How do I stop my local council chopping down some cherry trees?

Question

I moved into a lovely flat but in 3 weeks the council are going to chop down over 5 cherry trees plus some other varieties and build houses. Is there any way to stop them or is it too late, no one wants these houses here? If it is any help I am situated in Wellington,Telford, UK

Answer 1

Unfortunately, if the parcel is already residentially zoned, and has been purchased by developers, it's too late. Petitions won't help you.

Talk directly to the developer and tell them that you're really sorry to see the trees go. Here, mature trees on a residential lot raise property values by around 30%. That's nothing to sneeze at. Convince the developer he (or she) will make more money saving as many trees as possible, or planting substantial replacements.

Honestly, in my own neighborhood, there are two identical houses on opposite sides of the street. One house has a lovely landscape, their yard is dotted with a variety of shade and evergreen trees, and they have nice flower beds around the mailbox and walkways. There are about 15 trees, in total, in the front of their one-acre lot. The back is mostly wooded, with a small lawn.

The house across the street has grass in front, grass in back. Low hedges under the windows, and no trees. NONE.

Both sold this year, the wooded/landscaped lot with home sold for $355,000, while the house with grass lawn sold for $270,000. Same floorplan, down to the decks and covered front porch. The houses were different colors, but that doesn't account for such a huge difference in price. I live in a beautiful neighborhood, almost everyone plants trees and flowers. The people who moved into the grassy lot are planting trees everywhere. For a few hundred dollars, they're going to increase their property's value by tens of thousands.

Research it in your area and take the facts to the developers. They're all about money, unless I miss my guess.

Answer 2

I would get others in the neighborhood to band w/ you to talk to the council. More power in numbers, ya know? I see that you don't want the new houses, but that part may not be changable. Explain that while you are not thrilled with the construction of new homes, you are against the destruction of the neighborhood atmosphere. Explain how the trees make the area more 'homey' and happy. Trees make the area feel more established, not just thrown up over nite. I feel that if you and the others present an informed, unified front, some sort of compromise can be reached.

Answer 3

Get a petition with all the supporters and meet with the council.If this does not work go to your courthouse and petition the court.(cost is small for the form)You can then go before a judge if need be to state your case.The judge will decide if your case has merit and if so issue a stop order till both parties respond.Altho this is in the U.S. I assume the British legal system has these options as well.Best of luck to Ya.

Answer 4

Sometimes, the voice of the local citizens is your best leverage with your local council. Perhaps, if time permits, you and your neighbors could get together a petition of signatures requesting an alternative to cutting down the trees, such as moving them to a public park. If you have enough signatures, it might make a difference.

Answer 5

You could have people sign a petition saying that they don't want those trees and houses to be brought down or you can do it the old school way and get a group of people and tie yourselves to the tree, its just a suggestion... hope all goes well over there :o)

Answer 6

I would suggest that you attend your local county meeting and express your concerns about the trees. Is it possible to have them dug and moved to another location say on your property or near there. Or suggest that they only move the ones that are needed to make room for the houses. Most of the time your county council is very understanding with what you request.

Answer 7

Start a petition, make leaflets and hand them out against the deforestation.
Organise a local resident meeting and write to council members and the government.
Remember, the squeakiest wheel gets seen to, so SQUEAK!

Answer 8

Try making a petition and having all of your neighbors sign it. A bit of a reach would be to see if the trees have any historical signifigance that could be protected.

Answer 9

KJ: We arent God to decide who cut the cherry tree! DPM Najib Abdul Razak: I Know the tree but the tree wasnt mine. The picture with me smiling next to the tree.. Ask Ginduras, he knows, that just photoshop! Khir Toyo: Whoever cut that cherry tree, im gonna gv him/her a present. Penyapu. Saifool: Who 'cut' my Tree? Yeah, i know, the one talking bout the DNA.

Answer 10

You and a group of interested people can buy the land and make it a park.