be able to plant additional trees elsewhere too. 

 

Within the same report RDC Arboriculture classified the tree as A1/3 as it has few defects, good vitality and good life expectancy. We believe therefore the council should do all they can to protect it.

 

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