Dear X,

I am writing to formally object to the permission of the development of a dwelling and associated parking adjacent to 42 Southfield Way, Tiverton, which I would be very grateful if you could investigate further.This objection is supported by numerous local residents and we are doing an online permission.  
I wish to highlight the serious concerns surrounding the potential impact of this planning application on both the local community and the environment.

1. Disruption to Local Community and Traffic Concerns

Many residents in the area have already voiced their objections due to the significant disruption that this development will cause. Southfield Way is a small road, ill-suited to handle the additional traffic that construction vehicles will bring. The road's narrowness means that regular access for local residents could be severely impacted by the presence of heavy building machinery, delivery vehicles, and contractors. This will inevitably cause noise, congestion, and potentially hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.

2. Destruction of a Protected Beech Tree

The site for the proposed dwelling is home to an ancient beech tree that is subject to a Tree Protection Order (TPO). Independent arborist advice confirms that construction on this site would cause irreversible damage to the tree, leading to its slow decline due to root destruction, soil compaction, and root shake. The beech tree is a significant and valued part of the local landscape, and its loss would represent a grave environmental and aesthetic blow to the area. The protection order must be respected, and any development that threatens its survival should be rejected outright.

3. Destruction of Root System

An arborist with over fifty years of experience working with trees, has assessed the tree. He stated the tree was around 100 years old.  Also, that beech tree roots grow near the surface of the ground and he confirmed that the roots would be damaged by the building of a house next to it. Therefore, even though the tree trunk would not be touched and the tree would appear undamaged by the building. The beech tree's root system would be compromised and the tree would die. 

4. Impact on the Rook Colony and Wildlife under the Wildlife and Countryside Act

The site is also home to a rook colony, which has existed for decades. These rooks nest approximately ten metres off the ground in a nearby collection of trees. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, their disturbance is a significant concern, as the noise and environmental disruption caused by construction will likely drive them away, leading to the collapse of this long-established colony. Destroying such a colony would not only have a severe ecological impact but also degrade the natural heritage of the area.

5. Loss of Important Wildlife Habitat

The natural area surrounding the proposed site is small but is home to a variety of wildlife, including hedgehogs, slow worms, and shrews, all of which are protected species. Furthermore, owls are known to hunt in the vicinity, and bats, which are also protected species under UK law, are frequently observed flying around the area at night. Disrupting this delicate ecosystem would lead to the loss of important habitats and diminish biodiversity.

6. Inadequate and Outdated Ecology Report

The planning application is based on an ecology report that lacks thoroughness and relevance. The report was generated after just a single walkover survey conducted in November 2023, a time well outside the key ecological season for many species. This does not provide an accurate or comprehensive understanding of the potential environmental impact. Additionally, as wildlife populations and habitats can change significantly over time, the report is now nearly a year old and out of date.

7. Request for New Ecology Survey

Given the importance of the natural area and the flaws in the original ecology report, I strongly urge that a new, independent ecological survey be commissioned. This survey should be conducted at an appropriate time of year to fully assess the current wildlife population and the potential consequences of this development. It is only through a rigorous and current assessment that an informed decision can be made regarding the true impact of the proposed development.

In conclusion, the proposed development would cause irreversible damage to the local environment, harm protected species, and significantly disrupt the local community. I urge you to investigate this planning permission and consider the lasting negative consequences it would have on both the local wildlife and residents.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter. I hope that you can recognize the importance of protecting the natural beauty, wildlife, and wellbeing of the area.

Yours faithfully,
x