A protected tree is in danger of being severely hurt by the development of three new properties in Twickenham, a community group has claimed.
According to the group Friends of Twickenham Green, a protected Eucalyptus tree is under threat from plans for a pair of two-story semi-detached dwelling and a single-story dwelling with parking and amenities spaces behind 18-22 Hampton Road, Twickenham.
Residents near the site have voiced their concerns to Richmond Council, with the protected tree at the front of their objections.
Howard Roberts, Environment Officer for The Friends of Twickenham Green, said the roots of the tree are close to the surface, meaning the group are actively concerned about damage to the tree.
Roberts added: “We are anxious about that tree.
“The developer has made no contact whatsoever with the local community.
They’ve made no attempt to offer mediation.”
Roberts claimed a neighbour to the site was not allowed to put deep foundations in for her building works due to the tree roots being so near the surface.
The tree is the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, this means there can be no damage of a covered tree without the authorities’ written permission.
If trees are felled without permission the landowner may be prosecuted by the council and be liable to pay a fine up to £20,000.
In order to protect the roots, the plans show wooden boards with a load spreading layer underneath will be used to protect the roots that fall outside of the construction exclusion zone where there is only foot traffic.
The plans go on to say that where vehicles or machinery are used any root protection will need to be reinforced to spread the load of any traffic passing overhead.
Previously the area was home to a breeding colony of pipistrelle bats, but the developer ripped out the ground cover and all the other trees causing the area to lose the colony.
Friends of Twickenham Green launched a protest about the loss of the ground cover and trees before it became clear the developer was planning to build the houses.
At the time of the protests Green Party councillor Richard Bennett tweeted: “It shouldn’t be such a struggle to defend what we have, but it is.”
In their official comment on the planning application Emma Coleman, of Second Cross Road said: “The developer has already ecologically degraded this once ecologically diverse site.”
Complainant to the plans Thomas Palmer, of Hampton Road, said in his official comment fire engines will not be able to access the site due to most being 2.3 metres wide as one of his objections to the proposal.
Palmer added he believed there was an inability for fire engines to turn on the site leading to a risk of damage to the protected tree.
The council and developer have not responded to requests for comment.
Featured image credit: Friends of Twickenham Green
