A DEVELOPER could face criminal charges for cutting down protected trees in Stafford.
Bovis Homes has axed more than 30 trees as part of the redevelopment of the former St George’s Hospital site. Now representatives from the company are to be grilled under caution by Stafford Borough Council officers.
Furious residents are demanding a replanting scheme is undertaken and Stafford Borough Council is conducting an investigation into whether any of the trees were covered by tree protection orders.
The authority says it will consider taking legal action if TPO trees were cut down without permission.
Work on the site has now stopped until the council has completed its investigation and the council cabinet will discuss the matter as an urgent item at its cabinet meeting tonight.
Resident Mary Jennings, of Chapel Street, has collected a 100- name petition asking for a replanting scheme.
She said: “It’s like a war scene.
People are very upset. I’m incensed. This is nothing to do with the entrance to St George’s. On Monday morning I went to work and it was lovely. By the evening, the trees were gone.” Peter Richardson, 45 Lichfield Road, Stafford, said: “I was quite shocked at how quickly it all happened.
I thought these trees were to provide a noise barrier between Chapel Terrace and Queensway.” John Gale, of Salt Avenue, said: “Not only has the noise barrier been felled, but also many of the larger trees alongside Pearl Brook.” Bovis Homes bought the St George’s site from Stafford-based property developers Pritchard Group in January 2011 and are building 372 homes.
The company’s central region divisional chairman Keith Carnegie said: “It is a source of regret that after so much good and collaborative work with the team at the council, Bovis Homes seems to have failed to communicate effectively prior to implementation and we want to make amends for that.” A spokesman for SBC said: “We will be interviewing representatives from Bovis under caution for potential criminal offences regarding the felling of trees.
“ We have serious concerns about the development. We have visited the site and met the developer and are carrying out an investigation.
This investigation will include whether trees that have been chopped down were protected by law.
“Bovis homes have agreed to stop work on the site and will not carry out any more removal of trees. We will consider legal action if appropriate.”
