An application to remove a line of trees adjacent to Therfield Heath has met with backlash from Royston residents.
Redrow South Midlands is proposing to remove the trees as part of the Hedera Gardens development in Hampshire Road.
The development of 279 homes was the subject of similar controversy in 2020, when trees were removed or cut back in Baldock Road.
In that instance, trees were cut down without permission from either the district or the county council, which Redrow said was to satisfy the county council's drainage requirements.
Redrow responded to the incident by planting three new trees for each one damaged or lost - a move which was welcomed by North Herts Council and by MP Sir Oliver Heald.
This latest application is known to both North Herts Council and the Conservators of Therfield Heath, who work to preserve the heath as a nature reserve and rare chalk grassland habitat.
As part of the plans, Redrow is proposing to remove trees to ensure "safety and visibility" at a new junction.
One resident commented: "This will completely destroy the view from the heath and increase noise/light pollution to an SSSI [Site of Special Scientific Interest].
"I and others are writing/have written to our MP and would urge anyone else who might wish to take action to do so before it is too late.
"Redrow have, for too long, been above reproach for the damage they have already done – they have cut numerous trees without permission, and broken Tree Protection Orders.
READ MORE
- MP Oliver Heald speaks out against proposed ticket office closures
- Have your say on new policing priorities for Royston
"To date, any penalty that may have been imposed has not been severe enough for them to recognise that the heath and surrounding area is not theirs to destroy as they choose, to maximise profit.
"There is a view that our council are not taking seriously the damage Redrow are causing – and one has to wonder why they feel unable to impose any serious penalty for the damage done so far."
Cllr Ruth Brown, executive member for planning and transport at North Herts Council, said: "We have recently advised Redrow to withdraw and resubmit this application with further information.
"Residents have been in touch with myself and the council so we are fully aware of the strength of feeling about the removal of trees."
Redrow South Midlands has clarified they will wait for approval from North Herts Council before progressing with the tree removal.
John Mann, managing director at Redrow South Midlands, said: "Works to install a new road junction, as agreed with North Herts Council as part of the planning for our Hedera Gardens development, will require the removal of a limited number of trees to ensure safety and visibility at the new junction.
"We have engaged with a tree officer from North Herts Council over the proposed works and await their approval before progressing.
"We are keen to ensure we support the local area and community surrounding the new development, and as part of Section 106 contributions, we will be providing over £520,000 towards the facilities and management of the adjacent heath."
The Hedera Gardens development offers a mix of two, three and four-bedroomed homes, available from £350,000.
For more information visit https://www.redrow.co.uk/developments/hedera-gardens-royston-222652.
Therfield Heath has been designated an SSSI by Natural England since 1953.
Residents are invited to give their views on the new planning application by emailing planning.control@north-herts.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here