The recent felling of over 100 mature trees in Plymouth is a stark reminder of the importance of standing up to protect ancient and irreplaceable trees that will be lost if construction of the Norwich Link Road goes ahead. 

The trees in Plymouth formed a vital part of a walkway from the sea to the city and provided valuable green space in the heart of the city. Despite opposition from the community, the Conservative council in Plymouth went ahead with the felling, sending in security guards and chainsaws under the cover of darkness. 

The situation in Plymouth has parallels with the chainsaw massacre in Sheffield, where thousands of healthy trees were cut down by Sheffield City Council without proper consultation or consideration of alternatives. A recent inquiry report found the council guilty of a serious and sustained failure of strategic leadership. The unnecessary destruction of trees not only harms the environment, but it also negatively impacts the physical and mental wellbeing of communities.

In Plymouth, 16,000 people signed a petition to save the trees, and the council agreed to community engagement in February. However, within hours of that engagement ending, the chainsaws moved in and more than 100 trees were felled. The local campaign to save the trees obtained an injunction halting the felling and saved 15 trees, but they vow to continue their fight. 

It is clear that local communities have a vital role to play in standing up for their environment and protecting ancient and irreplaceable trees from unnecessary destruction. 

It is imperative that councils take heed of the views of local people, engage in proper consultation, and explore alternatives before felling any trees. 

Trees are not just decorative elements, but they are crucial in combating climate change, improving air quality, and providing recreational spaces for communities. 

The actions of the Conservative council in Plymouth demonstrate a disregard for these important considerations, and as a result, have caused irreparable harm to the environment and community. 

We must all stand up against the felling of ancient and irreplaceable trees, and protect our environment for future generations. 

More particularly, we must ensure that if and when the NWL reaches the planning stage that Norfolk County Council is not allowed to circumvent National Planning Policy.  

Planning permission must be refused if the development will result in the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees unless both of the following applies: a) there are wholly exceptional reasons and b) there’s a suitable compensation strategy in place.  As regards the latter it is specifically noted in National Planning Policy that ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees are irreplaceable.