Ecologist joins critics of Ludlow tree removal plan for housing development

The scheme, off Foldgate Lane, was granted outline approval on appeal in 2016, but the developers have since made changes to the landscaping plans.

They now want to fell 450 metres of hedgerow and trees along the A49 to improve visibility to the site entrance.

The altered plans have been submitted as part of the reserved matters application, but objectors say the tree felling – which was not part of the initial proposals – is a significant change.

Planning officers wrote to the developers last month, saying: "The decision on the outline appeal was based on the assumption that the roadside trees would be retained."

Shropshire Council's tree service said it was "impossible" to support the application in light of the changes, and its concerns have now been backed up by a number of other bodies.

Planning ecologist Nicola Stone said: "The revised access proposal introduces material changes that make it impossible for me to offer my support to this application without requiring additional survey information and mitigation."

Ms Stone went on to say a "large section" of the proposed felling area, including mature trees, was outside the approved development boundary.

Dismayed

She added: "This area must be assessed by an ecological surveyor and specific attention should be given to nesting birds, bats, dormice, and the impacts on the environmental network."

Ludlow Conservation Area Advisory Committee has also raised a fresh objection, having previously taken a neutral stance.

"We have been pleased to recognize the positive points in this application but are dismayed that major environmental impacts are now proposed at such a late stage," said James Caird, on behalf of of the committee.

"Had the current proposals been set out at outline stage, the committee, as many others, might have had an entirely different view of it."

He added: "The proposals would have detrimental impacts on nature conservation, and the suppression of noise and pollution for not only the development itself but also other nearby property."

Potential noise is also a concern for Ludlow Town Council.

Members said: "The loss of trees would have a noise impact on residents as the trees act as a sound barrier/filter, and would have a significant negative impact visual amenity of a major route way into Ludlow, and therefore negatively alter the perception of potential visitors to Ludlow."

Planning officers will decide whether the updated landscaping plans can be dealt with under the current application.