Thursday, December 2, 2004

Local residents fear that if this application is successful the removal of these trees will lead to another application to develop the land

An application has been received by Calderdale Council to fell five trees subject to a Tree Protection Order on land behind Linden Mill as part of "woodland management". Local residents fear that if this application is successful the removal of these trees will lead to another application to develop the land, bordered by Rose Grove, Moss Lane and Mayfield Road.

Last summer a planning application was submitted to Calderdale Council to build 10 'eco-houses', designed by local architects Studio BAAD, on the same land. In a PR campaign similar to that employed on the Millpond, the land was portrayed as litter-strewn and unvalued. That application was rejected after an unprecedented number of objections to the council, one of the main supporting reasons being the presence of the protected trees and the damage to development would do to the them. Studio BAAD are also the architects working with Green Tops - see Chainsaw Tuesday

Linden Mill and Woods is owned by David Fletcher and Philip Bintliff of Studio BAAD

The landowner has stated that he will submit another planning application, possibly before the land is re-designated in new Unitary Development Plan (UDP), and it seems the application to remove these trees is in preparation for resubmitting plans for development of the site. Indeed, the applicant is asking permission to fell a large tree that blocks access to the site from Rose Grove. The four other trees are at strategic points on the land and may inhibit any development.

Regent Place resident Donnet Morrison said "The whole woodland stands in the Hebden Bridge Conservation Area and is subject to a TPO. The trees are not damaged, diseased or dangerous. Why then do they want to remove them if not for another attempt at development?"

This application comes amongst growing concern in the community over the scale and pace of development of its green spaces, much of which intersperses the existing housing and gives Hebden Bridge its unique character. This particular site forms part of a wide sweep of woodland that can be seen from many points in Hebden Bridge and is enjoyed by the residents who live in the densely-populated area, many of whom do not have access to gardens.

Objections to the application must be received by Calderdale Council by Thursday 16 December and can be made on-line by going to Calderdale Council's planning comments page.

Alternatively, you can write (quoting the application number 04/20225/TPO) to:

Planning Services,
2nd Floor, Northgate House
Halifax, HX1 1UN.

Please include your name and address with all comments.

Updates to the story will appear on the HebWeb.