Eco & Environment | Posted on November 28th, 2024 | return to news
Tree trouble in Poundbury as residents protest planting plans
Residents of King Charles’ model town, Poundbury, have opposed the planting of a line of trees on Peninsula Way.
The residents of King Charles’ model town, Poundbury, have opposed plans by the developer and the Duchy of Cornwall to plant a line of trees along Peninsula Way.
Residents are objecting to the landscape plan which proposes planting large bird cherry trees on both sides of the narrow road — just feet from property boundaries. According to The Woodland Trust, that bird cherry trees can grow up to 25m in height and spread to a similar width. Homeowners fear these trees will cause long-term issues, including creating challenges with obtaining home insurance and mortgages due to their proximity to homes.
Adding to residents’ frustrations, the Highways Agency has warned that planting the trees in such a way would render Peninsula Way “unadoptable,” meaning road maintenance costs would fall on homeowners instead of being covered by Dorset Council.
One resident expressed their anger, saying: “We all bought into Peninsula Way because of the developer’s marketing, which promised uninterrupted countryside views.
“Residents paid a premium for these homes. It’s unacceptable that the plan all along was to plant trees that would block these views and create a tunnel effect along this narrow road.
“The size and location of these trees are completely inappropriate. In earlier phases of Poundbury, we’ve seen how large trees have caused problems by encroaching on properties and damaging pavements, creating hazards for pedestrians.
“Despite raising our concerns repeatedly with the Duchy and CG Fry, we have been ignored. It’s irresponsible for them to push ahead with this plan.”
According to background information provided to Dorset View, the plans shown to prospective buyers at the time the houses were sold did indicate the intention to plant the trees. Also, the initial grant of planning for the site required trees in this location.
The Duchy of Cornwall declined to comment, but it is working with the developer CG Fry and Son, landscape consultants Fabrik and Highway and Civil engineers AWP on the tree planting plans. The final version of this plan is being reviewed and the developers claim it will be compliant with local Highways guidance.
The developer and the Duchy are also working with Dorset Council to find a solution. Philip Fry, managing director of CG Fry and Son, told Dorset view: “I can confirm CG Fry and Son and the Duchy of Cornwall are aware of the concerns that have been raised by the residents over tree planting along Peninsula Way and we are working with Dorset County Council to ensure that the planting scheme is modified to ensure that Peninsula Way is adopted by DCC.
“The residents that have raised this query with ourselves are aware this is happening.”
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