SAVE THE CHRISTMAS LANE OAKS!

Five majestic and magnificent oak trees in High Halstow, Rochester, Kent are under threat from being felled.  The beautiful English oaks in question are situated along Christmas Lane, where housing developer Redrow has put forward plans to widen the road to accommodate a new cycleway/footway.  

This is part of Redrow's planning application (MC/23/0855) to build 760 houses east of High Halstow, between Christmas Lane and Britannia Road.  The oaks are at least 100 years old but are not currently protected with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).  If granted planning permission, the Highways Authority has the power to compulsory purchase any land required to undertake the works (including where the oak trees are situated).  

Their removal would have a significant negative impact on the local environment, local landscape and public amenity, present or future.

"The contribution of oak trees to landscapes, biodiversity, culture and economy is enormous.  Renowned in history and legend, oak trees symbolise royalty, patriotism and strength.  But perhaps their greatest feat is nurturing wildlife.  They are a haven for a colossal 2,300 wildlife species, providing vital spaces to eat, shelter and breed." - The Woodland Trust.

Medway Council declared a climate emergency in April 2019 and passed a motion committing to reduce its carbon footprint and provide the local community with a clean, green future.  The potential felling of these oaks would fly in the face of this Climate Emergency declaration and promise made to the community.  

This petition calls for:  

1.  The Local Planning Authority (Medway Council) to grant a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for the five English oak trees on Christmas Lane, High Halstow.   

2.  The Highways Authority (Medway Council) to refuse any works that will result in the felling and removal of the five English oak trees on Christmas Lane, High Halstow.

3.  Redrow PLC to remove or change their planning application (MC/23/0855) to install a cycleway/footway, in order to protect the five English oak trees on Christmas Lane, High Halstow.  

It's within Medway Council's power to stop this environmental vandalism and to protect wildlife and our local landscape.  I believe the felling of these English oak trees would be unprecedented for the authority.  The oak is part of our culture and identity, meaning every oak is precious and must be protected.

Thank you for signing.

Michael Pearce.

#SAVETHECHRISTMASLANEOAKS 

*This online petition will be converted to a paper petition in order to be accepted by Medway Council.  Please ensure you provide all the details requested when signing.